Labor Day Weekend Last Fling in Naperville

Naperville, Illinois hosts an end of summer festival called Last Fling, which is sponsored by the Naperville Jaycees. The idea is to have the community get together and enjoy one last 'hoorah' before the end of summer.

The dates for the 2006 Last Fling are:
Friday, September 1st: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, September 2nd: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 3rd: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Monday, September 4th: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The majority of the activities for Last Fling are along the Riverwalk (near the intersection of Jackson Ave and Main Street).
This year's events include:

Fling Mile: A one mile race that will happen on Labor Day, and follows the parade route, ending at Eagle Street bridge. There are cash prizes for the top runners. The cost per participant is $15, and you can register online at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1319775

For the little ones, there is the Big Wheel Race, held in the West Riverwalk parking lot at 9-am on saturday the 2nd.. There are two age groups: 3-4 and 5-6.

Seniors don't have to feel left out - on saturday at 9:00 am, Senior Bingo will be held on Entertainment Stage. Available for folks 55 and older.

Showcase your own talents on sunday at 9:30 am at Entertainment Stage. A talent show inviting you to do whatever you do best! Performances are limited to 3 minutes, and group size of 6 people. You can register online here http://nettiethenewsgirl.com/pre_reg.html

The whole family can see Last Fling from above by taking a hot air balloon ride! ING is sponsoring a balloon both saturday and sunday, and you can enjoy the tethered ride for free. The balloon will rise up to 75 feet. This is located in the Jaycee Familyland.

The Naperville Settlement will be home to a craft show. Shop for handmade goods on saturday and sunday from 11-am to 3 p.m..

For the barbecue fanatics, you don't want to miss the Rib Cook Off! This year marks the 19th cook off, featuring only amateur cooks. Located at 123 Water Street.

Spectacular Midways will be hosting the carnival rides this year. Located along Jackson Street, the carnival will be open all four days of the festival. You can pay per ride, or go on one of the ride special days. On saturday, for $15, you can receive an unlimited ride pass. There will be a special on tickets on Labor Day, with all rides being half price!

This year's stage shows promise to be greatly entertaining! On Friday, .38 Special will play. A popular group from the 80s to today. On Saturday the stage will feature Everclear, a modern rock band influenced by Nirvana. Sunday features Collective Soul, a modern indie rock band. The stage will showcase mike and joe on Labor Day, a semi local band that was founded in Indiana.

There are many events just for kids at Last Fling. The Jaycee Familyland will feature such events as:
- Sci-tech demonstration area
- Irish Dancers
- a petting zoo
- children's rock climbing
- Hay Hunt
- Pancakes the Clown
- face painting
and much more!

All of this activity will make you hungry, and Last Fling won't disappoint you here! Local favorite restaurants will have booths set up for food purchases. Look for festival favorites like Heaven on Seven, Susie's Funnel Cakes, Red Barn Elephant Ears, and Connie's Pizza.

Everyone will all line the streets on Labor Day for the Last Fling Parade! The parade begins at the Naperville North High School on Mill street and ends at the Naperville Central High School. The parade will feature local businesses, bands and organizations.

Whether you take the train, drive a car or ride a bike - don't miss Last Fling!