Community Corner
Get Your Fill of Food and Fun at Local Summer Festivals
Whether you're looking for a ride on the Zipper or a deep-fried funnel cake, here's a list that can help meet your summertime needs.
Oswego PrairieFest
WHAT: The event will feature main stage entertainment, children's performers, petting zoos, pony rides, camel rides, free children's activities, and more.
WHEN: June 16-19; 5:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Road, Oswego
HOW MUCH: No gate admission.
WHY ATTEND: More than 200 businesses and crafters promote their services or sell their wares at Oswego's largest event.
MORE INFO: Visit the PrairieFest website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Yorkville River Night
WHAT: The fifth annual event will feature live music, food from, and children’s activities.
WHEN: June 24; 5:30 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Riverfront Bicentennial Park, 131 E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville
HOW MUCH: No general admission fee.
WHY ATTEND: The '80s rock tribute band EPIC will be the headline musical act. WSPY-FM 107.1 will be doing a live remote broadcast. New to this year’s event will be an expanded family area with activities for children.
MORE INFO: Visit the The Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce for other details and a full schedule of events.
Art in the Park (Channahon)
WHAT: The event will feature local artists and their works, a farmer’s market, vendors, children’s art activities and live portrait art.
WHEN: June 25; 1 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Central Park, 24856 West Eames St., in Channahon
HOW MUCH: Free
WHY ATTEND: Talent will include theater performances, solo musicians and local bands. There will be also be a ticket raffle for Ravinia, Lollapalooza and Blue Man Group.
MORE INFO: Visit the Three Rivers Arts Council website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Bolingbrook Village Picnic
WHAT: The whole community is invited to the 27th annual Village Picnic in Bolingbrook. Festivities will include food, a petting zoo, free hot dogs, bingo, games, and the Art in the Park amateur art and photography show.
WHEN: June 26; noon to 6 p.m.
WHERE: 375 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook
HOW MUCH: Free
WHY ATTEND: The picnic will include a hot dog eating contest, paddle boats and a senior tent.
MORE INFO: Visit the Bolingbrook Civic and Cultural Affairs Commission website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Naperville Ribfest
WHAT: Presented by the Exchange Club of Naperville, in cooperation with the city of Naperville and the Naperville Park District, the annual festival offers food, carnival rides, fireworks, major music acts, up and upcoming hot bands and community talent.
WHEN: July 1-4; noon to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Knoch Park, 724 S. West St., in Naperville
HOW MUCH: General admission is $12 for adults, and children 11 and under are free.
WHY ATTEND: A variety of musical acts will perform on two stages throughout the four-day festival, including REO Speedwagon, Styx, Montgomery Gentry and Phil Vassar. Festival organizers also recruit the top rib vendors in the country to come to Ribfest. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m., July 4.
MORE INFO: Visit the fest's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
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Lemont Independence Day Extravaganza
WHAT: The Lemont Park District's annual Independence Day celebration is held in Centennial Park, and features a skateboard competition, live music, a three-on-three basketball tournament and fireworks.
WHEN: July 3; 3 p.m. to dusk
WHERE: , 16028 W. 127th St.
HOW MUCH: Most activities are free
WHY ATTEND: This year, the park district has something to offer people of all ages—from the morning Freedom Run (beginning at 8 a.m.) to the evening bean bag tournament. The Lemont Park Foundation Beer Garden will open at 3 a.m., along with the food court, which boasts more than six vendors. Live music will be provided by the Neverly Brothers (4 p.m.) and Pipe Dream (7 p.m.) before the fireworks display at dusk.
MORE INFO: Visit the Lemont Park District's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Yorkville Independence Day Celebration
WHAT: The 56th annual celebration includes free rides in the Town Square Park, kids foot races, food, baseball games, a parade and performances by the Yorkville Community Band and the American Legion Band.
WHEN: July 4; 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
WHERE: Town Square Park, 301 N Bridge St., Yorkville
HOW MUCH: Most activities are free
WHY ATTEND: A fireworks display culminates the Bristol Kendall Firemen’s Association’s event. Officials plan to have double the amount of fireworks as last year’s event to celebrate its 50th year of hosting the celebration.
MORE INFO: Visit the Bristol Kendall Fire Department website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Lemont Heritage Fest
WHAT: The Heritage Fest one-day street fair celebrates the history and heritage of Lemont. The 21st annual festival will include musical entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities and a decorated bike parade.
WHEN: July 9; 1 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: Historic downtown Lemont: Stephen Street, Front Street, Canal Street, Talcott Street
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HOW MUCH: Most activities are free
WHY ATTEND: This year's festival includes a new attraction - an Artisan's Market from 1 to 6 p.m. at Talcott Square.
