Schaumburg's Septemberfest returns with parade, music and fireworks
As the pandemic eases, much of what was old is new again - and such is the case with Schaumburg's first full three-day Septemberfest since 2019, set for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5.
While Septemberfest had become a half-century tradition by the time of its COVID-related cancellation in 2020, almost every year featured some new aspect or event.
But for this year, "It's just really being back to full scale in a different world," Schaumburg Special Events Coordinator Roxane Benvenuti said.
A scaled-back, two-day version of Septemberfest was held last year, belatedly celebrating the event's 50th anniversary.
But because there was no parade on Labor Day last year, this year's theme for float decorations will be the golden anniversary. The parade will step off at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 5, and travel north on Summit Drive from Wise Road to the municipal grounds at 101 Schaumburg Court.
As always, Septemberfest is meant to be a time for visitors to forget their troubles and have a good time. But there are a few ways in which the realities of 2022 made themselves felt during the planning process - including the unavailability of a few favored restaurants for the Taste of Schaumburg. They didn't have the staff for both their regular locations and Septemberfest, Benvenuti said.
Nevertheless, this year's 19 participating restaurants are just below the normal range of 20 to 24.
"Luckily, we were able to secure a good number of restaurants," she said. "It's a very good variety of different kinds of food."
One of the ever-changing aspects of Septemberfest is the lineup of headlining musical acts on the main stage.
Tommy DeCarlo, vocalist for the band Boston, will perform from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3.
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder will take the main stage from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Experience starring Shawn Klush, Cody Ray Slaughter, the Nashville Dreams, the Ambassadors and the TCB Horns will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5.
Opening acts on the main stage include Rosie & The Rivets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and the Davenport Project from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday; Chicago's Own Piano Man Band from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and Radio Gaga from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday; and EZFM with Diva Montell from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 7th heaven from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Labor Day.
Other musical acts will play on the local stage, the craft beer and wine stage, and stroll the municipal grounds.
The returning arts and craft show will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
Fireworks are scheduled for approximately 10 p.m. on Sunday. The rain date will be 9 p.m. Monday.
Admission to the fest is free.