Crete is set to welcome spring with Midwest Fest on Saturday, April 26, a full day of fun, food and festivities aimed at raising funds for Sokol Hall and its yearly haunted house.
The event promises a mix of family friendly activities during the day from 2 – 8 p.m. and DJ entertainment for adults in the evening until midnight.
The idea for Midwest Fest came from a desire to generate more support for Crete’s haunted house, which has been a community tradition for more than 30 years. Operated entirely by volunteers, the haunted house relies on donations to cover the cost of remodelings, props, costumes and other essentials, such as food and beverages for the actors, all needed to create an unforgettable experience each October.
“This is actually a pre-fundraiser for the haunted house and a way to show the community what we do,” event organizer Xochitl Boughtin said. “Everything we build and create is done by volunteers and this event gives people a chance to support us while having fun.”
Midwest Fest will offer something for everyone. During the day, kids can enjoy face painting, piñata making and other fun activities. A haunted house booth will give attendees a sneak peak into the behind the scenes magic of the haunted house.
For those looking for a bit of excitement, the festival will also feature bull riding. Several local vendors will offer food and drinks, including Godfather’s Tacos and Antojitos Mi Ranchito, known for their authentic street food offerings.
Midwest Fest also ties in with Children's Day (Dia del Niño), celebrated in Mexico on April 30, a holiday that honors and celebrates children with fun activities, games and treats. Boughtin hopes that the event’s focus on kid-friendly fun during the day will reflect the spirit of this tradition.
As the day winds down, the festivities will transition into a street dance starting at 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission to the dance is $5, with proceeds contributing to the fundraising effort. Drinks will also be available for purchase, provided by the Corner Liquor Store.
The success of Midwest Fest wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses and volunteers. In addition to the food vendors and DJ, Dr. Josue Gutierrez is lending a hand to support the event. The City of Crete is also providing assistance by supplying barricades, tables and other necessary equipment to ensure a smooth event.
“We’re so thankful for the city’s support,” Boughtin said. “Without their help, this wouldn’t be possible.”
Community members are encouraged to volunteer and get involved, whether by setting up a booth, assisting with kids’ activities, helping with setup or contributing their time in other ways. Organizers hope it will become an annual tradition that draws bigger crowds and offers even more fun.
“We’re starting small this year, but we’re hopeful that Midwest Fest will continue to grow and bring more people together each spring,” Boughtin said.
