15th annual ChesterFest showcases local flavor and local businesses

CHESTER — Hundreds crowded along the stalls and stands set up along the streets of Chester Village Green to enjoy the 15th annual ChesterFest.

Some came to what many say is Chester's biggest event of the year with their families to chow down at the food trucks. Others walked their dogs, toured the surrounding neighborhood, or browsed some of the many local businesses with booths at the event.

According to Colonial Heights resident Jenny King, who was there selling some of her homemade apple vinegar sauce, it’s one of the biggest events of the year for small local businesses.

“This is maybe one of the biggest showcases of some of the smaller local businesses,” said King. “All these people come on out and get to see for themselves what Chester and the area has to offer.”

In addition to the dozens of vendors at the event, there were live bands, a dog show, and even a cherry pie eating contest.

Chester resident Josh Taylor, who won four of the last five pie contests, won this year's pie eating contest as well. He says local business and local color is what the event is all about.

“It’s a great way to get in touch with the community, support some great mom and pop shops, have a little fun and enjoy some food,” said Taylor. “Though maybe don’t try to enjoy it all at once.”

Hugh Cline, chairman of the Chesterfield Center for the Arts Foundation, said he hoped this year’s ChesterFest showcases the upcoming Chesterfield Center for the Arts. Construction on the arts center will begin in November.

“The free event will help bring future art center patrons to the Chester Village Green, some for the first time, for a real preview of things to come,” said Cline. “It’s something that will truly set the tone for the impact the whole region will experience once the center is up and running in the not too distant future.”

The event was the first collaboration between the Chester Community Association and the Richmond Symphony for the free, all-day event. All net proceeds from this year’s ChesterFest will support the new Chesterfield Center for the Arts.

•Sean CW Korsgaard may be reached at skorsgaard@progress-index.com or 804-722-5172.