Last Fling returns to downtown Naperville

When Naperville throws a party to celebrate the end of summer, it really throws a party.

You can cheer for nuns racing on beds or for dogs chasing discs. You can test your stomach in eating contests or on carnival rides (though you may not want to do both too close together).

And, of course, you can take in Main Stage acts such as country singer Jerrod Niemann on Friday night, the Goo Goo Dolls on Saturday night and Collective Soul on Sunday night.

It’s all part of the Naperville Jaycees Last Fling celebration, which opens its four-day run Friday in downtown Naperville.

Admission to many of the activities (but not the Main Stage acts) is free, including events in Family Fun Land, the business expo, the Labor Day parade and performances by local musicians and others.

There’s even a meet-and-greet Sunday with Disney actress Peyton List, star of “Jesse” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” but you’ll need to pick up a wristband beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., to make sure you get a chance to say hello.

Fling organizers say proceeds from the festival help fight hunger and domestic violence as well as funding improvements to concert halls and other public entities.

For a closer look at some of this year’s activities, check out today’s Neighbor. For a list of all the events, visit lastfling.org.