Here's What to Expect for Fun Fest 2010
After months of intensive planning, Fun Fest organizers have once again compiled a long list of fun-filled events for festival-goers to enjoy. Carter Shows Midway has been a mainstay at the Fun Fest, along with a number of annual competitions, but every year the organizers surprise us with something new. This year it's "ALL NEW" entertainment in our "ALL NEW" arena. Crystal clear sound quality in a stadium-style venue will ensure that your Fun Fest experience is like no other that has gone before!
Carter Shows Midway - Go To The Schedule of Events
Cool prizes, cotton candy and Carter Carnival - the Essex Fun Fest just wouldn't be complete without all three! The midway opens Thursday at 4 p.m. and 12 noon Friday to Sunday. Teens enjoy unlimited rides Saturday night from 9 to 11 and "Family Day" runs all day Sunday.
Prince & Princess Pageant - Go To The Schedule of Events
You never know what you'll see or hear at the annual Prince and Princess Pageant! Enjoy the performances of 10 talented and terribly cute youngsters (4 to 9 years old) as they compete to become Fun Fest royalty. This year's pageant takes place Thursday starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Shaheen Community Room at the "all new" Essex Centre Sports Complex at 60 Fairview Avenue West, Essex. All contestants receive a sash, great swag, and the privilege of riding in Saturday's parade! Admission: $3, under 12 FREE! Please note that access to Fairview Ave will be blocked off so please enter using the Arner Townline - County Rd. 23 parking lot.
Cruise Night - Go To The Schedule of Events
Watch for a convoy of classic cars to start entering town around 5:30 pm Thursday. The Essex BIA's annual car show will take over the downtown core, as it always does, for an evening of hotrods and hot sidewalk sales. The show takes place at 33 Talbot Street South, Essex.
Pancake Breakfast - Go To The Schedule of Events
Hope you're hungry! This year's Fun Fest Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Essex United Church Hall on both Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The cost is $5 per person with children under 16 admitted for free when accompanied by an adult. Bring your appetite! Essex United Church is located at 53 Talbot Street South, Essex.
Fun Fest Parade - Go To The Schedule of Events
The Fun Fest Parade is a perennial favourite on the weekend's list of events. The 23rd Annual Fun Fest Parade will make another trip down Talbot Street starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning. This year's parade theme will be "Everything Old is New Again". Watch for the theme to appear on floats and in costumes!
The Bicycle Decorating Contest gets underway at 10:30 a.m. on Maidstone Avenue East, just before the parade begins. Kids - decorate your bikes and ride in the parade!
“You Are My Hero” Short Story Contest - Go To The Schedule of Events
Do you have a hero? If so, Heritage Essex would like to hear from you. Write a short story about your hero and be sure to include a photo of him/her. Drop off your entry at the Essex Railway Station by July 2. Short stories and photos will be on display from July 5 to 15 and during Fun Fest weekend - Saturday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. The Essex Railway Station is located at 87 Station Street, Essex.
Flower Show and Bake Sale - Go To The Schedule of Events
The Essex and District Horticultural Society's annual flower show and bake sale will be in full bloom at the Essex United Church Hall on Saturday from noon to 4pm. She sure to stop in and view this year's entries while strolling along Talbot Street. Essex United Church is located at 53 Talbot Street South, Essex.
EYC's “Running of the Balls” - Go To The Schedule of Events
Be at the fairgrounds at 1pm Saturday to witness the "Running of the Balls". In the lead-up to Saturday's event, members of the Essex Youth Centre will be selling tickets that correspond to numbers on about 1,000 beachballs. Purchase a ball for $5 through the Essex Youth Centre (519-776-9000) or drop by their table in front of CIBC during the Fun Fest. On Saturday afternoon, a deluge of beachballs will be kicked towards a target during the "Running of the Balls". Owners of the first six balls to make it through the target win nice cash prizes - $500 for first place, $100 for the next five balls!
Lawnmower Races - Go To The Schedule of Events
Watch the dust fly Saturday afternoon at the annual lawnmower races, a sanctioned event that takes place behind the new arena starting at 2 p.m.
Citizen of the Year - Go To The Schedule of Events
Be in the new arena Friday night before the entertainment begins to find out who will be the 2010 Citizen of the Year. The three sponsors of this prestigious award - Heritage Essex, Essex Rotary Club and Essex Knights of Columbus - make their decision based on letters of nomination from the community. It's anyone's guess who this year's Citizen of the Year will be, but you can be sure he or she will be deserving! The Essex Centre Sports Complex is located at 60 Fairview Avenue West, Essex.
Interdenominational Church Service - Go To The Schedule of Events
Worship in the great outdoors Sunday morning at Sadler's Park. Feed your soul at the interdenominational church service at 8 a.m., then feed your body at the Fun Fest Breakfast at Essex United Church. Don't forget to take a walk around the pond. Life abounds at this time of year! Essex United Church is located at 53 Talbot Street South, Essex.
Youth Talent Search - Go To The Schedule of Events
The contest that sent drummer Jordan Collins to London's Western Fair and on to the Canadian Youth Talent finals in Edmonton in 2006, comes to the Bavarian Gardens on Sunday at 1 p.m. Talented vocalists, musicians and dancers vie for the chance to advance to Western Fair and possibly be discovered. It's a great afternoon of entertainment!
Fun Fest Pet Show - Go To The Schedule of Events
They're so-o-o cute! Follow the trail of feathers and fur to the 10th Annual Pet Show taking place Sunday at 11:30 a.m. under the Beer Tent. Sponsored by the Essex Animal Hospital, this show is not just for cats and dogs! Pick up your entry form at Essex Animal Hospital or register at 11 a.m. before the show starts. Great prizes and medals for winners!
Fireworks - Go To The Schedule of Events
Legends Live entertains in the Bavarian Gardens starting at 7 p.m. Sunday night. Be sure to catch some of the fantastic tribute acts before the fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