MORE INFO: Visit the village’s website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Plainfield Fest
WHAT: Plainfield Fest 2011, organized by the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation and MainStreet, will feature local bands and signature bands from all over the region, food, a beer tent, games, rides, inflatable bouncies, exhibits and more.
WHEN: July 15-17; 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Along Lockport Street in historic downtown Plainfield.
HOW MUCH: No admission fee.
WHY ATTEND: Proceeds from the fest will benefit the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation riverfront project, which includes the development a two-mile stretch of the DuPage River through downtown Plainfield into a recreation and entertainment destination.
MORE INFO: Visit the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Antique Tractor, Steam and Gas Engine Show
WHAT: This year marks the 49th annual show, presented by the Will County Threshermen's Association.
WHEN: July 21-24
WHERE: Dollinger Family Farm, 7420 Hansel Road, Channahon
HOW MUCH: Admission costs $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 11 and younger, while train rides cost $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 11 and younger.
WHY ATTEND: The show features a variety of tractors, corn-shelling, wheat-threshing, straw-baling, a steam-powered saw mill, working steam engines, the daily parade of power, tractor pulls, a flea market, the country gift shop, food and refreshments, and a petting zoo and steam train rides for the children.
MORE INFO: Visit Dollinger Farms' website, or call 815-467-6766 or 815-467-3004, for more details and a full schedule of events as the show approaches.
RomeoFest
WHAT: The festival will include four days of live music, food, children's entertainment, carnival rides and more.
WHEN: Aug. 4-7; 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday; 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday; and 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Village Park, 900 W. Romeo Road, and Deer Crossing Park/Amphitheater, 1050 W. Romeo Road, in Romeoville
HOW MUCH: Children 10 and under can enter the carnival area free of charge; 11 and up will be charged a nominal fee after 5 p.m. each day of RomeoFest. Anyone with a Mega Pass will not be charged.
WHY ATTEND: Bands will play each night. A fireworks finale will be held at 9:15 p.m. Sunday.
MORE INFO: Visit the Village of Romeoville's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Shorewood Crossroads Festival
WHAT: The annual festival will include music entertainment, food, a carnival, parade, hot dog eating contest, teen battle of the bands, Miss Shorewood and a 5-kilometer run.
WHEN: Aug. 5-7; 4 to midnight Friday; noon to 1 a.m. Saturday; and noon to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Four Seasons Park, 25520 W. Seil Road, in Shorewood
HOW MUCH: No admission fee. Fees for carnival rides and beer tent
WHY ATTEND: The fireworks show at 9 p.m. Saturday, and the return of the Beautiful Baby Contest.
MORE INFO: Visit the Crossroads Festival website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Channahon Three Rivers Festival
WHAT: The annual festival will include food, music, carnival rides, free family entertainment, bingo and a car show.
WHEN: Aug. 10-14; 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday; and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Central Park, Route 6 at Bluff Road, in Channahon
HOW MUCH: No admission fee.
WHY ATTEND: The new 2011 Artisan Fair.
MORE INFO: Visit the Three Rivers Festival website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Montgomery Fest
WHAT: The annual festival will include musical performances, carnival rides, a wide range of food vendors, free pony rides and petting zoo, a parade, and fireworks at dusk Sunday.
WHEN: Aug. 13-14; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Montgomery Park, corner of Mill and River streets, in Montgomery
HOW MUCH: Free admission.
WHY ATTEND: This year’s event will include a balloon artist and a magician.
MORE INFO: Visit the Village of Montgomery website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Veggie Fest
WHAT: The sixth annual Veggie Fest is one of the largest vegetarian lifestyle festivals in North America. The event will feature a day of family fun, live music, an international food court, informative talks, children's activities and vegetarian food demos. Admission is free.
WHEN: Aug. 13-14; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 4S175 Naperville-Wheaton Road, Naperville
HOW MUCH: Free.
WHY ATTEND: Performances by Todd and Eric Fink of The Giving Tree Band, and the award-winning reggae music of Gizzae.
MORE INFO: Visit the Veggie Fest website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Summer Arts Carnival
WHAT: The Arranmore Center for the Arts' Summers Arts Carnival is sponsored by John Greene Realtor and Dan Wolf Automotive Group.
WHEN: Aug. 18-21
WHERE: At the south entrance of Oswego High School, 4250 Route 71, Oswego
HOW MUCH: TBD
WHY ATTEND: The Summer Arts Carnival offers fun for the whole family, with rides, games, funway and other festivities.
MORE INFO: Visit Arranmore Center for the Arts' website.
