Competitors chow down on pie at the 2007 ChesterFest celebrations.

This is the first in a continuing series of articles about the 2008 ChesterFest celebrations.

It’s that time of year again! The seventh annual ChesterFest will be making a triumphant return to the Village Green on September 13, bringing with it an array of old and new activities to delight residents around the area.

Over 10,000 people attended last year’s ChesterFest, and the Chester Community Association (CCA) hopes to equal – if not surpass – that number this year. “In past years, ChesterFest was held the same day as a Richmond NASCAR race, but this year, ChesterFest is being held a week later,” explains Mark Fausz. “This way, race fans will get their first opportunity to experience ChesterFest.”

There are a lot of reasons for locals to come out to the Fest this year, says event chairperson Brenda White. “I think that ChesterFest is one of those rare hometown events that Chester is lucky to have,” she says. “It brings together a community for a day where they can shop, visit with friends while eating a variety of cuisines, watch their kids have a ball in the KidZone, and watch some great stage entertainment.”

As in past years, several hotly anticipated events will be returning to the Fest, like the Dog Show, the pie-eating contest, and the ChesterFest 5K (which is due to begin at 8 a.m., two hours before the regular Fest events). A host of vendors will sell their wares, and a variety of musical acts, including local a capella group the Press Gang, will take to two stages during the Fest’s seven-hour run. Contests will be held and door prizes given out during the day,

However, some changes will be taking place this year as well. “The layout of ChesterFest is going to change due to the new office and home condo construction, but the same area will be closed to traffic,” Fausz says. ChesterFest will close about two blocks of Chester Village Green Dr. and Centre St. at the library, and a short detour will be provided around the Fest on each side.

The Dog Show will be revamped as well this year, though White notes that details and judges are still being ironed out. “There will be applications out in local vets’ offices very soon!” she promises. In the meantime, those interested in participating in the dog show can contact Pat Sibert at patisibert@comcast.net for an application.

One of the most popular changes for this year’s celebration will be the addition of a second pie-eating contest. In years past, three different competitors have taken home the pie-eating prize; and now, in lieu of participating in the regular competition, the champs will participate in their own “pie-off” to see who will be crowned as ChesterFest’s reigning pie diver.

“ChesterFest is a community-wide effort to showcase all that’s special about our hometown,” says Chesterfield Community Association president Dr. Robert Owens. “It’s a great place to experience the friendliness and community, the interesting groups, projects, and of course, the people. Come out and meet some friends who you may not know yet. Bring the kids and enjoy a day on the Green with the neighbors. ChesterFest is your opportunity to tune in, turn on, and drop in to your hometown.”

The seventh annual ChesterFest will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on September 13 at the Village Green.

ereel@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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