Festival of the Fox begins four-day run

The Festival of the Fox opened Thursday and put the former St. Charles Riverfest in the rear view mirror.

Event coordinator Vanessa Bell-LaSota rebranding of the festival after three decades was important so organizers created a more central festival that promoted the Fox River and the historic tradition of the city.

There are two venues: Pottawatomie Park with the dragon boat races, and the festival's carnival at Route 31 and Cedar Street.

This year marks the 25th running of the dragon boat races and the largest amount of competitors with 32 teams, according to Paul Wasylyszyn, coordinator of the event.

There will be 18 teams racing Saturday and 14 teams Sunday.

There will be plenty of entertainment throughout the festival, food, games and more.

The festival will offer a Special Families Event from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, which will include free rides and refreshments for special needs children and their families.

The fest is open noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, vist festivalofthefox.com.