Chi-Town Connection “Fall Fest” FAQs

When is “the picnic”?

 

The Chi-Town Connection 11th Annual “Fall Fest” is on Sunday, October 2023. This is a rain OR shine event.

 

Where is “the picnic” this time?

 

The Chi-Town Connection 6th Annual “Fall Fest” is being held at North Shore Rotary Pavilion 14350 Wallisville Road, Houston.

 

How much does it cost to attend?

 

The Chi-Town Connection 11th Annual “Fall Fest” is $15 advance tickets and $30 at the gate. Parking at the picnic is FREE. However, vendors will be on hand to sell food and novelty items at nominal fees. Vendors accept cash and credit cards. You should check with individual vendors, in advance, about their specific payment methods.

 

I’m not from Chicago, can I still come?

 

Yes! This event is open to the public and we welcome you. We encourage you to come out and enjoy the food and music that Chicagoans love so much!

 

Will there be seating available?

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Yes, there is LIMITED seating available in designated areas in the pavilion and in the adjacent grass areas. To secure a table under the pavilion you MUST purchase reserved, pavilion seating which includes one (1) table and six (6) chairs. Personal tables/chairs and tents/canopies are NOT allowed on the pavilion main floor. Visit our Square Market to purchase your reserved, pavilion table: https://events.ticketprinting.com/CTC

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Will there be official “Spring Fling” tee shirts again?

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Yes. We will be unveiling the official “Fall Fest” shirt within the next several weeks. Shirts will be available in adult sizes small – 5x. Pre-orders are encouraged as the official picnic shirt is exclusive and only a limited number of shirts will be sold. Interested patrons are encouraged to purchase their shirts early. Last year’s “Spring Fling” shirt sold out twice and last year’s “Fall Fest” shirt also sold out. Stay tuned to our official website and Facebook page as we continue to provide more information about the official “Fall Fest” picnic tee shirt.

 

Will there be onsite parking?

 

Yes, there is onsite, FREE parking. The primary parking spaces are located at the pavilion close to the Jim Fonteno Annex just in front of the pavilion. Additional parking spaces are available at the public park in the front of the Annex. We encourage all of our attendees to park in the designated areas. Chi-Town Connection is not responsible for theft, damages, or tickets incurred during the “Fall Fest”.

 

Can we bring tents?

 

Yes, tents/canopies are allowed. However, tents/canopies must be no larger than 10x10. The space for tents is greatly reduced to what many of you may be accustomed to from previous venues. It is advised that you arrive early to secure your space. Tent space at the 6th Annual “Fall Fest” is VERY LIMITED. Stay tuned to our official website and Facebook page as we continue to provide more information about the designated tent/canopy area.

 

Can we bring grills?

 

Yes, grills are allowed. As in the past, you are responsible for the complete and safe disposal of your charcoal and other related grilling items. Grill space at the 6th Annual “Fall Fest” is VERY LIMITED. Stay tuned to our official website and Facebook page as we continue to provide more information about the designated grill area. PLEASE NOTE: Propane tanks/grills are NOT allowed at Fall Fest 2017 unless the user has the proper permits AND the approved event registration documents provided by CTC.

 

Is alcohol allowed?

 

Glass containers are not allowed. Alcohol is not allowed to be sold at the “Fall Fest". We are, however, exploring options to secure an adult beverage sponsor for the picnic. Stay tuned to our official website and Facebook page as we continue to provide more information and updates.

 

What kind of activities will be available?

 

Of course, we will have a great lineup of DJs who will keep us dancing all day. The DJs will play music to appeal to everyone – R&B, Line dancing, Steppin’, and House. Additionally, we expect to have activities/games available for children of all ages. Also, there is a playground near the pavilion. Finally, there is also a nature path that attendees can utilize for exercise or a lovers’ stroll.

 

Will there be vendors there?

 

Yes, there will be several vendors at the Chi-Town Connection 6th Annual “Fall Fest”. There will be vendors there selling a variety of traditional Chicago foods (i.e. rib tips, Italian beef, chicken wings, etc.) as well as other food items (i.e. crawfish, fried fish, etc.). We will also have vendors on hand selling novelty food items (i.e. pastries, shaved ice, carnival-type treats, and a traditional, old school Chicago candy store). In addition to food vendors we also expect to have vendors there who will sell a variety of other novelty items, including apparel, jewelry, and services. Many vendors accept credit cards; but, you are advised to check with each vendor individually. We will continue to update the list of vendors who will be there. We encourage you to support our official vendors because their participation as official vendors help to fund the expenses associated with the picnic. If you’re interested in being a vendor or if you’d like to recommend a vendor please visit the Sponsors/Vendors page on our official website.

