Wood Dale’s summer heats up with Prairie Fest
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Wood Dale's Prairie Fest opens tonight in the Town Square at Commercial Street and Wood Dale Road and continues through Sunday. Daily Herald file photo |
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Wood Dale residents can snap up discounted ride tickets for the carnival that opens Thursday and runs through Sunday as part of the town's annual Prairie Fest celebration. Daily Herald file photo |
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Organizers are hoping for sunny skies and moderate temperatures this weekend for the annual Wood Dale Prairie Fest celebration. Daily Herald file photo |
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Eagles tribute band Heartache Tonight performs Saturday at the Wood Dale Prairie Fest celebration. DuPage file photo |
Between the storms, power outages and excessive heat — it's been a long, hot summer in these parts.
The Wood Dale City Council knows full well how tough it has been and plans to honor its residents with free food and discounted carnival rides on opening night of the annual Wood Dale Prairie Fest celebration.
The party opens at 6 p.m. Thursday and runs through Sunday, Aug. 12, in the Town Square at Commercial Street and Wood Dale Road offering bands, fireworks, food and a carnival.
"We know the residents had a rough summer with extended power outages," City Manager Jeff Murmuys said. "We're trying our best to do what we can, but we can't go out and turn the power on — that's ComEd."
Thousands of residents lost power for as many as four days at the beginning of July during a particularly hot stretch of summer. Some have lost power three times just in the past month or so.
"We just tried to make the best of it," Murmuys said. "We want them to know they're appreciated and let's move forward and have a fun time at the event."
Each person with proof of residency gets a free food voucher for every member of their family to use at any of the food vendors.
They'll also have the opportunity to purchase discounted unlimited carnival rides from 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday for $10. For nonresidents, unlimited rides that night are $20.
A Mega Pass wristband good for unlimited rides throughout the duration of Prairie Fest can be purchased for $50 at city hall, the park district and online.
Friday's main stage entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. with AC-DC tribute band Down/Pour, followed by Mr. Blotto Presents a Night of Pink Floyd.
On Saturday, performances begin at 1 p.m. with Audio Anarchy, followed by a Radio Disney Performance, Rock Star Rodeo, Heartache Tonight, Jimmie Vanzant and Modern Day Romeos.
Fireworks take place Saturday night behind the main stage.
On Sunday, catch JakTripper, In Session, American English and Seventh Heaven.
Food items range from deep fried Twinkies and Oreos to blooming onions, lemon shake-ups, pulled pork, chopped brisket, brats, burgers and dogs, burritos, tacos and pizza slices.
Patrons can play bingo from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Bingo Tent or catch the Cold Blooded Creatures show — including an alligator — from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
There's no admission or parking fees for the festival. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
For details, visit wooddale.com.
