Trifesta officials set to rival Chicago block party

In just its third year, St. Isidore Parish's annual Trifesta has already grown from a one-day celebration into a two-day "Block Party in the 'Burbs."

This year's party, which starts at 5 p.m. today, will include a 5K run/walk, a golf outing and a plethora of food, amusements and live entertainment.

Proceeds will benefit the St. Isidore Education Endowment Fund and painting and plaster repairs in the 87-year-old chapel.

"This year's annual party will be bigger, better, with more fun than ever before," chairwoman Lynne Denemark said. "This is not just a church event, it's for everyone all over the Chicago area."

For the first time, the party will include carnival rides, arcade games, food and beverage vendors and live music at the northeast corner of Army Trail Road and Gary Avenue. "Renaissance" and "Eleventh Hour" will perform at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., respectively.

"We've all been to (Chicago's) Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party and it's awesome," Parish Administrator Tom Norton said. "So we're just a bunch of Old St. Pat's wannabes and throw a great party for our community and neighbors."

Those that don't party too hearty on Friday may join the Rev. Felipe Legarreta in the 5K "Race To Grace" run/walk around Stratford Square Mall's circular road. Registration costs $20 and begins at 6:30 a.m. for the 7:30 a.m. race.

Norton said between 200 and 300 runners are expected to register, based on the run's popularity in recent years.

Also on Saturday morning, the Cassidy Tire Golf Outing, the third leg of the Trifesta, begins with a 7 a.m. registration at Indian Lakes Resort, 250 W. Schick Road. The shotgun start is scheduled for 8 a.m. The fee for golfers is $100 and includes a cart and lunch.

The day kicks back into party mode Saturday afternoon with the continuation of carnival rides, arcade games, food and beverage vendors and more live music on the main stage.

After 2:30 p.m., music will rule the day, starting with a teen battle of the bands that runs through 5 p.m.

Thunder Road, a Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp tribute band, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Denny Diamond takes the stage in a tribute to Neil Diamond at 7:30 p.m.

The Beatles tribute group Liverpool Legends begins its show at 8:15 p.m. on the main stage in a show Denemark said will "take the audience from the time of the Ed Sullivan Show through the psychedelic Sgt. Pepper era, and on to Abby Road."

"The Liverpool Legends are very famous and we're expecting they'll help us broaden our reach into the community," Norton said. "They're going to ensure it's a great party."

For more information on all the events, call (630)-529-3045 or check out the Web site at www.stisidoreparish.org. Register at the Web site for the golf outing, 5K run/walk, and to purchase raffle tickets.