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Chester’s biggest annual event will once again bring thousands of neighbors, artisans and local businesses together on Saturday, September 26. ChesterFest, which was started in 2001, is a project of the Chester Community Association (CCA). After forming in early 2001 the CCA decided to implement one of the goals the group had established, to “initiate an annual festival.”
The idea for this annual festival was born out of a desire to bring the community closer together. In these busy times, it can be difficult for people to have a chance to meet neighbors on their own street much less folks who live a mile or so away. And when someone knows a neighbor they are more likely to gather around that neighbor in a time of need or to build a positive image of their community.
Initially, it was thought that the gathering would be a big picnic, and the first year it was small and intimate, drawing about 800 to 1,000 people. There were a number of booths, vendors selling food, crafts and art. Music and performances by local groups occupied the stage. A rain storm ended the events a little early, but everyone said they had a good time. The first annual pie-eating contest was a huge and messy event. An event that is all Americana has to have a pie-eating contest.
During that first fest, you could see groups gather and chat. Neighbors who hadn’t seen each other in a while, folks realizing what they had in common, kids in school or doing the same type of work and people meeting for the first time. The first year was a success, fueling greater ChesterFests that would come.
In 2002 a second stage and dining pavilion was added. Twelve musical, dance and dramatic groups performed and vendor spaces doubled. The fest was off and running.
Each year the ChesterFest has grown while not losing it original purpose.
By 2007, one could witness neighbors gathering in the dining pavilion to eat together and listen to music. Hundreds witnessed the pie-eating contest that has come to be a much anticipated final event of the day. A new event, the ChesterFest 5K, was added and almost 50 runners and walkers trekked down Chester streets and trails. An estimated 10,000 people visited the fest and many new friendships and acquaintances were made.
Last year a the Chester community was rocked by a tragedy on the Chester Village Green where the fest takes place and much of the fest was canceled although the ChesterFest 5K drew a number of runners and spectators. This year will be the eighth annual event.
The Chester Community Association organizes ChesterFest with the help of over 50 volunteers and sponsors. It is the goal of the CCA to see the fest live into perpetuity
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