Food and entertainment draw crowds to Downtown Palatine Street Fest

Downtown Palatine Street Fest returns for its 18th year this weekend featuring live music, local cuisine, entertainment and activities. It is organized by the village of Palatine with help from nearly 300 volunteers.

Events kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 27.

The Daily Herald checked in with Deputy Village Manager Michael Jacobs to learn more about the festival.

Q. Where exactly does it take place? Can a visitor easily walk to all attractions?

Michael Jacobs. Street Fest is generally located between Slade Street and the railroad tracks (from Smith Street to Bothwell Street).

Q. How many visitors does the festival typically draw? How long does it take to set up beforehand and clean up afterward?

Jacobs. Attendance is typically estimated at a total of 30,000 people throughout the weekend. Setup begins on Wednesday and cleanup is completed by Monday.

Q. This year's entertainment includes Wedding Band, Hairbanger's Ball, Jack Higgins, Sister Hazel, Sean & Charlie, Hello Weekend, Jimmy Nick & Don't Tell Mama, Kevin Presbrey Band, 7th heaven, Suburban Cowboys, Hello Weekend, Brass Buckle Band, Ten Foot Tail and the Battle of the Bands winner. How are the bands chosen? Do you bring back favorites year after year, or try to get new ones each time?

Jacobs. The music acts are chosen based on a variety of factors, including availability, cost, and projected draw.

Q. What are some of the festival's biggest draws or visitors' favorite things about the festival?

Jacobs. I think that Street Fest draws visitors based the event's broad scope of activity. This includes music, food from Palatine restaurants, kids' zone activities, and community events (cycle and feet fest, pet parade, etc.) throughout the fest. The fest is a great way to expose our residents and surrounding communities to what downtown Palatine has to offer.

Q. Can you tell us a little about some of the festival's special events - Cyclefest, the Feet Fest 3K and Pet Parade? What activities are available for kids?

Jacobs. The Cyclefest is sponsored by the Bike Palatine Club and the park district manages Feet Fest. The Sweet Pea Pet Parade (sponsored by Foxglove Cottage and The Music Room) is a family-friendly event. In regard to kid activities, the Kids Zone provides a variety of interactive kid game during Saturday and Sunday. In addition, there are a variety of kid-appropriate performers in the Kid Zone throughout the event (visit the Street Fest website for details).

Q. Any last-minute tips for attendees - what to bring or not bring?

Jacobs. It is worth noting that dogs are not permitted (except during the pet parade) and no outside alcohol is allowed.

If you go

What: 18th annual Downtown Palatine Street Fest

When: 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 25; 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 26; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27

Where: Brockway and Slade streets, Palatine.

Admission: Free

Details: <a href="http://www.palatinestreetfest.com">www.palatinestreetfest.com</a>