Say goodbye to summer at Last Fling

Sometimes it seemed as if summer never really started, what with all the clouds and cool temperatures.

But even if you found little enticement to take a dip in the neighborhood pool, the calendar says it's time to say goodbye to another season - and organizers of the Naperville Jaycees Last Fling hope you'll help them celebrate this weekend in the city's downtown.

Organizers say they're hoping a couple hundred thousand people make their way downtown for the four-day festival that includes several concerts by big-name artists, a large carnival, free performances and activities for children, a beer garden, dozens of food vendors and a business expo.

"We try to focus on a really family-friendly event, an opportunity for people to stay in town and go to a low-cost family outing, whether it be Family Fun Land or a concert," said Kevin Piket, co-executive director of this year's party.

Last Fling takes center stage from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

One of the largest draws will be the Main Stage located on Rotary Hill off Aurora Avenue, where nationally known artists will perform throughout the weekend. Headliners perform from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with Robert Cray in the spotlight Friday; Jason Aldean on Saturday; and Train on Sunday.

Tickets are $10 Friday night, $13 Saturday night and $15 Sunday night.

Monday's Main Stage performances, from 1 to 6 p.m., are free and feature the Radio Disney Road Crew, Allstar, Joey Page and the Hat Guys.

Tickets can be purchased on the Last Fling Web site until midnight the day before the performances and at any of six locations around Naperville - Dean's Clothing, Fry Family YMCA, John Greene Realtor, Oswald's Pharmacy, Name Droppers and Minuteman Press - or at the top of Rotary Hill on the day of the concert.

This year's Family Fun Land at Naper Settlement includes a craft fair, large petting zoo, free inflatable jump houses, a free craft tent, a chalk wall to scribble on and pony and tortoise rides.

"The great thing about Family Fun Land is there's no admission," Piket said. "For the pony and tortoise rides, there's a cost."

The Entertainment Stage at Family Fun Land will offer free shows, including the Radio Disney Road Crew, an interactive reptile show, an interactive family show, karate and martial arts demonstrations, dance competitions and performances and more.

On Sunday, 1,000 children will get the opportunity to meet "The Wizards of Waverly Place" stars David Henrie, who plays Justin, and Jennifer Stone, who plays Harper.

"Our biggest thing is the Disney component to the festival," said Eric Sunila, who oversees Family Fun Land and special events. "They'll talk a little bit and then they'll proceed to autographs and photos."

There's fun beyond Family Fun Land as well. A large carnival by All Around Amusements will stretch along Jackson Avenue between Main Street and Centennial Beach. A mega-pass that offers unlimited rides all weekend is on sale for $60 at the same six locations where concert tickets are on sale.

"We will have new rides for people to enjoy there," Piket said. "It'll be a little different than what we had in the past and we're looking forward to a new look on Jackson."

A long list of special events on Saturday and Sunday includes a family bags tournament, a diaper derby, a wine tasting, horseshoes, senior bingo, dog disc competitions, Sing It at the Fling, a rib cook-off, a macaroni and cheese eating contest, a big wheel race, and square dancing.

For those who want to burn off festival food calories, a milelong race steps off at 9:30 a.m. Labor Day from Naperville North High School and precedes the parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and goes south along Mill Street, east on Jefferson Street, south on Main Street to Porter Street, then west to Webster Street and south to Hillside.

"We offer a lot of free stuff, which is unique to a lot of events in the area," Piket said. "It's Labor Day weekend and we're hoping a lot of people stay home and enjoy the event."

Last Fling is sponsored by the Naperville Jaycees with support from the city of Naperville and the Naperville Park District. Proceeds benefit local charities.

For event times and locations, ticket prices, parking details and a complete schedule of events, visit Last Fling's Web site at lastfling.org.

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