Schaumburg’s Septemberfest brings big crowds
Hot, humid temperatures and the threat of thunderstorms didn’t deter people from the grounds of Schaumburg’s Septemberfest Saturday.
Huge crowds were on hand for summer’s last hurrah that runs through Monday on Schaumburg Road at Summit Drive.
Carnival rides, the Taste of Schaumburg and an arts and crafts fair were all bustling with business during the first day of the festival.
About 250 exhibitors participated in the arts and crafts fair that runs through Monday. The isles of the show were crowded with shoppers, many sporting umbrellas when the skies grew dark during the afternoon.
“There are a lot of people here, and they are all sweating profusely,” said Bob Donnelly, who assists his wife, Patsy, in a bottle art business.
Crafters sold everything from fall Halloween decor to Christmas ornaments to furniture.
“This is always a great show,” said Susan Baird of Lake in the Hills while shopping with Streamwood friend Kim Williams. “It’s fabulous. We’ve been coming here for years,” Williams said.
A group of former high school friends who now live across the country were holding a girls weekend in the area and stopped to take in the summer festival.
“We’re enjoying the day and all the things going on here,” said Carol Edgcomb of Murrieta, Calif. Shopping at the craft event, Brenda O’Donell of Ottawa, Ill., said there were handmade items that she had never seen anywhere else.
When it came to making sales, the smaller ticket items seemed to do better than the larger items Saturday.
“Sales have been slow. But that is to be expected with the economy,” said Kathy Ticha who sold wood furniture pieces. “We’re just hoping the rain stays away until the end of the show Monday,” she said.
Many events are planned for the remainder of the fest, including fireworks at 10 p.m. Sunday and a parade at 10 a.m. Monday.
Since 1970, Septemberfest has become a family tradition, organizers say. An array of entertainment is planned, from local dance troupes to 7th Heaven performing Monday from 7:30 to 9 p.m.