Will County Gazette

Residents of Park Forest are invited to attend the annual Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at Somonauk Nature Adventure Park, located at 266 Somonauk St.

The Recreation & Parks Advisory Board is organizing the festival, which will include live music performed by Patch of Blue, a band based in Park Forest. Attendees can expect food vendors, games, giveaways, pumpkin painting, hayrides, line dancing, a pie-eating contest, inflatables for children, story time sessions, fishing opportunities, sports activities and more.

Families will have the chance to meet Reecy the Mascot and participate in arts and crafts with the Girl Scouts. Other attractions include face painting and a “Touch a Truck” event with the Park Forest Fire Department that allows children to explore fire trucks.

“Fall Fest is an opportunity for the entire community to come together to celebrate, relax, and enjoy each other’s company,” said Teresa Brown from the Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department. “It’s a time to step away from our busy lives, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends in a festive setting.”

Brown also emphasized that Fall Fest highlights local pride and supports small businesses and artists: “From food vendors and craft makers to local musicians and artists, Fall Fest provides our small businesses and creative minds with a platform to shine. It’s a reminder that Park Forest is full of talent and resources worth celebrating,” she said.

Somonauk Nature Adventure Park is one of Park Forest’s newest facilities. It includes playgrounds for children as well as walking trails for residents seeking outdoor recreation or exercise throughout the year. The park also offers picnic areas and a fishing pond.

Admission to Fall Fest is free and open to all ages.