New attractions on tap for South Elgin Riverfest

Last summer, South Elgin was all ears as Radio Disney debuted at the village's Riverfest Express. This week, South Elgin will let freedom ring, as well as some cannons, in the 15th installment of this literal riverfest.

The South Elgin Riverfest Express returns to the Fox area this weekend, bringing along with it two new attractions: a Civil War re-enactment and the Freedom Express Museum.

The Civil War re-enactment is brought to life by Battery G-2nd Illinois Light Artillery, a local Civil War artillery unit. Anywhere from 20 to 30 people will be participating in this educational activity; the Civil War Reenactment Unit will be at County Park Friday through Sunday morning, said Special Events Committee Co-Chairwoman Joyce Ware.

“We wanted to bring something new, and the Civil War (commemorating its 150th anniversary) was stuck in my head,” Ware said.

The Freedom Express Museum, meanwhile, is a 45-foot mobile museum that focuses on the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, petition and the press will be showcased through various exhibits and interactive displays. It is an attraction that, added Ware, should remind visitors of the freedoms they all have, a greater significant with the approaching 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The rest of Riverfest Express will be similar to visitors. Food and beverages, live entertainment, car and craft shows, carnival rides and the Sunday night fireworks return. Radio Disney is back for an encore on Sunday. Unlimited carnival ride wristbands will be available, including the mega wristband package that is good for all four days.

Now in its 15th year, Ware said the festival shows no signs of slowing down. Riverfest Express is completely funded by third party donations and concessions, and hopes it won't need the help of the village of South Elgin anytime soon. Ware said organizers are proud of the fact the festival is self sustaining.

The South Elgin Riverfest Express runs Thursday through Sunday at Panton Mill Park, across from the South Elgin village hall. The Freedom Express Museum will be open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Municipal Annex parking lot. Admission is free; daily unlimited wristbands are $20 and mega wristbands are $60 for all four days.

For more information, visit riverfestexpress.net.

If you go

What: South Elgin Riverfest Express

When: Today, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Aug. 21. 5-10 p.m. today; 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-10 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St., South Elgin

Cost: Free admission; unlimited ride daily wristbands $20; mega wristbands good for all festival days $60

Details: Call the Riverfest Express hotline at (847) 774-1151 or visit <a href="http://riverfestexpress.net">riverfestexpress.net</a>