News

Rose Festival celebrates 50th year with run, parade

Posted June 02, 2009 11:00 pm

By Elisabeth Mistretta

Roselle's 50th annual Rose Fest runs from June 4-7 at the village's Metra station lot at Irving Park Road and Maple Avenue. Daily Herald File Photo

As Roselle's annual Rose Festival marks its 50th year, the Lions Club members who organize it mark the time by looking at the faces of local residents.

"We are starting to see the children of some of the people who have been coming for years and, in some cases, the grandchildren," Roselle Lion John Barsanti said.

Organizers say the festival, which runs June 4-7, and the Rose Parade, set for Sunday, June 7, have both become part of Roselle's social fabric, a major reason they chose not to make any cutbacks this year.

Instead, the 50th annual Rose Festival will include its traditional carnival rides, bingo, food and free live music from returning favorites such as Howard and the White Boys.

The fest will conclude with the annual Rose Parade, as well as the Run for Roses Charity 5K to benefit the Tourette Syndrome Association.

"It's too important to the community and we want to continue it no matter what the economic times," Barsanti said.

The festival is also important to the Lions because it's the group's major fundraiser. With proceeds that often reach about $20,000, the Lions support programs for area residents who are hearing- or vision-impaired. They also donate to community groups like the Roselle Public Library and Stepping Stones, a domestic violence prevention organization.

Other community groups will also get a chance to be part of the fest Sunday as they strut their stuff during the Rose Parade. Gail Croson, director of the Roselle Chamber of Commerce, which presents the parade, said more than 90 units, including school Scout troops and the Lake Park High School marching band, will pass through town.

Of course, the 2009 Rose Queen and her court will float past the crowd, and a few groups are sure to pass out candy for children. Regional performers like the Jesse White Tumblers will also be on hand.

And leading the pack will be Sam Tornatore, the 2009 Roselle Chamber Business Person of the Year. Tornatore is a local attorney who retired this spring from his longtime post as a Roselle village trustee.

"His role as a trustee, his participation in the chamber and his involvement in other charitable organizations made Sam stand out in our eyes this year," Croson said.

But before reveling in the fun of the parade, many residents and visitors will get to work early Sunday morning for the Run for the Roses. The annual 5K attracts roughly 1,000 participants each year, who raise pledges to help the Tourette Syndrome Association.

Mark Mandel started the run more than a decade ago, and the event originally benefitted the American Cancer Society. But soon his daughter, then 7, was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and the run switched to the lesser-known cause.

"When my daughter was diagnosed, I'd only seen one TV show that had talked about it and there just wasn't the same awareness that there is today," Mandel said. "Now there is medication, support groups, more public awareness, research for a possible cure."

Mandel said runners should be proud they have helped such progress occur because the race generates between $10,000 to $20,000 annually.

This year's race activities will feature a children's run, a petting zoo and pony rides, food, and child care for parents who are racing. Mandel said the course is also runner-friendly, with wide paths and few turns.

"It's amazing how many people from the community come out," Mandel said. "But the race, and really the whole fest, offers something to every person."

The 2005 Rose Queen Kelly Reuter, right, along with court members Rachel Wallace and Teresa Cesario, during the annual Rose Parade in Roselle. The 2009 court will participate in this year's June 7 parade. Daily Herald File Photo

This year's Rose Festival entertainment features J.P. and the Cats, Hazzard County, Howard and the White Boys and The Volcanoes. Daily Herald File Photo

Rose Festival The festival runs from 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 4; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 5; noon to midnight Saturday, June 6; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Roselle Metra Station parking lot, Irving Park Road and Maple Avenue. Admission and parking are free. Call (630) 980-2000 or visit <a href="http://roselle.il.us" target="new">roselle.il.us</a>. THURSDAY 6 to 11 p.m. Carnival special, 10 rides for $15; food court 8 p.m. J.P. and the Cats perform in the beer garden FRIDAY 6 p.m. to midnight Carnival and food court 8 p.m. Hazard County performs in the beer garden SATURDAY Noon to midnight Carnival and food court Noon to 5 p.m. Carnival special, $20 per person for unlimited rides 1 to 5 p.m. Bingo 8 p.m. Howard and the White Boys performs in the beer garden SUNDAY 8 a.m. Run for the Roses 5K at the Clauss Recreation Center, 555 W. Bryn Mawr Noon to 10 p.m. Carnival and food court Noon to 5 p.m. Carnival special, $20 per person for unlimited rides 1 to 4 p.m. Bingo 2 p.m. Rose Parade steps off at Turner Park, 81 E. Devon 4:30 to 8 p.m. The Volcanoes perform in the beer garden

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