Last Fling Ticket Fees Too Much For Some Naperville Residents

NAPERVILLE, IL - Naperville residents got into a lively debate on social media regarding fees, lines, and setup at the 2019 Last Fling. The end-of-summer festival, which is organized and run by volunteers, charged guests $10 for entry for the first time in its 30-year history.

Some residents felt the fee was justified by the ongoing philanthropic efforts of the Naperville Jaycees, who help support community members with food baskets, snow shoveling, and other services throughout the year.

One resident, Nathan McDougall, told Patch he always looks forward to the Last Fling, said he wasn't aware of the fee before he got to the fest.

Once McDougall got to the entry gate, he says he saw more people walking away after learning about the fee than he saw walking into Last Fling.

Guests who paid the $10 got access to both festival stages, food vendors, and other vendors and exhibits at the fest. This year, Last Fling also featured Family Fun Land, an interactive space where kids can visit a petting zoo, create art, and play interactive games.

It was still free to get into the carnival area, where attendees could buy tickets for rides and games.

"I don't understand having to pay admission for the overpriced food," McDougall said.

Other residents chimed in on the Facebook group "What's Happening In Naperville, IL?," saying they only wanted an elephant ear, but felt the $10 fee was excessive, adding that lines for food in the carnival section were long.

"In previous years, we went every day," he said, adding that he thinks the fee negatively impacted the Last Fling's ticket sales and sales for vendors at the fest, who likely got less foot traffic.

Other residents said they supported the $10 fee because the festival is planned and organized by volunteers. One social media user named Jason said he was disheartened to see what he called "ugliness from people over something so trivial as a $10 fee."

The Naperville Jaycees announced in July that there would be a $10 entry fee for the Last Fling's attractions with the exception of the carnival. Organizers said the fee would help pay for additional security that allows the Last Fling to offer mixed cocktails and other drink options.

The Last Fling runs through Sept. 2.

Did you go to Last Fling this year? What do you think of the fee? Let us know in the comments.