Carpentersville fest to get new start in fall

Though Carpentersville's Autumn Fest - scheduled for today - has been canceled, organizers say a reincarnation of the festival could return in the fall.

A lack of vendor interest and packed summer schedules for village staff and parks committee members led to the second annual event's demise, said parks committee Chairwoman Linda Ramirez-Sliwinski.

"I think everyone was just too busy and we didn't get the vendors," Ramirez-Sliwinski said. "It was a combination of things, but everyone - the staff and committee members - were busy doing other things."

Instead, organizers plan to combine Autumn Fest with the Chicago Cyclocross Cup race on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Carpenter Park into the Chicago Cyclocross Octoberfest.

"We think it will be a great fit," said Jeff Provisor, race director and owner of Main Street Bicycles. "Spectator attendance has been slim except for some of the bigger events, so I am hoping we can capture people coming out for the rides and live music."

For the past three years, Carpenter Park at the corner of Lord and Maple avenues, has been the site of the cyclocross - a grueling test of endurance that combines competitive running and cycling.

Competitors ride - and often carry - their modified mountain bikes across water hazards, sand pits and over hurdles around a milelong course.

Last year, about 200 riders took part in the race.

While the marriage still needs village board approval, Ramirez-Sliwinski said several local food vendors are lined up, as well as children's rides such as a moonwalk, climbing wall and obstacle course.

The village budgeted $1,500 for the event and the committee will also receive about $1,000 from various vendors.

"This is going to be a true Autumn fest," Ramirez-Sliwinski said. "We want to do something to give back to the community."

The village board, which approved the Cyclocross' use of Carpenter Park at its Aug. 19 meeting, is expected to consider the joint event at its Sept. 2 meeting.