Naperville Last Fling to bring back old favorites, new attractions
Saying so long to summer can be a little sad, knowing the long, lazy days are giving way to crisp, busy afternoons. But for years, the Naperville Jaycees have been making the seasonal send-off more of a celebration with a Labor Day weekend festival that residents and visitors look forward to.
With live music, a carnival, a family area, business expo and a schedule of country fair-style contests, the annual Last Fling runs Friday to Monday, Sept. 2 to 5, in downtown Naperville.
Last Fling promises something for all of the more than 100,000 people expected at this annual festival, making it a good way to say a final goodbye to summer, organizers said.
“There's so many different things that we offer, whether it's for babies in the Diaper Derby or senior bingo,” said Karen Coleman, Last Fling executive director. “There's something to offer for everyone, even if music isn't your thing. Even if you just like the parade.”
The Labor Day Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Monday from Naperville North High School, and marches down Mill Street and through downtown.
The music lineup on the Main Stage features national headliners including Rusted Root and the BoDeans, while 16 local and regional bands are slated to perform on a second stage on Jackson Avenue.
Festival organizers received hundreds of band submissions for the local stage.
“It was such a hard task to dwindle it down and select the bands,” Jaycees member Danielle Tufano said.
The criteria? The bands had to be family friendly, and organizers looked for a variety of genres. Festivalgoers will find classic rock one day, country music the next.
Those who want to get out of their seats can get active in the 5K race and the Fling Mile, both scheduled for Labor Day morning. The 5K run is only a couple years old, but Tufano says it already has been a hit.
Fest-goers can learn about Naperville-area companies at the Last Fling Business Expo, and thrill-seekers can get their fix on the carnival rides.
Saturday and Sunday offer chances to watch acrobatic dogs compete in a variety of disc-catching championships. In the Ashley Whippet World Championship Qualifier beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, dogs and their owners, from novices to pros, will compete in two stages.
First, owners will toss discs to see how many their dogs can catch in two minutes. Next, they'll put a little flair into the tossing and catching in the freestyle contest. Top finishers move on to the world championship in October.
The UFO North American Championships follow a similar format beginning at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, with competitors aiming to move up the rankings. Both contests continue through the afternoon near the Grand Pavilion, west of Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., and are free for spectators.
Some Fling events that were poorly attended, such as the Soccer Shoot and the Hula Hoop contest, aren't returning, said Karen Coleman, executive director of Last Fling. Instead, people can try Knockerball, an addition to the Saturday schedule. In the game, people in giant inflatable balls run around and knock each other over.
Many kids activities are returning this year. Kids can see coldblooded creatures, their favorite princess, or Disney Channel star Corey Fogelmanis from the television show “Girl Meets World” at Family Land.
Disney celebrity meet-and-greets happen every year, though this will be Fogelmanis's first time at Last Fling. The meet-and-greets are a big draw, as the kids are “ecstatic” every year to meet their favorite stars, Tufano said.
The money raised at Last Fling will go back to community organizations, including Loaves and Fishes, CARES and 360 Youth Services. Seeing members' work come together and the money they're able to raise makes Last Fling an exciting night for the Naperville Jaycees.
“My biggest thrill for the Last Fling is standing up on the Main Stage and seeing all the people nonstop on Rotary Hill,” Tufano said. “Knowing how much work goes into making this monster of a festival and knowing we're making money for organizations that could really need it makes it worth it.”
Naperville's Last Fling
<b>When:</b> 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5
<b>Where:</b> Downtown Naperville and Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
<b>Cost:</b> Free admission, fees for carnival and some activities; tickets are $30 to $125 for Main Stage shows
<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.lastfling.org">lastfling.org</a>