Cooling Tents Set Up Ahead Of Plainfield Fest

PLAINFIELD, IL — At least two cooling/misting tents will be available for Plainfield Fest guests looking to beat the heat as the three-day event kicks off on what will likely be the hottest day of the year. Plainfield Fire Chief Jon Stratton said firefighters were setting up two misting tents on Friday morning, one downtown at Chicago and Des Plaines streets and the other near the carnival grounds at Plainfield Central High School.

Stratton said Joliet police have offered organizers the use of another mister that could be placed elsewhere on the festival grounds.

Plainfield Fest organizers will also have plenty of water on hand to help keep guests hydrated, according to Stratton.

Festival hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Related: Plainfield Fest 2019 Guide: Food, Music, Carnival, Road Closings

An excessive heat warning remains in effect for Will County through 7 p.m. Saturday. Temperatures could hit 93 to 96 degrees Friday and Saturday, with a heat index of 110 to 115 degrees.

Excessive Heat Warnings Issued For IL's Hottest Day Of The Year

The National Weather Service is urging residents to take extra precautions if working or spending time outside, and to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including:

• Confusion
• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Headache
• Muscle or abdominal cramps
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Pale skin
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

To stay cool, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, the NWS said, as vehicle interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Will County Cooling Centers List: Beat The Extreme Heat

Stratton said state inspectors were at the Plainfield Fest carnival grounds inspecting rides on Thursday after a woman was injured in ride mishap during a pre-fest preview for individuals with special needs. The woman fell five to six feet to the ground after a small roller coaster partially derailed. A Joliet man told Patch he was also injured in the incident and taken to the Silver Cross ER.

The Plainfield incident was one of two carnival accidents Thursday in the suburbs. A child was also injured when two rides collided at a parish carnival in Midlothian. The boy, 9, was standing in line for a carnival ride when he was struck by a large prop that fell from one of the rides.