Classic music, cars highlight Warrenville's Summer Daze

In Warrenville, Summer Daze means the sound of purring or revving engines during the day and live rock, country, jazz, blues, pop and soul bands at night.

The annual festival, in its 39th year, returns to the city's downtown Friday night and all day Saturday, Aug. 5 and 6.

New this year will be a performance by children's entertainer Jim Gill from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, said Karey Ross, marketing supervisor for Warrenville Park District, which is presenting the event in conjunction with the city and the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce.

Ross said last year's introduction of carnival rides went over so well that they'll be available again this year.

If the weather holds, the Warrenville Car Show will attract scores of auto buffs, including members of the Illinois Camaro Club and the American Iron Car Club.

“We had a big turnout last year; it was by far the biggest,” said Steve Bachorski, president of Countryside Customs, the Warrenville body shop that organizes the show.

Bachorski said about 150 cars were in the show last year.

“Weather is a big factor. Last year, it was a nice day. A lot of these cars are really, really nice. People don't want to risk it. For these kinds of cars, some people don't want them even getting wet,” he said.

To encourage last-minute participants, the show accepts registration from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday for a fee of $15. Preregistration is available through Friday for $10 per car.

The car show goes from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday near the corner of Butterfield and Batavia Roads.

Bachorski said about 10 judges will grade the cars, awarding plaques and trophies to the top three vehicles in each of 23 classes.

The festival also will feature food vendors, a beer tent, business booths and contests and games for children.

Entertainment and admission to Summer Daze and the Warrenville Car Show are free, Ross said.

The Friday main stage musical lineup includes performances by The Flat Cats, a Chicago jazz and blues band, and by American Idol finalist Gina Glocksen.

Ross said the 9:30 p.m. Friday headliner, ARRA, a Chicago area band that specializes in classic rock, has been booked after a previous Summer Daze performance by the band was canceled due to inclement weather.

“They are very popular on the festival circuit in the summer,” she said.

Saturday afternoon's main stage shows include a teen musician Battle of the Bands, with winners to perform at the Illinois State Fair, and a talent show. Second Hand Soul Band will take the stage in the evening, followed by country band Slamabama and headliners Bad Medicine, a Bon Jovi tribute band.

“It's a very high energy event. There are a lot of cars, a lot of bands,” said Jeff Remick, of Countryside Customs. “It's a great event for the family.”

Warrenville Summer Daze

<b>When:</b> 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, and 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6

<b>Where:</b> Downtown Warrenville, Butterfield and Batavia roads

<b>Admission:</b> Free

<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://warrenvilleparks.org">warrenvilleparks.org</a> and <a href="http://westerndupagechamber.com">westerndupagechamber.com</a>