Gilbert will say farewell to summer on Sept. 29 with its annual So Long to Summer Fest.
The 16th-annual event combines live entertainment with a fair-like atmosphere topped off by fireworks at the end of the night.
Gilbert officials estimate about 6,000 people came to the town’s Freestone Park for last year’s event and expect roughly the same turnout this year, said Brent Taysom, Gilbert’s special events coordinator..
The town spent $53,536 to put on the event last year and brought in $56,701, town spokesman Greg Svelund said.
“We’re not in the business to make money on the event,” Taysom said. On the other hand, town policies require events to pay for themselves, he said.
This year’s bands include TapWater, which combines several music forms to create an American jam rock experience, and KC Blues Band a local group led by 14-year-old guitarist and singer Kevin Casenhiser, of Chandler.
The event will have a midway with rides and attractions, along with food and beverage vendors, strolling entertainers and a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Tickets go on sale Monday at $3 for ages 5 to adult.
If you go
What: So Long to Summer Fest
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 29
Where: Freestone Ballfield Complex, 1045 E. Juniper Blvd., Gilbert
Cost: $3 for ages 5 to adult
Tickets: Advance passes sold through Sept. 28 at the following locations: McQueen Park Activity Center, 510 N. Horne St.; Freestone Recreation Center, 1141 E. Guadalupe Road; Community Services Office, 70 E. Civic Center Drive
