Heritage Fest comes to West Dundee

Timing is everything when it comes to Heritage Fest in West Dundee.

More than 10 years ago when organizers planned the first three-day festival, they decided to sandwich it between summer's unofficial end, Labor Day, and October's activities.

Instead of putting together another party in the heat and crush of summer, West Dundee officials and residents, the host and planners, agreed their festival would be more memorable if it was held in the middle of September.

The days are cooler; Friday night's fireworks display shine brighter over the Fox River, and Sunday's parade celebrates the homecoming of area high schools.

And if the weather is changeable and wet as it was one year, the insurance policy village officials buy will cover the costs of lost revenue for the break-even festival.

All this timing and planning is working because Fox Valley residents attend Heritage Fest in droves. Hundreds, if not thousands, drive and walk to West Dundee's riverfront and Cal Grafelman Park to hear music, eat food, browse for crafts and antiques, watch fireworks, eat chili or admire classic cars.

The attractions of this year's festival, which runs Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16-18, are too many to list, but they have been scheduled in the right place and — as past festivals have proved to be — the right time.

The fireworks begin at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16. The antique and craft fairs will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. Activities for children will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. The community breakfast will started at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, and the downtown parade will step off at 2 p.m. that same day.

They are also at the right price. Admission and many attractions are free.

“Heritage Fest has always been a family oriented event,” said West Dundee Village Manager Joseph Cavallaro. “We plan it so there is something for the entire family.”

And it seems like the entire village helps put it on.

Area merchants sponsor many of the events and dozens of residents volunteer to ensure they go smoothly.

To see the list and location of events, planners have created a website at wdundeeheritagefest.org.

If you go

What: West Dundee Heritage Fest

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16-18

Where: Downtown West Dundee; on South Second Street; in Cal Grafelman Park along Route 72; and along the riverwalk

Admission: Free

Details: wdundeeheritagefest.org; (847) 551-3800