Say so long to summer with Autumn Fest
Wheaton's annual Autumn Fest brings food, entertainment, a carnival and crafts to downtown Wheaton this weekend.
The carnival begins today, Sept. 11, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 14.
Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. today, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Live music, the Taste of Wheaton and a beer tent come to Memorial Park Friday and Saturday.
Beer tent entertainment will be Stark Raving Dad and Infinity from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, and The Very Hip Replacements and Person to Person from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
The Taste of Wheaton will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Saturday's Celebration in the Park will offer inflatables, crafts, entertainment and a business expo and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, visit www.wheatonchamber.com.
Daily Herald Staff Writer Anne Halston asked Sandy Lang of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce to tell us what to expect at this year's festival.
Q. What's new this year?
A. We have brought back the beer tent with live entertainment for Friday and Saturday evening from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Q. What's everyone's favorite?
A. The Children's Activities, The Navy Band, and of course the entertainment.
Q. What kind of entertainment will people find?
A. Friday night in the beer tent, Stark Raving Dad and Infinity will play; On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., performers are Magic Matt, Anima, Steve Accardo, Just Two, and The Navy Show Band Jazz Ensemble. Saturday night in the beer tent will have The Very Hip Replacements and Person to Person.
Q. How many rides & games will there be at the carnival?
A. The carnival will be using both lots on the east and west sides of Main Street.
Q. Do you know what the ticket cost will be?
A. Unlimited Ride Specials are $20 per person per day
Q. Which food vendors will be there?
A. American Grill Restaurant & Patio at Arrowhead Golf Course, Caponata's Ristorante, Chicago Classics, Genoa Pizza, New China Express, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Pad Thai, The Bank Restaurant
Q. What kinds of things can people buy?
A. Dozens of crafters offering holiday décor & more!
Q. What group organizes the event?
A. Wheaton Chamber of Commerce
Q. Where is the best place to park?
A. Street parking and Downtown parking garage
Q. Who are the sponsors?
A. 90.9fm WDCB Radio, Briarbrook/Parkway Apartment Homes, Elite Mortgage Group, Inc., Harris Bank, Wheaton Park District, The Wheaton Sun.
Q. What's the best place to find more information?
A. Call Wheaton Chamber of Commerce at (630) 668-6464 or visit www.wheatonchamber.com.
Autumn Fest
The festival runs from Thursday through Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Call (630) 668-6464 or visit www.wheatonchamber.com
THURSDAY
6 to 10 p.m. Carnival (Liberty & Main streets) Unlimited Ride Special.
FRIDAY
5 to 11 p.m. Carnival (Liberty & Main streets)
5 to 10 p.m. Stark Raving Dad and Infinity in the Beer Tent in Memorial Park (Hale & Karlskoga streets)
5 to 10 p.m. Taste of Wheaton Food Court
SATURDAY
1 - 11 p.m. Carnival (Liberty & Main streets) Unlimited Ride Special
Memorial Park Band Shell Entertainment
10 a.m. Magic Matt
11 a.m. Anima
12 p.m. Steve Accardo
1:15 p.m. Just Two
3 p.m. The Navy Show Band - Jazz Ensemble
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children's Games & Activities, Craft Fair, Taste of Wheaton Food Court, Clubs & Organizations, Business Expo
SUNDAY
1 - 11 p.m. Carnival (Liberty & Main streets) Unlimited Ride Special