Hundreds of Families attend NSYMCA Annual Fall Fest

Northbrook, IL; October 2023; Under blue skies and perfect temperatures, over 1,000+ people attended the North Suburban’s YMCA’s annual Fall Fest last Sunday, October 22 located in Northbrook. This year the event not only offered live music from Bach to Rock bands and The Invaders, crafts, a bounce house, food and activities, but featured a parking lot full of ‘Trunk or Treat’ participants who gave out candy and provided games to event guests. With over 30 elaborately decorated cars and 12 local vendors, the Y parking lot was buzzing with creativity and enjoyment for all.

“This is the first year our Y included a ‘Trunk or Treat’ activity to our annual Fall Fest and to our surprise, we had over 1000 people in attendance, maybe more,” exclaims Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment and Events for the NSYMCA “It was multigenerational with families coming in large groups that included grandparents down to their youngest grandchild; many attended in full costume themes,” continued Nyren. “We were humbled by the outpouring of excitement and the joy in everyone’s faces.”

The afternoon also included a costume contest for youth, as well as a “Most Creative Vehicle” Contest for the ‘Trunk or Treat’ portion of the event. Participation in the ‘Trunk or Treat’ was free for most groups and it included families in the community, Y members, non-for-profit groups like CATCH, and local businesses, which had a small fee to help in event costs.

The winners of the costume contest included an 8-month-old in a Care Bear costume, a 1-year-old in a homemade Oscar the Grouch costume and a 11-year-old in a homemade Tom Brady dueling football jersey and helmet costume.

The winner of the ‘Trunk or Treat’ car decorating contest went to Danita Ivory and her 7-year-old son Caleb. Their “Most Creative Vehicle” was redesigned to look like a McDonald’s drive-thru, complete with brick wall, french fry costumes and the most popular item, homemade chicken nuggets. “The McDonald’s drive-thru was completely Caleb’s idea,” said his mother, Danita Ivory. “I wanted to do an underwater theme…lol,” chuckled Ivory.

Runner ups in the contest included the Klitz Family with “Little Shop of Horrors” and the Williams Family with their “Under the Sea” themed car, complete with Grandparents as Ursula and Scuttle, Parents as Sebastian and Flounder and their child dressed as the Little Mermaid, red hair and all.

“Free events for families are one of the many ways our Y gives back to the community,” said Kathy Fielding, NSYMCA CEO. “The turnout was astounding and our largest event participation numbers since before the pandemic. The Y is truly a place for everyone, and I couldn’t be prouder of this event and the happiness it brought to so many families,” continued Fielding.

Events like the NSYMCA’s Fall Fest are not possible without donations and support from local businesses. This year’s Fall Fest sponsors included Allstate, Bach to Rock, Champion Martial Arts, The Daily Herald, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, Midwest Center for Brain Health, Warren Barr North Shore, Wintrust Community Banks & Waterway Carwash. Vendors the day of the event included Allstate, Bach to Rock, Bloomin’ Blinds, CATCH, Champion Martial Arts, Devoted Healthcare, Midwest Center for Brain Health, Nicor Gas Efficiency Program, PlayPen Sports Academy, Warren Barr – North Shore and Waterway Carwash.

For more information on sponsorships or to participate in other events at the NSYMCA, please contact Kim Nyren, NSYMCA Director of Community Investment and Events at [email protected], or visit nsymca.org.

The NSYMCA ensures everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at the Y. The Y never turns anyone away due to the inability to pay. Proceeds from sponsors and vendor participation help support free community events like Fall Fest, as well as help support financial aid for families in need.

About the North Suburban

YMCA The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents 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.