Bolingbrook Jubilee
WHAT: Annual festival held by the Jaycees. Includes car show, live music, bingo and a bags tournament. Rides and carnival games are also available.
WHEN: Aug. 19-21
WHERE: Bolingbrook Town Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Road
HOW MUCH: Free admission, but rides and food cost money.
WHY ATTEND: Close out the summer in style and attend this fun event. It's been held every year since 1990 and is a great family-friendly event.
MORE INFO: Visit the Jubilee's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Minooka Lion’s Club Summerfest
WHAT: The festival will include a parade, games for kids, a climbing wall, a 5-kilolmeter run and food vendors.
WHEN: Aug. 27; 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
WHERE: Historic downtown Minooka.
HOW MUCH: No admission fee.
WHY ATTEND: The pork chop dinner and street dance.
MORE INFO: Visit the Village of Minooka’s website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Plainfield Midwest Brewers Fest
WHAT: The inaugural craft beer festival, organized by local brewing enthusiasts, will include local artisanal food, interesting craft beers, local musical artists, brewing expos, plus river activities like kayaking and fishing.
WHEN: Aug. 27; noon to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Plainfield Riverfront Park, located on Route 126 just west of the DuPage River on the west side of downtown Plainfield.
HOW MUCH: $40 for early Internet sales and $50 at the gate. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for $100.
WHY ATTEND: Sample a wide variety of American craft beers on display by
vendors.
MORE INFO: Visit the Midwest Brewer’s Fest website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Yorkville Hometown Days Festival
WHAT: The 19th annual festival will feature carnival rides, food, the Pride and Joy Car Show, a pet parade, baby contest, music and more.
WHEN: Sept. 1-4; 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday; 5 to 10 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Beecher Community Park, 908 Game Farm Road, Yorkville
HOW MUCH: Free admission Thursday. Admission is $2 after 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Kids under 5 are free.
WHY ATTEND: This year's musical entertainment includes Sixteen Candles from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Mike and Joe from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, and the ever-popular hi-Infidelity from 7-10 p.m. Sunday.
MORE INFO: Visit the fest's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Naperville Last Fling
WHAT: The Naperville Jaycees Last Fling festival gives attendees one last hurrah for the summer. The event includes carnival rides and games, musical entertainment, the Fling Mile race, business expo and a parade.
WHEN: Sept. 2-5; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.
WHERE: Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave., in Naperville
HOW MUCH: No entry fee. There are fees for food, beverages, carnival rides, and musical entertainment. Carnival ride tickets are $1 each. The fee for the musical entertainment is TBD.
WHY ATTEND: The retro-sonic concept band The Neverly Brothers will kick off the event Friday night on the main stage. Other musical guests include American English, the Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson “Xtreme Muzic, the Tour.” The parade will take place at 10 a.m. Sept. 5, beginning in downtown Naperville. Proceeds from the Last Fling are given to nonprofit organizations in the community and throughout the Naperville area.
MORE INFO: Visit the fest's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Lemont Keepataw Days
WHAT: The annual event includes a carnival, beer garden, music, and a Labor Day parade.
WHEN: Sept. 3-5; 6 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday; noon to 10 p.m. Monday.
WHERE: Commuter parking lots at the Metra Train Station in Lemont
HOW MUCH: No entry fee.
WHY ATTEND: Expanded beer garden and family area.
MORE INFO: Visit the fest's Facebook page for other details and a full schedule of events.
DarienFest
WHAT: The 24th annual festival will feature food, beverages, carnival rides, and musical entertainment.
WHEN: Sept. 9-11; 6 to 10:30 Friday; noon to 10:30 Saturday; noon to 9:30 Sunday.
WHERE: Darien Community Park, 71st St. and Clarendon Hills Road
HOW MUCH: No entry fee.
WHY ATTEND: 104.3 FM will do live broadcast Friday. There will also be new food vendors, carnival rides and bands.
MORE INFO: Visit the Darien Chamber of Commerce's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
Plainfield River Days
WHAT: The second annual Plainfield River Days event will include a ticketed, community dinner fund-raiser Friday night (ticket prices TBD) to support efforts to develop the riverfront, and all-day, family-oriented festival Sept. 10 with food, entertainment and children’s activities.
WHEN: Sept. 9-10; 6 to 10 p.m. for the community dinner Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the festival Saturday.
WHERE: West Electric Park, 24321 W. Lockport St., in Plainfield.
HOW MUCH: No admission fee.
WHY ATTEND: The Plainfield Art League will host a Fine Art Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to the visual arts there will be live music, food, beer tent and community activities.
MORE INFO: Visit the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation's website for other details and a full schedule of events.
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