 

Can I sell my stuff at the picnic?

 

Yes, we are excited about having new vendors join us. However, ALL vendors must submit the proper application and payments to promote and/or sell their products/services at the picnic AND on the official Chi-Town Connection social media/event pages. Vendors who do NOT secure the proper approvals from Chi-Town Connection will be prohibited from promoting/selling their products and/or services. If you would like information about becoming a vendor or sponsor for the “Spring Fling” please forward your interest to us via email – chitownconnection606@gmail.com and we will send you an information packet.

 

Who sponsors the picnic?

 

Each season (“Spring Fling” and “Fall Fest”) the picnic is sponsored by a variety of individuals and businesses who believe in the vision that Chi-Town Connection has to positively impact the community. We rely heavily on sponsors and vendors to cover the growing expenses associated with hosting the picnics. The financial commitment of our sponsors covers the cost of venue rental, purchasing of the required event permits, paying for security officers, and advertising.

 

 

I noticed my post was removed from your Facebook page. Why is that?

 

To be honest, it costs to advertise. Our official Facebook page is no different. Our sponsors and vendors pay to have their businesses, products, and/or services advertised on the Chi-Town Connection official social media/event pages. They understand the power of social media and how far-reaching it is. Because they have paid for this advertising space we certainly can’t give it away for free..

 

Do you need volunteers?

 

Yes! We ALWAYS need volunteers. This is our 13th picnic and we could not have such a huge success each season without the help of our volunteers. We have five (5) specific areas where we need volunteers – event set-up, welcome/information table, clean-up crew, VIP/volunteer section, event break-down. This season we’re introducing a new volunteer sign-up procedure. Please visit our official website to find the volunteer sign-up form under the Sponsors/Vendors tab. We thank you in advance for your contribution to the success of this year’s “Fall Fest”.

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Are there other events going on that weekend?

 

The Chi-Town Connection committee has planned several official events, including a community service event and day party, to occur over the entire "Fall Fest" weekend. We will continue to update the “Fall Fest” weekend events page

 

Park Map

 

To see a map of the park area click this link.        

 

How do I get there?

 

If you are coming from the Loop (Medical Center/3rd Ward):

Take TX-288 N/S Freeway N towards Downtown. Take the US-59 N exit on the left towards Cleveland/Elgin Ave/Tuam Ave. Merge onto US-59N via the ramp on the left towards Gray Ave/Pierce Ave. Merge onto I-10E/US-90 E towards Beaumont. Merge onto US-90E/Crosby Freeway E via exit 775B toward Liberty. Take the Wallisville Rd ramp towards FM-526/Maxey Rd. Turn slight right onto Wallisville Rd to your destination.

 

If you are coming from the Southwest (Missouri City):

Take Highway 90A; it becomes US-90 Alt E/Main St. Turn right onto South Loop W. Take South Loop W. Merge onto I-610 E via the ramp on the left. Take the I-10 E exit, exit 26A, towards US-90 E/ Beaumont/Liberty. Merge onto US-90E/Crosby Freeway E via the ramp on the left. Take the Wallisville Rd. ramp towards FM-526/Maxey Rd. Turn slight right onto Wallisville Rd. to your destination.

 

If you are coming from the South (League City):

Take 45N to Exit 32. Keep right onto E. Beltway 8 North ramp. Merge onto TX-8 N/E Sam Houston Tollway N (Portions toll). Continue on the Beltway and take the exit towards Wallisville Road. Turn left onto Wallisville Road to your destination. *An alternate toll road route is available.

 

If you are coming from the North (Spring):

Take 45S to exit 51; merge onto I-610E. Take exit 24 towards US-90E/McCarty Dr/Wallisville Rd. Merge onto North Loop E. Turn left onto Wallisville Rd. to your destination. *An alternate toll road route is available.

 

If you are coming from the Northwest (Cypress):

Take Northwest Freeway and merge onto US-290E/Northwest Freeway E via the ramp on the left. Take the I-610 N exit. Merge onto I-610 E. Take the 45S exit towards Downtown. Merge onto I-610 E. Take exit 24 towards US-90 E/McCarty Dr/Wallisville Rd. Merge onto North Loop E. Turn left onto Wallisville Rd. to your destination.

 

Is there anything else I should know?

 

There’s always more to know. If you have more questions you may contact us. Also, this document provides you with more information on how to be a good neighbor while you’re at the “Fall Fest”. Check it out at this link!