Old-Fashioned Carnival Fun Kicks Off Pet Parade Weekend

• Submitted by the La Grange Business Association.

La Grange, IL - Thrill rides, games, food and fun are heading to La Grange on Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5 when the annual Ahhh! La Grange Carnival launches the unofficial arrival of summer.

The all-ages carnival is held on Pet Parade weekend and features spectacular rides and games along with live music from local bands, according to Peggy Maglaris Kopley, a co-owner of prasino and carnival chairperson for the La Grange Business Association (LGBA), the event organizer.

Carnival hours are 5PM to 10PM on Friday, noon to 10PM on Saturday, and noon to 7PM on Sunday. The La Grange Carnival will offer unlimited ride specials for $30 per person from 5PM - 9PM on Friday and Saturday; and $25 per person from 12noon - 4PM on Saturday and Sunday. The special price is per person, per session.

"This weekend is a much-loved tradition in the community," said Maglaris Kopley. "It's an old-fashioned way to celebrate summer leisure time but it serves a really important purpose, too. As a major source of funding for the LGBA, this carnival allows us to continue the many local programs and events that help support neighborhood businesses in La Grange," she said.

The premiere sponsors of the La Grange Carnival are Gemini Gymnastics Academy and Stardust Yoga Studio plus the School of Rock. It is held with the cooperation of the Village of La Grange. Located on Harris Avenue between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue, the carnival will also offer a beer tent and food area with fare from local food businesses and traditional carnival treats.

The highlight of the weekend is the 70th Annual La Grange Pet Parade which steps off at 9:30AM on Saturday, June 4 from Cossitt Avenue and La Grange Road. The parade is organized by Pets & Pals Charities.

Scheduled entertainment is:

Friday, June 3
5:30 -7:30 p.m. Forty Hz (early 90s)
8 -10 p.m. GMRC (Santana and 70s music)

Saturday, June 4
3 - 5 p.m. School of Rock
5:30 -7:30 p.m. The Midnights (80s cover)
8 -10 p.m. And Beyond (70s to today)

Sunday, June 5
Noon - 1 p.m. Ally Lubera
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Double Identity
3 - 4:30 p.m. The Protestors
5 - 6:30 p.m. The Millennials

The La Grange Carnival helps fund the many free public events organized by the LGBA such as the West End Art Festival, the Halloween Walk & Fall Fest and Hometown Holiday.