The village of Wayne, located just north of St. Charles, has announced plans to host its next Wayne Wine & Horse Fest on Aug. 24, 2019.

Organizers say the event will appeal to everyone who is looking for a uniquely fun family experience.

The fest is open to the public, with no admission fee, and is scheduled to take place from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Dunham Wood Riding Club, 33W333 Army Trail Road, at the Army Trail/Dunham Road intersection.

The event includes equestrian riding exhibitions, live music, wine tasting, entertainment for kids and more, with proceeds going to the Wayne Police Department.

This year marks the highly attended event’s third edition, with 2017 attracting more than 1,200 visitors and raising $45,000 to help pay and equip local officers.

The event was conceived of by long-time resident and Wayne Trustee Mike Anastasio, who said he believes that “far more can be accomplished and sustained in communities when residents contribute because they want to, not when they are forced to by more laws and taxes,” according to a news release.

“A big reason is that this village has been named multiple times as one of the safest places to live in Illinois (is) due our fine police department,” Anastasio said. “I want to do everything I can to help them keep doing a great job.”

Event attractions include blues and jazz legend Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones, equestrian exhibitions by the Midwest Renegades, Wayne-DuPage Hunt and Kane County Mounted Rangers — plus excellent wines, food, and other family attractions that include a petting zoo, bouncy house, pony and carriage rides, and more.

“Mike keeps making this happen, and I can’t express enough our appreciation — or how much fun it is,” said Wayne Police Chief John Naydenoff. “We take pride in our ability to provide the best in police protection, while preserving the friendly, small town feel. This event is a game changer that helps us do that much more.”

Find more details and updates on the Wayne facebook page: facebook.com/thevillageofwayne.

• FEATURE PHOTO CAPTION: Midwest Renegades are among the exhibitions at the Wayne Wine & Horse Fest. (CREDIT: Midwest Renegades.

SOURCE: village of Wayne news release