Carnival rides, Foreigner concert highlight Elk Grove Rotary Fest’s 40th
Music has always been an important part of Elk Grove Rotary Fest, which began in 1986 with Chubby Checker as the inaugural featured performer. The festival returns this week with nationally recognized bands Thursday through Saturday, including Foreigner.
Festival hours are 6-10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16; 6-11 p.m. Friday, July 17; 2-11 p.m. Saturday, July 18; and 2-8 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy carnival rides and games, food and drinks and a fireworks show. On Sunday, only the carnival is open. Admission is free, and details are available at elkgroverotaryfest.com.
We checked with Amie Granger, RotaryFest committee chair, to get an idea of what festgoers can expect this year.
Q. What is new or different at this year's festival?
A. This year, we're excited to introduce Family Day on Saturday, July 18, from 2-4 p.m., creating even more opportunities for families to enjoy RotaryFest together.
The afternoon will feature free activities for children and families, including lawn games, interactive activities, bubble fun from 2-3 p.m., and a foam party from 3-4 p.m. Community organizations and local vendors will also be on-site to share information about their programs and services.
While all Family Day activities are free, a variety of food vendors and the adult beverage tent will be open throughout the afternoon, with food and beverages available for purchase.
Another exciting addition this year is the opportunity to see two nationally recognized bands as part of the Elk Grove Village Mid-Summer Classics Concert Series, held in conjunction with Elk Grove RotaryFest. Fitz and The Tantrums will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by Foreigner at 8 p.m. Friday. Festivalgoers can enjoy RotaryFest's food vendors and adult beverage tent throughout the evening.
Q. How do you choose the different bands that play, the food vendors and activities? Do you like to feature new choices each year or stick with the tried and true?
A. One of the things that makes RotaryFest special is finding the right balance between longtime favorites and new experiences. We have several food vendors that have been part of the festival for many years because attendees look forward to seeing them each summer. At the same time, we enjoy introducing new vendors to keep the festival fresh and give guests something new to try.
This year, we have 12 food vendors, offering a mix of longtime favorites and newer additions. We're excited to welcome Pies of London and Frozen Dreamz to the RotaryFest lineup for the first time. Doctor Dogs and Midwest Smoke Barbecue, which joined the festival last year, are also returning after receiving a great response from attendees.
The Elk Grove Village Firefighters Association has been a longtime RotaryFest participant, serving roasted corn as a fundraiser to support local community organizations.
We take a similar approach when selecting entertainment. We strive to offer a combination of returning audience favorites and new performers while choosing bands that appeal to our community and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for festivalgoers of all ages.
Q. How many volunteers does it take to put on the fest?
A. RotaryFest is a true community effort that takes months of planning and the dedication of dozens of volunteers to make it a success. Planning for each year's festival begins almost immediately after the previous one ends, with Rotary Club and committee members working year-round to coordinate every detail.
Our volunteers include Rotary Club members, their family and friends, representatives from local community organizations, and community members who generously donate their time.
Throughout the festival, more than 50 volunteers help with everything from event setup and tear down to serving in the adult beverage tent, selling beverage tickets, assisting guests, and keeping the festival running smoothly.
Q. Do you have any tips for how festgoers can have their best experience at the event?
A. To make the most of your RotaryFest experience, we recommend bringing your own lawn chairs, as seating is limited. Arriving early is also a great idea, especially if you're planning to enjoy the live music or want convenient parking.
This year, festivalgoers can enjoy an extra treat on Friday evening. Following the concert, the village's fireworks display will be visible from Rotary Green, allowing guests to watch the fireworks from the same spot where they enjoyed the live music.
Rotary Green is the place to enjoy live music, great food, and the adult beverage tent on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, while the carnival at Elk Grove High School runs through Sunday with rides and games for all ages. Visiting both locations is the best way to experience everything RotaryFest has to offer.
Q. What charities does the festival support?
A. One of the best things about RotaryFest is that it's free to attend. While there is no admission fee, proceeds from the festival — including sponsorships, adult beverage sales, and carnival ticket sales — help the Rotary Club give back to the community throughout the year.
Thanks to the support of festival attendees, sponsors, and volunteers, the Rotary Club is able to support a wide range of local organizations and initiatives that strengthen our community. Beneficiaries include organizations such as PADS, Mother's Milk Bank, Shelter Inc., WINGS, and Fellowship Housing, among many others.
The Rotary Club also promotes literacy by donating more than 3,000 books each year to local children and invests in the next generation by awarding three $5,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Elk Grove High School and Conant High School.