Andover Family Fun Fest
A Community Tradition Since 1996
The Andover Family Fun Fest began in 1996 with a simple goal. Bring the community together for a fun summer celebration centered around families, neighbors, and local pride.
What started as a small one-day event has grown into one of Andover’s most loved traditions. Today the festival welcomes thousands of residents and visitors each year for a weekend filled with music, activities, food, and community connection.
But at its heart, Fun Fest is still exactly what the founders intended.
A place where people gather, reconnect, and celebrate the community they call home.
Built By The Community
The idea for Andover Family Fun Fest was brought to life by city administrators and a group of dedicated local volunteers in 1996. Early co-chairs of the festival included Bob and Nancy DeSteno and Gary Wrobel, who helped organize the first events and build the foundation of what Fun Fest would become.
The original event was modest but full of energy. The first Fun Fest included a pancake breakfast, a baby crawling contest, bingo, a few musical performances, a street dance, and fireworks to end the night.
Even in that first year, the focus was clear. This was meant to be a family-friendly celebration for the entire community.
The festival was almost named Andover Days, but the organizers wanted something that emphasized the spirit of family and togetherness. The name Andover Family Fun Fest captured that vision perfectly.
Bob, Nancy, and Gary remained deeply involved with the festival for many years, helping guide and organize the event as it continued to grow, until they handed over the reigns fully to Angie Sedesky and the amazing team of volunteers. Don Erickson, the parade announcer and sound coordinator, has been involved since the beginning offering setup for the multitude of musical acts and the parade.
“What brings me back is seeing all the community out and about and having a good time.”
Growing Into a Weekend Celebration
Originally a one-day event, Fun Fest eventually expanded to include Friday evening festivities along with a full day of activities on Saturday.
Today the celebration typically centers around the area near Crosstown Boulevard and Hanson Boulevard, bringing activity around City Hall, Andover Elementary, the Andover YMCA Community Center, and nearby spaces.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including:
• Live music and entertainment
• A community parade
• Craft and gift vendors
• Food vendors and local treats
• The 5K run and kids fun run
• Family activities and inflatables
• Car shows and tournaments
• Street dances and fireworks
Each year brings a mix of returning favorites and new experiences.
The Parade and Community Traditions
One of the most beloved parts of Fun Fest today is the community parade on Saturday morning. That tradition was added in the early years thanks in large part to the support of then-Mayor Jack McKelvey, who strongly encouraged including a parade as part of the celebration.
The parade quickly became a highlight of the festival, bringing together community groups, local organizations, and residents along Crosstown Boulevard.
As the festival grew, new traditions were added as well.
The 5K Run and Kids Fun Run were introduced in the second year of the festival. What started with just a few dozen runners has grown into a major community event, drawing participants from across the Twin Cities.
Other activities like the craft and gift show, car show, street dances, family activities, and community booths followed, helping expand the festival into a full weekend celebration.
Powered by Volunteers
One of the most remarkable things about Andover Family Fun Fest is that it has always been organized and run by volunteers.
Residents, community groups, local businesses, and city partners all work together to make the festival possible. It receives no city funding, but the city supports and encourages the event. Their dedication is what keeps this tradition alive year after year.
Many volunteers have served the festival for decades, helping shape it into the event the community knows today.
Fun Fest is truly a celebration created by the community, for the community.
“Events like Fun Fest are what make Andover special. It brings people together, builds connections, and gives families a chance to create memories right here in their own community.”
Looking Ahead
Nearly three decades after the first festival, Andover Family Fun Fest continues to bring people together every summer. 2026 is the 30th Anniversary Celebration.
New attractions and activities are added each year, but the spirit of the festival remains the same as it was in 1996.
A weekend of connection, celebration, and fun for families across the community.