Thousands expected at Maryville for Saturday's Sisterfest

Lots of towns have summer festivals, but only Des Plaines has Sisterfest.

"It's a wonderful family-oriented event," said event organizer Sister Clare Marie. "It's been a fundraiser for the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth for 12 years."

Sisterfest will bring antique cars, crafts, games, music, children's entertainment and picnic-style food to the grounds of Maryville Academy in Des Plaines from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Sister Clare Marie said about 5,000 people are expected to attend this year's festivities, built around an Olympic theme in a nod to the games beginning today in Beijing.

She credits volunteer spirit and cooperation from the City of Des Plaines for the festival's success.

"We have a wonderful relationship with our city," she said.

Volunteer coordinator Gerri Plotke said about 150 volunteers serve food and drink, hand out bingo cards and supervise kids' games.

Classic cars from the 1950s, along with antique and muscle cars, will be on display from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For visitors who want to do more than just look, there also will be radio-controlled car racing.

The Class of '68, a classic rock band, will take the stage from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by American English, a Beatles tribute band, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Then, it's Elvis impersonator Rick Saucedo from 8 to 10 p.m.

Bingo and other games of chance will be going on all day, as will a craft and bake sale. There will be a raffle with cash prizes and a tent full of silent auction items, many donated by the Carmelite Sisters who live nearby, Sister Clare Marie said.

And the "Children's Olympics" area will offer a moonwalk, an obstacle course, a swing ride and pony rides.

There's no admission charge and parking is free. Proceeds from the event will go to the sisters, part of an international apostolic congregation that first settled in Des Plaines upon their arrival in America.

"This year's funds are definitely for the benefit of retired sisters," and to help cover health care costs, Sister Clare Marie said.

The sisters won't be the only beneficiaries of Sisterfest. Visitors are asked to bring nonperishable food items to donate to the Self-Help Closet and Food Pantry of Des Plaines.