Riverfest reflects spirit of Eunice Shriver

With the recent death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, much has been made of her role in founding the Special Olympics.

And rightly so.

Reading obituaries and watching television coverage reminded me a bit of South Elgin's 13th annual Riverfest Express last week.

The festival, held at Panton Mill Park, ran from Thursday through Sunday.

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, organizers hosted "A Special Night for Special Kids."

The three-hour event opened up the festival's music, food and rides for free to children with special needs and their families.

The event has won the Governor's Home Town Award and hundreds were expected this time around.

The event was sponsored by local businesses. Some of them included: Just Face It; Windy City Amusements; South Elgin's Public Works Department and Parks and Recreation Department; Kane County Gearheads; Richie's Restaurant; Lee's Concessions; Culver's; the South Elgin Lions Club; Greek Delight; El Sombererito; the village's fire department auxiliary; Suzie's Fun Foods; Strawberry Patch; Music Education Center and former Chicago Bear Steve McMichael.

South Elgin isn't the only town that has a day set aside for the disabled.

Years ago, I covered a similar event at West Chicago's Railroad Days for the Daily Herald.

The event was very poignant. The kids were obviously excited and parents were touched by the city's generosity.

We all can't make a permanent and public mark like Shriver by founding an institution like the Special Olympics.

But it is refreshing and uplifting to see suburbanites caring for one another in her spirit.

To volunteer or register for next year's event, call (847) 774-1151.