In just a couple years — minus one COVID-induced pause — the Champaign Park District’s Flannel Fest has established itself as one of mid-autumn’s most popular events. The event makes its return to Hessel Park from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, with an action-packed lineup.
The fun actually begins at 10:30 a.m. with the Lumberjack Dash, a one-mile fun run for registrants that includes lumberjack challenges like log flips, crawls and more. You can register beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday on-site.
At 11, the official Flannel Fest events kick off.
Here’s the full schedule:
9 a.m.: Lumberjack Dash Registration Opens
10:30 a.m.: Race begins
10:50-11 a.m.: Race ends
11 a.m.: Flannel Fest begins
11:15 a.m.: Lumberjack Dash awards
11:30 a.m.: REACT demos
Noon: Timberworks Show
12:30 p.m.: REACT Main Stage
1:30 p.m.: Timberworks Show
2 p.m.: Mustache Contest
3 p.m.: Timberworks Show/REACT Demos
4 p.m.: Event ends
If you’ve never seen the Timberworks Show, odds are you’ll be amazed by something you see. In the past, the speed carvings, log rollings, axe throwing and other highlights have left attendees with jaws agape.
Check out previous highlights here.
New this year: Instead of pumpkin launching, there will be pumping smashing! Find more highlights and information about that here.
Also featured this year are demonstrations from the Chemistry REACT program at the University of Illinois. Find out more information here.
And if that’s not enough — FREE pancakes! Yep, courtesy of Chris Cakes Pancakes. Check them out here.
And don’t forget the hayrack rides, food trucks and games.
For a full rundown and information, check out the Champaign Park District’s Flannel Fest page.