Forrest gears-up for Wabash

A fun fall day in Forrest is planned for the final day of the month and keeps getting bigger.

The 18th Wabash Festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 30 featuring plenty of entertainment and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It all started years ago when Chatsworth donated a caboose to Forrest as this was a reason to celebrate. In fact, Wabash was initially a chili dump.

“The area is so unique that I think it needs to be shown off to people,” notes Kim Benway, one of the festival organizers.

Not only can visitors enjoy the Hampsher Hotel and historic depot, but they can view Jerry’s Hat Museum nearby which has thousands of old hats, pens, pencils and yardsticks. A small train for kids even runs outside.

“We bring the train out for this,” explained Benway. “A little Blue Bird will run on the track and the kids just love it.”

Entertainment will be located under the pavilion, including the Back Paiges and Living Water. Food options include the Trackside Grill and food trucks.

The organizing committee tries to make things more professional each year and they are hoping for the best festival yet in 2023. They have the order in now for great weather.

“The weather makes it or breaks it,” admits Benway.

Classic autos are featured during a cruise-in and a display of antique tractors will line Route 24 as folks drive into town.

“We do not charge for anything,” said Benway. “The only thing they have to pay that day is food and drinks.”

New features this year include The Whip Guy and Ta-Da Mobile Robots which were spotted on the midway at the Fairbury Fair. A Forrest Food Pantry collection booth will be at the festival along with the Livingston County Humane Society. Alumni of Forrest-Strawn-Wing are also encouraged to attend.

Wabash committee members added Summer Fun Nights this summer leading up to the festival and felt they were successful for the first year, trying to do something a bit different.

Benway spoke to members of the Fairbury Rotary Club during the club’s weekly meeting Tuesday.