Affton Days FAQs and Facts

Affton Days is here, and Patch has all the answers to your burning questions about the big day, and a smattering of facts and numbers to keep you in the know. First, read up on the schedule here.

What is the theme again this year? “Affton Honors Those Who Served.” With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 just a week past, the parade will focus on remembering military personnel and first responders. The parade will include a 12-foot by 18-foot American flag.

From where should I watch the parade? It starts at and ends at . Crowds usually gather where the parade turns at the intersection of Mackenzie Road and Gravois Road. Many businesses along Gravois also encourage people to watch from their premises.

Who is that familiar looking chap in the parade? Plenty of local officials and community leaders will be riding in the parade. St. Louis County Police Chief Tim Fitch and Affton Precinct Captain Mike Dierkes will be leading the parade with the county police honor guard and bagpipers.

Following the lead cars will be convertibles carrying Bayless Superintendent and 2011 Chamber President Maureen Clancy-May and the winners of the Chamber’s 2011 annual awards: Eugene Haessig, Suzanne Welker and Patricia Yaeger. The Affton School Board, Affton and Bayless teachers, Affton Fire personnel and many others will be making an appearance.

How do I vote for the best float? Opps, sorry. The winning parade entries are picked by five of the Chamber’s Exceptional Educators honorees.

Where can I park for the festival? Set your car in the upper lot at Salem Lutheran Church across the street or at Kuenne Accounting & Tax Services, caddy-corner to St. George Catholic Church. At 12 p.m. parking will also open up across the street at . After 4 p.m. you’ll be able to park at , also across the street.

Can I bring my dog? Sorry, no. No skateboards, either. And try to avoid glass bottles.

What is there to eat and drink? Festival booths will be offering a fair selection of standard fair fare: hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers, Papa John’s pizza, pulled pork, chicken on a stick, pickles, baked goods, chips, nachos, Ted Drewes concretes, funnel cakes, Glaciers snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn. To drink you can find soda, lemonade, bottled water, frozen margaritas and beer (at the beer garden).

St. George Catholic Church will also be hosting a chicken dinner from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their parish hall. $9 gets you a fried half chicken, two sides and a soda.

What is there to do? Local businesses and organizations will be running a ton of games and activities, including: Name That Tune, Recycle Challenge, Coin Toss, Duck Pond, Basketball Toss, Washers Toss (hey, that’s at the Patch booth!), Prize Wheel, Fire Hose Knock Down, face painting, Pull Tabs, a Dunking Booth, Bean Bag Toss, Money Game, Puzzle Game, Bag Toss, Baseball Card Game, pony rides and a drawing for Cardinal/Affton jerseys and t-shirts. There will be inflatables for kids to play on and a rock climbing wall. Or you can sit, relax, and enjoy the entertainment.

Enough talk; give us numbers!

Estimated festival attendance: It’s tough to get an exact count, but Chamber Director Joan Edleson estimates 3000-4000 people usually show.

Parade entries this year: 75 registrations plus a few last minute entries bring the total close to 80 floats, bands, cars and groups.

Booths at the festival: Eight informational booths, 11 food booths and 16 game booths total at 35 total participants (including Patch).

Total cost of the event: The whole shebang costs between $12,000 and $20,000, mostly paid for by local business sponsors. This is not a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce.

Length of the parade route: From Affton High to St. George Church, it’s 1.8 miles.

Year of the first parade: It all started in 1984.

Year of the first festival: 1993, originally held at Affton High School. It was moved to the Affton White-Rodgers Community Center in 1999, and then to St. George Catholic Church in 2006.

Months in the planning: After this weekend the Affton Days Committee will get a bit of a break, but they’ll be back at it by March of next year. From first meeting to last, that’s always at least six months.

Hours of fun: 11.

Still confused? Check out our timeline of Saturday's events.