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Mane Event block party kicks off Arlington Million festivities

Decisions, decisions.

As crowds flocked to downtown Arlington Heights Friday night for the annual Mane Event, the biggest dilemma was deciding which of the many restaurant and drink vendors to try first.

The traditional block party - which kicks off the festivities leading up to the Arlington Million Aug. 15 at Arlington Park - features live music all night and nearly two dozen food and drink booths.

And boy, what a feast: Grilled Ditka dogs and locker room cheeseburgers from Ditka's, grilled calamari and chicken wings from Carlos & Carlos, walking tacos and other Mexican offerings from Mago Grill and Cantina and more.

Between the restaurant booths, families could get freebies from about 50 local businesses promoting their services at an expo sponsored by the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.

"It's great exposure for our members," said Jon Ridler, chamber executive director. "We usually get nearly 8,000 people here tonight, and even more tomorrow, since it starts earlier."

The event also included some of the unexpected, such as miniature ponies from the equine therapy group Mane in Heaven and a drone flying overhead filming the bash for a future chamber video.

But food, music and mingling definitely drove the party.

Tom Bastable of Wheeling grabbed two dinner platters from Carlos & Carlos before taking his seat to hear the Meteors, an oldies band opening for the popular cover band, Mike and Joe.

"We have good restaurants in Wheeling, but this is a chance to try some of the ones in Arlington Heights," Bastable said.

Thomas Finch of Naperville and his son, Chris, said they come every year and are sure to pace themselves as they peruse the different booths.

Chris Finch started with a platter of Thai cuisine from Bangkok Café, while his father went for smoky barbecued ribs from Birch River Grill.

"We love the food," Chris Finch said. "It's become a family tradition to come every year."

Patrons eager to try the award-winning burgers from Cortland's Garage also had to be eager to wait in line. Cortland's, which already has a location in Bucktown, is set to open another in Arlington Heights later this month in the former Harry's.

Maggie and Joe O'Connor of Arlington Heights enjoyed their Cortland's burgers, which came topped with fried onions, bacon, avocado and cheese.

"We've been waiting for it to open," Joe O'Connor said. "Their burgers are amazing."

All of the same restaurants return Saturday for the Taste of Arlington, which runs noon to 11 p.m. at Vail and Campbell in downtown Arlington Heights. Among the entertainment options are the finals of the Suburban Chicago's Got Talent Contest, whose top 10 performers battle it out on stage, beginning at 2 p.m., as well as music by Stone Cold Cash, a Johnny Cash tribute band, at 5 p.m., SunFallen at 6:30 p.m. and 7th Heaven at 8:30 p.m.

For details and a schedule, visit vah.com

  Brody Glaser, 2, and his mom, Lauren, of Arlington Heights meet Lunar, a miniature horse, on Friday during The Mane Event in downtown Arlington Heights. Lunar is from the Lake in the Hills equine therapy group, Mane in Heaven. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  McDonald Dance Academy of Arlington Heights' Casey Gunther, 17, Grace Lannert, 15, and Mattie Stautzenbach, 15, all of Arlington Heights, hand out candy on behalf of McDonald Dance Academy Friday during The Mane Event in downtown Arlington Heights. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  Chris Finch of Naperville chows down on noodles and egg rolls Friday night during The Mane Event, Arlington Height's annual block party that kicks of festivities leading up to the Arlington Million at Arlington Park. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
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