Pride of the Fox Riverfest returns to St. Charles
Downtown St. Charles will transform into party central this weekend, as the Pride of the Fox Riverfest makes its triumphant return to the city.
The festival, held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, is under new management this year, as two local volunteers, Julie Farris and Jon Olson, have stepped up to take the reigns from former director Joy Meierhans of Elburn.
Farris believes the event is unique due to the many options it holds for attendees.
"We offer something for everybody," Farris said. "We work hard to make sure there's activities for every person in your family.
"When you have something this special, you need to make sure it stays, doing whatever it takes to keep it," she said.
The focus for the festival is to promote locality. Farris said she is very proud to say that the local community has really been coming out in force to help organize and support the festival.
"We realized early on that we wanted this to be 100 percent volunteers, but soon knew that it wasn't possible," Farris said. "With something this size, we needed to bring some people who were paid and experts in the field, but we were able to retain many of the sponsors, coordinators and companies that have helped us in the past."
Although the 100 percent goal for local business participation was not met either, Farris said she was happy to announce that around 50 percent of businesses participating are from the St. Charles area.
Local businesses who were not able to host a tent were also encouraged to post signage in and around their location promoting the event and any specials that could be related to the event.
"We essentially encouraged them to take advantage of the 60,000 or so individuals who come into town for the festival, showcase what you have," Farris said.
Make sure you come hungry. Turkey legs, cheeseburgers, lemon shake-ups, ice cream and snow cones will be some of the many culinary treats offered at the festival.
The always popular dragon boat races will return to the Fox River as well, and races are scheduled at various times throughout the weekend.
Although it is not directly affiliated with the festival, the first rugby tournament will be held the same weekend at Thompson Middle School.
Farris said she was contacted by group officials who expressed interest in working together to help promote the tournament. She said after talking with the group and learning more information about the tournament, she agreed to help.
"It is very cool. I learned a lot about rugby, and we are very excited to help them promote it," she said.
No official schedule has been released for the tournament, but one is expected to be completed and posted on site during the weekend.
Shuttles from downtown St. Charles will be available to those interested in watching the tournament.
If you goWhat: Pride of the Fox RiverfestWhen: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 11 through Sunday, June 13 Where: Pottawatomie Park, downtown St. CharlesCost: Free admission; other costs varyDetails: (630) 621-8520 or visit prideofthefox.comTrue20001312Lizzy Hynes of St. Charles rises the flag after taking first place in the second heat of the Dragon Boat Racing competition during the "Pride of the Fox Riverfest" in St. Charles last year.Daily Herald file photo, 2009True <div class="infoBox"><h1>More Coverage</h1><div class="infoBoxContent"><div class="infoArea"><h2>Stories</h2><ul class="links"><li><a href="/story/?id=386325">'Vettes, classics cars part of Riverfest <span class="date">[06/08/10]</span></a></li><li><a href="/story/?id=386323">Pet show, demonstration at RiverFest <span class="date">[06/08/10]</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div>