Wood Dale Prairie Fest opens four-day run

Organizers of Wood Dale's Prairie Fest celebration, which opened its four-day run Thursday evening in Community Park, may want to consider changing the event's name.

Maybe something like the Wood Dale Prairie and Food Fest.

While this year's party includes plenty of carnival rides and musical acts, just like always, you can't help but be struck by all the available food. There are 11 vendors selling everything from hot dogs to deep-fried Oreos to gluten-free dishes and on every night but Saturday there will be a variety of food trucks, too. There's even a special food deal for Wood Dale residents, who, with their ID, can pick up a free food voucher worth $5 redeemable at any of the food vendors or trucks. The only thing the vouchers can't be used for is alcohol.

The fest continues from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday at the park, 655 N. Wood Dale Road. Admission and parking are both free. For details, visit wooddale.com.