Community Invited to Celebrate YMCA’s “Fall Fest” on October 5

The North Suburban YMCA will conclude a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary with “Fall Fest”, an unprecedented community party on Saturday, October 5th from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. The Y’s parking lot and grounds will be filled with food, music, and family fun for all ages. Free and open to the public, Fall Fest will be held at the North Suburban YMCA, 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook.

Fall Fest is planned in lieu of the Y’s two biggest and long-standing community events: Y Fest and the Halloween party. “Fall Fest is going to be a rousing combination of these two parties launching the next generation of outstanding community events. It’s our way of kicking off the Y’s next 50 years,” commented Howard Schultz, NSYMCA President/CEO.

To accommodate activities for all ages and interests, the YMCA grounds will feature a variety of designated activity areas. Kids will enjoy bounce houses, games, pony rides, and a “Haunted Trail”, opening at 6pm. There will also be a bingo tent with fun and valuable prizes featuring local celebrity Bingo callers, a trivia game, and a video game truck. For pre-Halloween fun, the Y will feature a Y-style Fright Fest with ghost and goblins playfully haunting the park at dusk. A creative family project “Build Your Own Scarecrow” is also on the festival roster; participants are asked to bring old clothes and hats for their scarecrow project.

Delicious food and treats will be available for purchase. Menu options include Blizzards from Daily Queen, popcorn from the Sunset Food cart, apple cinnamon donuts, hot chocolate and cider, and festival favorites like hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy, and more. Adults may purchase beer and wine to enjoy throughout the grounds all day. All proceeds from food and beverage sales will go towards the NSYMCA.

Fall Fest also includes a rocking live performance from 7:30 – 10 p.m. by headliner Northside, famous for their 30 songs in 30 minutes medley, playing 80s, 90s, and today’s music.

Guests are invited to make a minimum donation of $5 per person. Proceeds benefit the North Suburban YMCA and its Strong Kids Financial Assistance Fund. In case of rain, the event will be moved into the North Suburban YMCA Facility.

Generations of families in Northbrook and the surrounding suburbs have relied on the YMCA for outstanding activities that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A nonprofit organization, the NSYMCA provides financial assistance through its Strong Kids Fund that enables individuals in financial need to participate fully in the Y’s benefits. In addition to the Fall Fest party, the Y is inviting community members to be forever remembered by purchasing a brick in the Y’s new Memorial Brick Wall Program.

“So many families have made the NSYMCA their second home, and we’re thrilled to offer a way to honor them and our community supporters through the Memorial Brick Wall Campaign. Our Phase 1 of the Memorial Brick Wall will be unveiled during Fall Fest,” noted Kathy Fielding, Vice President of Membership, Programs, and Marketing.

The YMCA thanks the many sponsors and vendors participating in the Y’s Fall Fest, including 22nd Century Media, 94.7 WLS-FM, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI), Northwestern Medicine, Sunset Foods, Waterway Carwash, and Wintrust.

For more information on Fall Fest, the Memorial Brick Program, sponsorship opportunities, or volunteering to be a featured goblin, contact Kim Nyren, NSYMCA Director of Community Investments, at [email protected] or 847-272-7250.

About the North Suburban YMCA

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018/19, the North Suburban YMCA provides individuals in Northbrook and 15 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help them become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.