Bloomingdale’s Septemberfest celebrates 40 years of fun
While other festivals have come and gone in Bloomingdale, Septemberfest endures.
Even a cancellation in 2010 caused by budgetary constraints couldn’t stop the tradition from returning the very next year. On Saturday, Sept. 7, Septemberfest will mark its 40th anniversary of bringing residents together for an end-of-summer gathering.
“It’s the longest-running festival in Bloomingdale,” said Bill Wolff, chairman of the village’s Septemberfest Commission. “There have been other fests, but nothing has lasted like Septemberfest.”
About 4,000 to 5,000 people are expected to attend this year’s one-day festival, which will bring food and craft vendors, entertainment and a car show to Old Town, near the intersection of Lake Street and Bloomingdale Road.
Saturday’s festivities will begin with a parade that steps off at 11 a.m. from DuJardin Elementary School, 166 S. Euclid Ave. About 35 parade entries will head north on Euclid, then west on Schick Road and north on Third Street.
In addition to fire department vehicles, classic cars and floats, the procession will include members of the West Suburban Shrine Club riding around in colorful little cars.
“The kids love that,” said Susan Lancaster, who oversaw the parade planning.
Lancaster said the parade is popular, in part, because of the sweet treats participants toss to the crowds during the march to Old Town Park.
“They throw a lot of candy, which is generally a good way to get kids to show up for your event,” she said.
At noon, Mayor Franco Coladipietro and Bloomingdale VFW members will lead the festival’s opening ceremony. The troops will be honored and the national anthem will be performed at 12:15 p.m.
Starting at 12:45 p.m., there will be performances by Bloomingdale Gymnastics Center, Dance Xplosion, Center Stage Dance Studio and more. D.J. Tony “Slammin” Keas will provide music until Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones takes the stage at 3 p.m.
In addition, the winner of the Bloomingdale Park District’s “Bloomingdale’s Got Talent” competition is scheduled to perform from 5:15 to 5:30 p.m.
A car show is planned for 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the parking lot next to Rooster’s Barn and Grill, 122 W. Lake St. There also will be a large number of craft exhibitors and vendors.
For those with an appetite, 16 food vendors will be selling everything from pizza and hamburgers to ice cream and caramel corn.
“If you can’t find something you like there, you’re not going to find it anywhere,” said Vivi Frumkin, who handled the vendor booth applications.
The festival concludes with a performance from 7 to 10 p.m. by Hi Infidelity, a 1980s cover band.
But first, recipients of the Joe Draghi scholarships will be recognized at 5:30 p.m. Wolff said he believes the money Septemberfest has raised through the years for scholarships is one reason the festival continues.
“I think most of the community really enjoys that aspect of it,” he said.
If you go
What: Bloomingdales Septemberfest
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7; parade begins at 11 a.m.
Where: Old Town, near Lake Street and Bloomingdale Road
Cost: Free admission
Info: villageofbloomingdale.org