Rain doesn’t dim the fun at annual Cream of Wheaton

A few rain showers on Saturday afternoon didn’t keep the fun away during the four days of festivities for the Cream of Wheaton, hosted by the Wheaton Park District and Wheaton Chamber of Commerce.

The annual festival, which kicks off the summer season, featured live music in the band shell at Memorial Park, as well as a business expo, arts and crafters, beer tent, and a food vendor row on Karlskoga.

The four-day party kicked off Thursday in and around Memorial Park.

The festival opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the park and carnival rides along Liberty Drive.

Kids also could join in the fun with a balloon artist and a giant chalkboard, as well as the Lincoln Marsh and Sensory Garden Playground activities and giveaways.

Cosley Zoo, which is celebrating its 50 years this summer, kicked off the Saturday festivities with the annual Run for the Animals. About 280 runners participated in the 10K race with over 930 entries in the 5K race. Proceeds from the race help support the Wheaton zoo. For race results, go to www.athlinks.com/event/20707.