Wayne Wine & Horse Fest returns Aug. 24

The Village of Wayne will host its next Wayne Wine & Horse Fest from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Dunham Wood Riding Club, southeast corner of Army Trail and Dunham roads.

The event caters to everyone who is looking for a fun family experience, and features 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 longtime resident and Wayne Trustee Mike Anastasio, who has made it his lifelong commitment to support charities and other good causes.

Anastasio 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.

"It's no secret that I love Wayne," Anastasio said. "And, a big reason is that this village has been named multiple times as one of the safest places to live in Illinois - all due our fine police department. I want to do everything I can to help them keep doing a great job."

"At the end of the day, there's nothing more important than people's safety. It just makes good sense to have an event like this that leverages and showcases the magic and beauty of Wayne together with its equestrian roots, fine wine, food, music and family fun, all for the purpose of raising money through generosity and goodwill to support community safety," Anastasio said.

The fest is open to the public, with no admission fee.

Attractions will feature 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, bounce 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," Wayne Police Chief John Naydenoff said. "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 at www.facebook.com/thevillageofwayne.