The seventh annual ChesterFest is expected to be bigger and better than ever this year. The idea of celebrating the quality of life in the Chester community through an area-wide festival is the brainchild of the Chester Community Association (CCA).

The CCA strives to create a sense of place in Chester through various projects that enhance personal connections, property values, and community pride.

ChesterFest has been the CCA’s banner project, attracting thousands who participate in activities, listen to music, shop, and pick up information and prizes from over 100 vendors. According to the association, the key to a successful event is “getting people out so that they can get one another as neighbors.”

In addition to community building, the CCA has worked diligently over the last eight years to make a great place just a little bit better. Whether building consensus on a zoning plan, helping to implement the Chester Plan, erecting welcome signs at the entrances to the village core, or helping to establish a farmer’s market in Chester, the CCA is an advocate for the residents of Chester.

Currently, the association is working on what may possibly be its greatest challenge yet. Through a project called Chester Connections, the group is working to ensure the quality design of a road that will bisect Chester. Chester Connections is promoting a safe, pedestrian-friendly boulevard through Chester that will be located on the old Seaboard rail line. The road will run from the new Branner Station development on Branders Bridge Rd. north skirting the west and northern core of the village and then joining Chester Rd. to access Rt. 288.

The CCA will have on display at its booth during ChesterFest information on what is being proposed and the type of design that needs to be put in place.

ChesterFest promises to be another exciting event in Chester. Starting with a the ChesterFest/GIG 5K Run at 8 a.m.; continuing throughout the day with music and entertainment under a tented pavilion; offering arts, crafts, and other items at over 100 vendor booths all day; and offering food and children’s activities throughout the day, the Fest will culminate with the ever-popular and exciting pie-eating contest and pie-eating championship.

The Chester Community Association invites everyone to come out and enjoy a wonderful day with neighbors and friends and immerse themselves in everything Chester.

Event and activity schedules follow on the web at www.chestercommunity.org/chesterfest.

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