Rides, bands, food and two fireworks shows highlight Glendale Heights Fest
Glendale Heights Fest, which opens Wednesday, July 9, and continues through Sunday, July 13, will be offering a new admissions pass this year so guests can enjoy unlimited rides during all five days of the festival.
The Mega Pass costs $70 and can be used from open to close Wednesday through Saturday, and from open to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
The card can only be purchased at the Glendale Heights Sports Hub through Tuesday, July 8.
The festival, held at Camera Park at 101 E. Fullerton Ave., offers carnival rides, games, live entertainment and loads of food options. One of the main attractions will be two fireworks shows - one on Wednesday and the other on Sunday.
"The fireworks show is probably the biggest attraction, it's one of the best ones around," Public Affairs Coordinator David Genty said.
A variety of food options will be available throughout the festival, including Dippin' Dots, Bojo's Food Service and Rosati's Pizza.
Friday will be the festival's country night, complete with mechanical bull rides. All proceeds from the attraction will go toward efforts to build a permanent food pantry building on the property of the Family In Faith Christian Church.
On Saturday, guests can show off their singing chops at the fifth annual Glendale Heights Idol contest. Registration for the competition has closed.
Crowds also will get to enjoy live entertainment during the festival, with bands such as 7th Heaven and Infinity performing.
Besides the Mega Pass, those who want to go on the carnival rides can buy one-day wristbands for unlimited rides on a specific day. Those who buy wristband vouchers through July 8 at village hall, the Center for Senior Citizens or the Sports Hub can get them for $20. After that, guests will have to pay $25 at the festival's ticket booths for the wristbands.
The wristbands can be used from 6 p.m. to closing time Wednesday through Friday, and from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Although admittance to the festival is free, some parts require tickets. Tickets are available for individual rides at the event. Guests who want to take on the "Speed" ride have to buy two additional tickets even if they have a wristband or Mega Pass.
The festival's hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday; 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday; 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday; and 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday.