Fast track to fun
It may not have played a huge part in securing South Elgin a place on Money magazine's recent list of the Top 100 places to live, but the RiverFest Express courses through the veins of South Elgin residents.
"It didn't play a huge part because the magazine didn't know how big the festival is," said Village President Jim Hansen. "But the festival is definitely part of South Elgin."
The 11th annual South Elgin RiverFest Express runs from today through Sunday at Panton Mill Park, which is on the west side of the Fox River just north of the State Street bridge, and surrounding areas
Other events will be held in SEBA Park and County Park, just across State Street. On Saturday and Sunday, the Fox River Trolley Museum opens for the Express element of the fest.
The festival hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
The festival started out as a celebration of the village's centennial in 1996.
"And everyone said, that was so much fun, we have to do it again,'" said Joyce Ware, who has been a RiverFest Express Committee member since that first festival. "It is a good way to end the summer."
That's especially true for school-aged children because classes begin two days later, Ware said.
And is also a great way to catch up with old friends and acquaintances, Hansen said.
"I think the people make the festival," Hansen said.
"For me, it is seeing people I have not seen in a long time or since the last Riverfest. I know people who plan their vacation around coming back for Riverfest."
As in years past, organizers say live music, the fireworks shows and carnival rides will feature prominently.
There's Rick Saucedo, the Elvis impersonator; Smokin' Gunz, a country/rock band; and New Invaders, a band that performs hits from the 1960s and 1970s.
A live band will close out each night of the festival.
"We have a few new bands this year; we don't have any repeats from last year," Hansen said.
"During the day, we have different things going on like a dance school performance and a karate school. There is something for everyone."
In addition to the live entertainment, the festival is hosting a craft show and small business expo from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at SEBA Park.
More than 50 vendors will be on hand to sell antiques and collectibles, as well as handmade jewelry and other flea market items at the craft show.
On Saturday and Sunday, "revheads" and other car enthusiasts will have a field day at the Emergency Vehicle and Annual Car Show at County Park, just north of the Fox Valley Trolley Museum on Route 31.
The emergency vehicle show is from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The car show Sunday features about 100 cars, trucks and motorcycles of all makes and models, Ware said.
Registration will be held between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m., in such categories as best in show.
Admission into the grounds is free. Unlimited ride specials are available from 6 to 10 p.m. today, and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, for $16.
For information call the RiverFest Express hotline at (847) 774-1151, or visit www.riverfestexpress.com.