Elk Grove Rotary Fest returns with rides, fireworks … and a wrestling match

A classic summer festival with carnival rides, live music, food and drinks returns this week to Elk Grove Village.

Elk Grove Rotary Fest will be open from 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 16-17; 6-11 p.m. Friday, July 18; 2-11 p.m. Saturday, July 19; and 2-9 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. Admission is free. For more information, visit elkgroverotaryfest.com.

A highlight of this year’s festival will be a live wrestling match from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 19, in which Mayor Craig Johnson is expected to participate. The seven-term mayor is a former high school wrestling coach. The winner will be crowned the Elk Grove Wrestling Champion and take home a commemorative belt.

Here’s a look at the festival schedule each day.

Wednesday, July 16

On Wednesday, the carnival rides will be up and running from 6 to 10:30 p.m. A variety of unlimited ride wristbands are available for purchase.

Thursday, July 17

The carnival returns on Thursday from 6 to 10:30 p.m. as the rest of the fest gets underway. A concert by O.A.R., part of the village’s Mid-Summer Classic Concert Series, takes place at 8 p.m., followed by a drone light show.

Friday, July 18

The carnival and festival continue from 6-11 p.m. Friday. Prime Time Racing, featuring cars nearly 2 feet long racing around a giant 28-foot-long banked oval speedway, takes place from 6-9 p.m. Chicago-based disco/funk tribute band The Disco Circus is scheduled to play from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., followed by Radio Gaga from 9-11 p.m. Outside food and drink are not permitted on Friday and Saturday.

Saturday, July 19

In addition to the wresting match at 2 p.m. and Prime Time Racing from 2-10 p.m., three bands are scheduled to play: the Rob Post Band featuring Jim Cunningham at 4 p.m.; iPop at 6:45 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 9:30 p.m. There will be a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Sunday, July 20

Carnival rides will be open from 2-9 p.m.