Inflatables, costume contest, entertainment all part of the fun at annual event
At the Hinsdale Fall Family Fest each year, parents always want to stop by the photo spot, staffed by Hinsdalean photographer Jim Slonoff, for a precious reminder of just how adorable their children looked in their costumes.
By Sandy Illian Bosch
The leaves might be changing and the temperatures might be dropping, but the real sign of autumn's arrival in Hinsdale is the annual Fall Family Fest.
The villagewide community event happens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Hinsdale Middle School.
Heather Bereckis, Hinsdale's superintendent of parks and recreation, said the change in venue will allow plenty of room, inside and out, for the variety of activities planned.
"We have more than enough space inside to do everything," including the inflatable obstacle course, Bereckis said.
The Hinsdale Public Library will provide live entertainment again this year. Chicago actor and musician Michael Potsic will be welcomed to the stage as he presents his Michael's Musical Machine show.
"It's a one-man-band kind of thing," said Ridgway Burns, the Hinsdale Public Library's manager of youth and young adult services.
Burns said Potsic has entertained library patrons before and always appeals to audience members of every age.
"It's a little more adult feeling than a regular children's musician," Burns said.
Michael's Musical Machine takes the stage in the middle school cafetorium at 12:30 p.m.
Those who have participated in the library's summer reading program are familiar with the prize wheel. It will be part of the fall festivities, but unlike in summer, there's no reading required to spin for a prize. Burns said youngsters can spin the wheel to win tasty treats, and of course, books.
"They're the best prizes of all," Burns said.
Music and books make for good family fun, but the real highlight of the Family Fun Fest is always the costume competition. Couples, families and individuals of all ages are encouraged to get creative when planning their attire for the event.
Paige Logan of Event Staffing by Paige is one of the three costume judges again this year. This is her third year as a judge.
"The themes they come up with are just unbelievable," she said. "People really go all out."
If a costume makes her laugh, it has a good chance of ranking high on her list, said Logan, who called her job as costume judge "three hours of effortless fun."
"It's all smiles all day," Logan said.
Those competing for best costume should register at the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce table between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m., with prizes donated by members of the chamber.
Revelers - whether in costume or not - can have their photo taken in front of a fall backdrop by Jim Slonoff of The Hinsdalean from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Other Fall Family Fest freebies include mini pumpkins for the first 500 visitors. Glitter, stickers and all sorts of embellishments will be on hand to help turn the tiny gourds into works of art.
Bereckis said three food trucks plan to sell treats during the event. Guest can purchase food from Toasty Taco, Beavers Coffee and Donuts, and Best Truckin' BBQ.
Guests can also take time out to learn about local businesses and organizations at the mini Chamber expo. Bereckis said about 10 local entities, including a modeling group, medical professionals and educational programs, will be on hand.
Bereckis said it's not uncommon to see 2,000 people attend the Family Fun Fest.
"It's the one event where we use everyone in the community," she said.
After taking in all the fun at the Hinsdale Middle School, the autumn festivities continue with trick-or-treating in the downtown. Members of the Chamber of Commerce will offer treats from noon to 3 p.m.
More Halloween fun
Follow up a visit to Saturday's fall fest with a stop at Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at
Zion Early Childhood Education Center, 204 S. Grant St., Hinsdale.
Enjoy a safe experience trick-or-treating along with a costume parade and chili cook-off.
For more information, call (630) 323-0065 or visit https://www.zionlutheranecec.org.
