The Frankfort Fall Festival is back and as big as ever.
After taking a year off last year due to COVID-19, the streets of downtown Frankfort were once again packed Friday night with people heading toward the entertainment tent, the carnival and all points in between.
The event, which runs through Monday and is organized by the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, has drawn about a quarter of a million visitors for the multiday event.
Cindy Heath, a chamber employee and a festival volunteer, said this year’s event looks like it will be as big as any of them.
“We heard from so many people, ‘we missed last year,’ and so many people did miss it and were excited to attend this year,” she said.
One big draw is the arts and crafts portion. That portion didn’t open until Saturday morning, but by Friday night many had already set up shop in preparation for an early start. Heath said that’s a big draw every year, and vendors told her they’ve been swamped at festivals this summer.
“Plus, this is an outdoor festival, so I think people feel safer attending,” she said.
Health said the chamber does urge attendees to wear masks, but few, aside from some small children, appeared to follow that advice.
Desiree Sadich is one person eager for the craft fair. She comes to the festival every year, she said, and that’s the best part.
“I like the crafts, even though they’re not out today,” she said.
Rather, Friday night she was with two boys at the carnival and looked on while they took aim with replica rifles to hit targets and win prizes. The boys preferred Friday to Saturday morning crafts.
“They like wasting my money on games,” Sadich said.
Meanwhile, folks without kids, or folks who left them at home, had plenty to do. After 6 p.m. the entertainment tent is over 21 only and offers live music. The tent has alcohol sales, but is also filled with a variety of food vendors, most selling more upscale festival fare, including barbecue and sandwiches, as opposed to the nachos and french fries of the midway.
Stacy Irvine, her sister and her nephew were enjoying the midway games and rides Friday night.
“When we’re with him, we like this part,” Irvine said. “But when we’re out here without him, we like the beer and the music.”
Irvine said she’s been coming for years. Several attendees said they make this an annual destination.
Mark and Emily Brown drove in from Shorewood.
“We’ve been coming for years, Mark Brown said. “There’s good people, good food and a chance to see some old friends.”
The festival runs through Monday with a performance of the Frankfort Brass Band at 1 p.m.
For a full lineup of bands, entertainment, food and activities, go to frankfortchamber.com.
Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown
