Calvary Church of Naperville celebrates 55th anniversary with carnival
Calvary Church of Naperville is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a four-day carnival called Summer Fest.
This event on June 16-19 will feature a pay-to-ride carnival with rides and games, food trucks, as well as an artisan fair (artisan fair on Saturday only). This event is open to the community.
This is the church's second year hosting an on-site carnival along Route 59, which is expected to draw even larger crowds than its first appearance at the church's Fall Fest in October of 2021. This year's carnival will see double the number of rides compared to last year's Fall Fest. Tickets for the carnival will be available on site.
Carnival and food trucks schedule will be: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 16; 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 17; noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 18; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 19.
The artisan fair will be available on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m.
This event will feature local artists and crafters who are selling and showing off their handmade goods. Items will be available for purchase.
Summer Fest is just one part of the church's 55th anniversary celebration, which also includes a family service project with Convoy of Hope (their iconic semi truck will be on property) and Sunday worship services at 9 and 11 a.m. with guest speaker Robb Schmidgall (son of the church's late founding pastor).
Originally named Calvary Temple, Calvary Church was established in 1967 by 10 college graduates including founding Pastor Bob Schmidgall and wife Karen.
Outgrowing three campuses in 20 years, the church then purchased their current property off Route 59 and opened its doors there in 1993. After the sudden death of their founding Pastor in 1998, Randal Ross was elected as lead pastor in 2000. Under his leadership, the congregation more than doubled in size and diversity over the next 20 years. Today, Marty Sloan leads the multiethnic and multigenerational church, which represents over 63 nations and helps people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.
For more information about Calvary's Summer Fest, visit calvaryfest.com.