Bring the family out for Des Plaines Fall Fest
The family-friendly Des Plaines Fall Fest is back for its eighth year this weekend with more to do and see than ever at Lake Park, 2200 Lee St.
Kids of all ages can forget their cares and enjoy the last rays of summer as they ride a giant Ferris wheel or a gentle pony, chow down on a corn dog, or test their speed-eating skills in the traditional cherry pie contest Sept. 16-18.
The festival takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. It features free admission, free parking and free concerts everyday.
The event was created by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, the Des Plaines History Center and the Des Plaines Park District. The lead sponsor is Rivers Casino.
Fall Fest features a carnival with more than a dozen rides, a special kids midway, booths and games, and carnival food.
The KidZone! from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday has pony rides, face painting, special kids entertainment, a craft tent, an interactive PlayZone, and a family photo area staffed by the Des Plaines Camera Club. Kids will enjoy magic, music and singalongs, a reptile show, kids Zumba fitness dancing and other activities.
At the History Center's Country Fair Tent, you can make a corn husk doll, talk to costumed historical re-enactors and see the history of Des Plaines unfold in detailed displays. Local and area restaurants will be featured in a food court by the main stage.
From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, unlimited carnival rides are $20, and on Sunday, the carnival will stay open until 8 p.m. From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, kids can participate in the free Lake Opeka Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Des Plaines Friends of the Parks and Des Plaines VFW Post 2992.
Adults can compete for cash prizes in the bags tournament at 7 p.m. Saturday. There's a custom car show from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday featuring classic cars, antiques, American muscle cars and hot rods. Registration is on-site from 10 a.m. to noon and trophies are awarded for Best in Class and Best in Show.
Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 7 p.m., the Open Air Market will host a variety of specialty booths with many unique and handmade items.
The entertainment lineup includes American English and ARRA on Friday; American Idol finalist the Gina Glocksen Band, Heartache Tonight and Semple on Saturday; and Hillbilly Rockstarz and 7th Heaven on Sunday.
More information is at www.FallFestDesPlaines.com.
Main stage entertainment
FRIDAY
6:30 p.m. American English, Beatles tribute band
9 p.m. ARRA, classic rock cover band
SATURDAY
12 p.m. Sol Azteca Folkloric Ensemble (SAFE), from Saint Stephen Protomartyr parish
2 p.m. The Stingrays, rock 'n roll from the '50s, '60s and 70s
4 p.m. Gina Glocksen Band, 9th place in 6th season of "American Idol"
6:30 p.m. Heartache Tonight, Eagles tribute band
9 p.m. SEMPLE, '70s rock to modern pop and everything in between
SUNDAY
12:30 p.m. Artistry in Motion, award-winning Des Plaines dance company
2:30 p.m. Hillbilly Rock Starz, country music hits and classic favorites
5 p.m. 7th Heaven, known for "30 Songs in 30 Minutes" medley from the '70s and '80s