Music fans can find their groove at Wood Dale's Prairie Fest
Boy band fans are not shy about letting their passion for the genre be known. And neither are fans of a local tribute band that embraces that musical style.
Since Wood Dale announced that The Boy Band Night - a band that covers hits by N' Sync, Backstreet Boys, New Kids, Boyz II Men and One Direction - will perform Friday, July 27, at this year's Prairie Fest, the concert event has been generating plenty of buzz, said Grant Paplauskas, Wood Dale's marketing and special events manager.
"I've seen a lot on social media, as well as people have been calling," Paplauskas said.
The Boy Band Night show begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed at 9:30 p.m. by Friday's headliners, The Ides of March with Jim Peterik, best known for the hit "Vehicle."
In its 18th year, Prairie Fest - Wood Dale's annual homage to summer on the Illinois grasslands - is presented by the city and features free admission, live music, food, carnival rides and games, and children's activities. The festivities start Thursday, July 26, and continue through Sunday, July 29.
Paplauskas said the musical schedule boasts several high-profile bands and quality local musical acts.
"We tried to get a much more diverse musical lineup this year so we have something that appeals to everyone," he said.
Rock from the '50s and '60s will take center stage at 8:45 p.m. Thursday when The Neverly Brothers perform.
Saturday's main act, The Buckinghams, brings its "Sunshine pop" music to the stage at 9:45 p.m., following the festival's 9:15 p.m. fireworks show. The pop group 7th heaven closes out the festival with a show at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Acts specializing in rock, country, and rhythm and blues dance music, along with several tribute bands, round out the entertainment bill.
To satisfy the hungry fest-goers, Prairie Fest will offer 10 food vendor tents and five food trucks with menu options including pizza, barbecue, tacos and ribs. And if you are a Wood Dale resident, you'll get to sample the festival food fare at a discount. The city is granting each resident a $5 food voucher, redeemable on Thursday at any of the vendors.
"That's kind of one way the city wants to give back," Paplauskas said.
Residents must show proof of residency and children must be accompanied by a parent to get in on the deal.
In addition to the special food deal, Thursday's Resident Appreciation Night will feature Lester the clown fashioning balloon art, face painters and a photo booth provided by the Wood Dale Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m.
Lester and the face painters will be back from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Bingo games will be going on from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Paplauskas said VFW Wood Dale Post 4129 members will be manning the beer tent.
The festival is in Community Park, 655 N. Wood Dale Road. Parking will be available on the west side of Wood Dale Road.
"The police department will be diverting traffic," Paplauskas said.
He said the event is for residents and for visitors to the community alike.
"We generally expect about 16,000 throughout the weekend. We're hoping to draw from other areas," he said. "And we're happy to give this to the community."
If you go
What: Wood Dale Prairie Fest
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 26 and 27; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 28; 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 29
Where: Community Park, 655 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale
Admission: Free
Info: wooddale.com/residents/special-events/prairie-fest