Performing and visual arts highlight Fox Valley festivals
The arts will be showcased this summer in the Fox Valley, with several festivals and fairs centered around the performing and visual arts.
But those who would rather just take in a carnival ride, eat some barbecue or corn on the cob and watch a parade won’t be left wanting.
Here is a look at some of our picks for summer 2012.
Geneva Midsommar Festival Swedish Days
When: Tuesday-Sunday, June 19-24, hours to be determined
Where: 8 S. Third St., Geneva
Admission: Free
Details: genevachamber.com
Geneva’s Swedish Days is one of the biggest festivals in the Fox Valley, drawing thousands of visitors to the city. The six-day celebration of all things Swedish — and some things just plain American — includes a parade, a carnival, food, music, and children’s games.
On the last day of the festival, some 110 parade units march along streets lined with over 60,000 spectators.
Visitors can experience Nordic culture through activities such as rosemaling, a style of decorative painting.
The Geneva’s Got Talent competition will offer performers a chance to get onstage — and you don’t have to be a Geneva resident to enter. The Granquist Music Competition will also take place during the festival.
Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Ribfest
When: 4:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 5-6; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 7; 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 8
Where: Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills
Admission: $5 adults, free for ages 12 and younger
Details: lithribfest.com
With Ribfest, the name says it all.
Be sure to bring wet wipes and something to sit on — along a hearty appetite. Barbecue vendors include Mojo’s BBQ, Pigfoot, Armadillos, Texas Outlaws, Aussom Aussie, Uncle Bub’s, Smokin’ Joes and Chicago BBQ Company.
When you’ve had your fill of grilled meats, check out other favorites like funnel cakes, homemade lemonade, roasted corn and more.
Set up your tent or chair and catch a show; scheduled bands include Arra, Svengoolie, Hot Rocks, 7th Heaven, Fran Cosmo (former lead singer of Boston), Separate Ways and Saturday headliner Foghat. A car show will round out the event.
Kaleidoscope/Art and Soul on the Fox
When: Friday-Sunday, July 27-29; hours to be determined
Where: DuPage Court and S. Grove Avenue, downtown Elgin
Admission: Free
Details: cityofelgin.org
In 2011, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission introduced Kaleidoscope, which showcased Elgin’s musical talent on DuPage Court. This year the city is combining the music festival with Walkabout and Art For All’s Art and Soul on the Fox, creating a weekend full of art, theater and music in the heart of downtown.
Art and Soul on the Fox is an annual juried art fair which featured 80 artists last year.
“Walkabout: Theater on Your Feet” will feature a walking tour of plays performed in nontraditional spaces throughout downtown Elgin.
Art in Your Eye Fine Art Show and Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5
Where: 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia
Admission: Free
Details: artinyoureye.com
“Art to see, art to try, art to buy” is the theme of the eighth Art in Your Eye Fine Art Show and Festival held along the Riverwalk in Batavia.
In addition to an outdoor fine art show with more than 75 artists from around the country, there will be an indoor city hall exhibit, featuring juried work by local artists and work by local students. Children can create their own masterpieces in the Children’s Art Tent east of the Peg Bond Center.
Artists from Water Street Studios will hold demos and “try-its” on the plaza.
“Art of Spoken Words,” sponsored by the Batavia Arts Council, will feature poet Barbara Perry of “Fresh-Squeezed Poetry.” She will create on-the-spot personal poems from prompts from the festival attendees.
There will be continuous musical entertainment at the Art in Your Ear stage at the Peg Bond Center, and plenty of food vendors.
“Bulldogs Unleashed,” a special video about the making of the bulldogs, will be shown at city hall. There will be a walking tour of the bulldogs project around Batavia.