Streamwood Summer Celebration returns with parade, rides, music
More than 10,000 visitors are expected at Hoosier Grove Park this weekend for the 28th annual Streamwood Summer Celebration. This year’s theme is “Beneath the Paris Stars.”
Festival hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 26; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 27; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at 700 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Admission is free.
“Summer Celebration brings together residents, businesses, musicians, entertainers, restaurants, local organizations, and more for this three-day, family-friendly festival,” said Summer Celebration committee chair Bill Berquist in a news release.
“It’s a joy to see so many visitors enjoying the live performances, rides, games, bingo, the parade, golf outing, $1,000 raffle, and all the festival has to offer our community.”
Entertainment and rides
Enjoy free, live entertainment all weekend at the children’s stage and main stage. The main stage lineup on Friday includes the Jolly Ringwalds at 5:30 p.m. and American English at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, see the Jesse White Tumblers at 12:30 p.m., School of Rock at 1 p.m., Abby Kay Band at 3 p.m., Sealed with a Kiss at 5:30 p.m., and 7th heaven at 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, The Rosetones perform at 1 p.m., The Blooze Brothers at 2:30 p.m., and — new this year — Mike & Joe at 5:30 p.m.
Festgoers can take advantage of unlimited carnival rides for $27 from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Wristbands will be for sale at the carnival, which only accepts cash. An ATM will be on-site for guests. Cash, credit and debit cards are accepted elsewhere throughout the festival.
Food and drink
Food trucks and vendors will be on hand selling cold beverages and a choice of foods from festival classics, sweet treats, local favorites, and more such as rib-eye sliders and chicken satay. Vendors include: Aunt Tina's Sound Bites, Best in the West BBQ, Chai Asian Bistro, Churro Babes, Dairy Queen, Doggie Diner, Domino’s Pizza, GVS Italian Street Food, Kona Ice, Lee Concessions, My Cocina Grill, Rebecca’s Cakes by Design, RS Concessions, and Steady Hoggin BBQ.
Alcohol sales are available on-site for guests 21 and older; outside alcohol is not permitted.
Parade
At least 70 units will join the annual parade, which kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Streamwood Boulevard and Bartlett Road. The parade features musicians, dance troupes, performers, local businesses, organizations and more. Recipients of this year’s awards for Best Theme, Most Patriotic, Most Unusual Entry, Best Marchers, Best Club Group, Best Band Group, and Best Commercial or Non-Profit Floats will be announced on the main stage on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday evening. Award winners will also be recognized at a future Streamwood village board meeting. Drivers along Streamwood Boulevard, from Cypress Road to Madison, can expect temporary traffic delays and road closures and should seek alternate routes on Saturday morning.
Business Expo, volunteers
Visit with 30 local businesses at the Business Expo, say hello to festival sponsors, and pick up free giveaways. Kids can take advantage of a free arts and crafts area and visit with DARE officers.
“We thank all of them for generously supporting this event,” Berquist said. “It takes the generosity of over 100 volunteers, sponsors, and the community’s support to bring this event to life. It's a testament to our pride in being part of the Streamwood community.”
Summer Celebration is a joint effort between the Poplar Creek Library, Streamwood Park District, and the Village of Streamwood. Planning for the festival occurs nearly year-round and is overseen by the Summer Celebration Committee. Volunteers are welcome and can find opportunities at streamwoodsummercelebration.org, by calling (630) 736-3803, or emailing mayor@streamwood.org.
Parking
Parking at Hoosier Grove Park will be limited to vehicles with handicap placards and parking passes. Guests can use free shuttle buses, which leave every half hour from three convenient drop-off and pickup locations: the village hall, 300 E. Irving Park Road; Park Place, 550 S. Park Blvd.; and Hanover Countryside School, 6 S. Bartlett Road.
• Daily Herald intern Lucy Neumann contributed to this report.