Chesterfest was held this past weekend in Chester and peaked with concert by Keith Anderson. The weekend was filled with a range of events and great food.

Thursday night started with a Farmer's Market, and the vendors sold out quickly. Friday night saw the beginning of the sand volleyball tournament on the new court in the park. With music playing and the beer garden open, it was a summer night in the small town.

Things got off to a fast start on Saturday morning with the inaugural 5k run and walk event. Top finishers were Elijah Keilwitz and Katelyn Richardson in the Mens and Womens divisions. More than two dozen entrants made the trek around and through Chester.

Another new event for Chesterfest this year was the Vendors Fair, which attracted a fine selection of crafts people and other sellers from Nebraska and Kansas. The sand volleyball tournament continued throughout the day until early evening. In the park, there was an "Ugly Truck and Classic Tractor" show. Lunch was provided by the Chester Community Club with a burger meal. Dinner was cooked by the Snackin' Wagon and was a smoked quarter chicken meal.

As dinner wound down and sun lowered in the sky, live music took over for the evening. Opening up the night's entertainment was "Fat Cat Freddie" from Kansas, who played a set of electric blues. Next up was the popular band, "Free Beer and Chicken" who played a mix of acoustic and electric tunes to excite the crowd. During a short intermission, winners were announced for the "Who Will Kiss the Pig" fundraiser, where people voted with their dollars to see who would plant a wet one on a local sow. A tie was declared between Roger Crouse and Dallen George, who were both great sports when the time came!

Of course, many people were on hand to see the headliner, Keith Anderson. Anderson took the night to new heights with a rousing selection of hits and great stories to introduce the songs. Anderson and his band played until 11 p.m., and were followed by another legendary fireworks display! After the fireworks, Keith Anderson met a line of fans to sign autographs and take photos. Closing out the night was the acoustic duo of Craig Stensaas and Casey Dailey of The South Wind Coalition, who kept the party going late into the night.

Over two dozen entrants made the trek around and through Chester, Saturday morning with the inaugural 5k run and walk event. Top finishers were Elijah Keilwitz and Katelyn Richardson.

Chesterfest is hosted by the Chester Community Club who holds events to raise funds for community projects. The club appreciates everyone who supported the night as well as the many volunteers who made it happen.