Mokena Food and Wine Fest Offers Big Crowds, Big Sponsorship Opportunities

Summer is winding down and that means fall is just around the corner. With fall comes cooler weather, football and the Mokena Food and Wine Fest. The fest, which is in its eighth year, drew more than 1,000 people last year and co-chair Patricia Pat said she expects an even bigger turn out this year.

Though the fest is still a little less than a month and a half away—it will be held Oct. 1 from noon-6 p.m. at —Pat said that plans are already well underway. Though the event is held by the , it does need sponsors and Pat said that the opportunities for sponsorships are vast.

According to Pat there are seven sponsorship categories that businesses or individuals can chose from, ranging from table sponsorship for $10 to event sponsorship for $5,000. Additionally, Pat said that there are also entertainment sponsorships available, which will be displayed in the entertainment tent throughout the day.

“This has been growing for eight years … that's the appeal for sponsorships,” Pat said. “Depending on what type of sponsorship you have. You can bring a table, maybe hand out fliers and your name will be in all of our print advertising.”

Pat added that sponsorship opportunities are still available and that the hope is to add sponsors through the middle of September.

As for why the Food and Wine Fest is such a big deal within the community, Chamber spokeswoman Melissa Fedora said that it's an event that showcases Chamber members, local businesses and all of what Mokena has to offer.

“It's the premiere event for the Mokena Chamber, it's our biggest event of the entire year,” Fedora said.