advertisement

Prairie Fest seeks to satisfy every craving

If you're curious about whether deep-frying Oreo cookies improves upon their perfection, this year's Wood Dale Prairie Fest should be on your destination list.

Food vendors at the four-day festival, which runs Thursday to Sunday, July 27 to 30, have the typical festival fare covered - kettle corn, curly fries, cotton candy, corn dogs.

But there's also a selection of the unusual available from the festival's 11 vendors, including the aforementioned fried Oreos, deep-fried Twinkies, specialty grilled cheese sandwiches and pork chops on a stick.

Each night, except Saturday, food trucks also will be on-site, a new addition this year. Offerings will include cupcakes, sandwiches, ice cream and cheesecake pops.

There's even a truck that will offer gluten-free dishes, said Stacey Heckler, the city's Prairie Fest Committee staff liaison.

For Wood Dale residents, there's a special deal.

"We have free food vouchers worth $5," Heckler said.

Residents showing an ID will get one voucher each, redeemable at any of the food vendors or trucks at the festival, including food sellers on the carnival midway. Vouchers cannot be used for alcoholic beverages, which will be for sale in the form of beer and hard lemonade, Heckler said, served up by members of Tioga VFW Post 2149.

Heckler said the carnival has games and rides for both little tykes and older riders. Residents with an ID also can get a $10 discount on unlimited ride wristbands, regularly priced at $25, from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

The festival boasts a full musical entertainment schedule. Kashmir, a Led Zepplin tribute band, headlines at 9 p.m. Friday.

Saturday's lineup includes a 5:30 p.m. show featuring Modern Day Romeos, followed by Journey tribute band Infinity at 7:30 p.m. At 9:15, the festival presents its 20-minute fireworks show before Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band, takes the stage.

Sunday's music includes a 5:15 p.m. show featuring Anthem, a classic rock band, and an 8 p.m. show by 7th heaven.

Animal handler Jim Nesci will bring his coldblooded creatures show - featuring snakes, tortoises and Bubba the alligator - to the stage from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"It's pretty humorous when he tries to get Bubba back in the van and he doesn't want to go," Heckler said.

Visitors also will encounter clowns, balloon artists and face painters.

Heckler said between 12,000 and 15,000 visitors are expected to pack the grounds at Community Park, adjacent to Wood Dale Junior High School, over the extended weekend.

"It's a pretty big fest. People come from all over," Heckler said. "There's something for everyone to do."

  Whether you hanker for traditional fest fare or long for something more unusual, like deep-fried treats or meat on a stick, Wood Dale Prairie Fest's 11 restaurant vendors and the food trucks visiting most days will have a menu item that satisfies. Paul Michna/pmichna@dailyherald.com, AUGUST 2013
Jim Nesci brings Bubba the alligator and his coldblooded animal show to Wood Dale's Prairie Fest. Courtesy of Schaumburg Park District
Kashmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, headlines Prairie Fest on Friday. The weekend includes a lineup of tribute and cover bands. Courtesy of Frank Livingston

If you go

What: Wood Dale Prairie Fest

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 27 and 28; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 29; 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 30

Where: Community Park, 655 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale

Admission: Free; free parking

Info: wooddale.com

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.