Mt. Prospect festival proves popular with families

Ali Georgacakis and her family waited with nearly 60 people for the ticket booths to open Saturday afternoon at the Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival.

With the $20 wristbands, Georgacakis, of Mount Prospect, her husband, Justin, and sons Cheydon, 5, Everett, 3, and Declan, 2, could enjoy unlimited rides all afternoon. The relatively sparse crowd and a temperature in the low 80s added to the family-friendly atmosphere.

“We came over the other night for the fireworks and it was packed,” Georgacakis said. “So we were like, ‘Yeah, we’ll come during the day.’”

Kristin Hahn of Mount Prospect came to the festival, now in its 75th year, with her daughter, Marin, 4, as well as two of her friends and their young daughters.

“We love to support our local community, and the festivals that take place in Mount Prospect,” Hahn said. “It’s just been a wonderful way to celebrate the Fourth of July.”

Her group received $2 discounts on each of the wristbands by donating canned goods and bringing coupons.

“They’re having as much fun as they can possibly soak up in four hours,” Hahn said.

Saturday’s festival included the Lion’s Paw Charity Car Show featuring 49 antique and custom vehicles.

Yurii Skorin of Arlington Heights was among those viewing the cars. Among his favorites was a 1965 Chevy Impala similar to one his father owned.

“I like to see all these beautiful old cars,” Skorin said. “I like all the ones from the '50s. These shows are just great.”