Augustfest opens in Des Plaines

The image of the Ferris wheel rising from the grounds of St. Zachary Church in Des Plaines can mean only one thing: Augustfest is back.

Now in its 26th year, Augustfest opened Thursday to the delight of young families who descended on the carnival, teens and their friends who came to hang out, and adults of all ages looking to soak up some summertime fun.

The festival continues from 6 p.m. to midnight today, 1 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $3, except for 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, when admission is free.

A map is included inside the festival booklet - and for good reason. The entertainment venues stretch from across the church parking lot fields to inside its school and new gymnasium.

Beyond the rides and games, patrons will find a craft fair, classic car show, casino and bingo game also built into the fest over the weekend.

As far as music, "Mike and Joe" opened the main stage on Thursday, but upcoming acts include the Blooze Brothers at 9 p.m. today and 7th Heaven at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Smaller acts play on the stage inside the dining tent.

Mark and Danielle Schreiber of Palatine headed for the food pavilion first on Thursday, sharing a meal that started with stuffed mushrooms and stuffed artichokes as appetizers and led to freshly picked sweet corn, a plate of roasted chicken and a slice of pizza, all from the local vendors on hand.

"Fresh, buttery goodness," Mark Schreiber declared after finishing the corn. "This is our first time here. We came for the music - and the food."

Parishioners run many of the raffle and game booths and prepare some of the food offerings, under the auspices of "Zak's Kitchen."

"It's a huge endeavor and all-volunteer run," said Angie Lucchesi-Wundsam of Mount Prospect, committee co-chair, "but we love doing it. We do it for the community. We love gathering people together."

Alison Doherty of Des Plaines was one of many former St. Zachary students to return. Now married and a teacher, she comes every year.

"You're guaranteed to see someone you know," Doherty said. "It's a great time to catch up with people."

A group of Elk Grove High School juniors agreed, adding that the festival offered a great chance to "hang out."

"It's a fun time," said Amanda Volkamer, 16, of Elk Grove Village. "It's a summer thing to do."