45 Years of AlterFest Fun,
and the World Famous
Chicken Dinner Is Back.

My son JD goes to Alter, so AlterFest has a special place in our family. It is also straight-up one of the biggest and best Labor Day weekend traditions in South Dayton, and this year marks the 45th anniversary. If you have never been, here is everything you need to know. And if you have, you already know why we keep coming back.

A Family Tradition

My son JD is a senior at Alter and plays on both the soccer and lacrosse teams. He loves the school, the community, the education, all of it,and that is why this weekend means so much to our family. AlterFest is how the whole community shows up for the school he loves.

The Essentials

• Format: "One of South Dayton's premier events," held every Labor Day weekend.
• Where: Archbishop Alter High School, 940 E. David Rd., Kettering, OH 45429.
• When: Friday, September 4 (6:00 pm to 11:00 pm), Saturday, September 5 (noon to 11:00 pm), and Sunday, September 6 (noon to 11:00 pm).
• Admission: FREE.
• Cash: Bring cash for rides, food, games, and drinks.

What You'll Find

Carnival rides and games running all weekend, kids' games and children's entertainment, food and drinks, a corn hole tournament, and live entertainment. For early risers, the Alter 5K run/walk starts Saturday, September 5, at 8:00 am at the school and supports the Alter cross country teams, a fun family 5K that is a great way to start the morning.

The Food Lineup

The famous AlterFest chicken dinner is back at the Alter main food booth. It is THE staple,and it sells out for a reason. This chicken dinner is a nearly 60-year tradition:the school's famous chicken dinner dates back to at least 1967, back when a billboard promised to 'keep mom out of the kitchen.' Some traditions never get old.

Around the grounds you will also find LaRosa's Family Pizzeria, Whit's Frozen Custard, Kona Ice, Travelin' Toms Coffee, Tweedles Mini Donuts,and classic carnival fare from Chicketti. Come hungry.

Why It's So Special

This festival started in the early 1980s as the school's biggest fundraiser. It raises money for Alter's operating budget so the school can keep serving the community, which is why I would call it a fundraiser, but it's really a friend-raiser: the whole community shows up to wrap its arms around the school. Crowds top out in the thousands, and it's run largely by volunteers. It's one of the few free festivals of its size in the region.

A Family Tradition

For me, it's a few uninterrupted hours of wandering the stands, eating something I shouldn't, and watching the kids do what they do. The school means the world to our family, and this weekend is how the whole community supports it, which is more than I can say. Whether you're an Alter fan or just looking for a first weekend of fall fun, put AlterFest on your calendar this weekend.

Come out, have a bite of that chicken dinner, ride a ride, and support the school. If you ever find yourself wondering about homes in the Kettering area, I would love to guide you. Otherwise, I will just see you at the fest.