Campton Hills finally ready for its birthday

Five months after officially becoming a village, Campton Hills is ready to celebrate.

On Sept. 15, the newly incorporated town will have its inaugural Heritage Farm Fest in the downtown Wasco area.

The event starts at 8 a.m. with the weekly farmers market and continues until dusk with food, face-painting, music and magicians.

The festival will be in the Campton Crossing parking lot, on the southeast corner of Route 64 and La Fox Road. It is free to attend, although food and other items will be for sale.

Deputy Village Clerk Bill Beith said the festival is being run on donations and will not cost the village money.

If all goes well, it will return each fall, he said.

"We're trying to set the foundation to make this an annual event (that will) get everybody together," Beith said.

The farmers market includes fresh produce, fruit and baked goods and is open all morning.

At 11 a.m., a petting zoo opens, and storytellers, clowns and folk singers start performing.

Entertainment shifts at 3 p.m. to main-stage performers, including a marching band, jazz group and Civil War color guard.

At 5:30 p.m., bands performing more contemporary styles of music, such as classic rock, will take the stage and play until dusk.

"It's all going to overlap to make it a whole family thing," Beith said.

The celebration has been in the works since shortly after residents voted to incorporate the village last spring.

Trustee Jim Kopec praised a committee of volunteers for putting it together.

"It's gone from nothing to a full-blown festival," Kopec said.

If you go

What: Inaugural Campton Hills Farm Fest

When: 8 a.m. to dusk Saturday, Sept. 15

Where: Campton Crossing, at the southeast corner of Route 64 and La Fox Road

Cost: Free

Entertainment: Live music, food, clowns, magicians, petting zoo, storytellers and farmers market

More information: Call (630) 584-5700