Two fireworks shows highlight Glendale Heights Fest

David Genty grew up in Elmhurst, but even back then he heard tales about the fireworks shows that have long been an integral part of Glendale Heights Fest.

Now that he's the public affairs coordinator for Glendale Heights, he has an up-close view of how much pride the village takes in its annual mid-July display of pyrotechnics.

“They're the best fireworks in the Western suburbs,” he said, “with a great reputation in DuPage County and Chicago.”

The festival, which opens Wednesday night and continues through Sunday at Camera Park, 101 E Fullerton Ave., features two fireworks shows: the first is at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and the second, and largest, closes the party at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

On Sunday, the village closes several streets to accommodate the large crowds, said Rebecca Tybor, executive secretary for the mayor and village board.

“The fireworks are amazing,” she said.

For those who prefer to keep their eyes on the ground, the fest also will offer plenty of music, games, carnival rides and food.

In the wake of recent unrest across the country, officials say there will be heightened security at this year's fest, with a fence around the grounds and security personnel checking bags of all who enter. It's the first time organizers have implemented such measures.

Once inside, though, the emphasis will, as always, be on fun.

Friday, for example, will be Country Night, complete with a mechanical bull.

“Glendale Heights seems to be a rock 'n' roll town, and everybody loves to come out and see the rock bands,” Tybor said. “So one member asked, why don't we try Country Night?”

Along with being one of the festival's bigger draws, Country Night also helps the Family in Faith Christian Church raise money to build a food pantry. Proceeds from the mechanical bull ride will go toward that cause.

The church originally hosted a monthly mobile food pantry from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, but decided to start raising funds to build a permanent pantry on its property.

The Rev. Steve Kass said the church has raised about $161,000 so far, but still needs about another $17,000 to finish everything before building starts on Sunday, July 24. Proceeds from the bull rides and the church's booth selling fresh-roasted sweet corn will be a big help.

While Country Night attracts plenty of country music fans, rockers won't be disappointed either, with bands such as Heart to Heartbreaker and Green 13 scheduled to perform over the weekend.