Wauconda Fest back this weekend

Posted June 24, 2009 11:00 pm

Ed Heinz and his children Tyler and Halle ride the sky glider at a past Wauconda fest. Carnival rides are back this year and are expected to be a big hit again. Steve Lundy/Daily Herald file photo, 2007

Wauconda Fest is back this weekend for its 30th year. Park District Director Nancy M. Burton tells us what you need to know about this event.

Q. What makes this such a fabulous event?

A. We feel our fest is the best because we strive to bring a wide range of activities for all ages to participate in. Activities range from live entertainment, 5K/10K run, Bags Tourney, Car Show, Texas Hold'em Tourney, carnival rides and the food tent, just to name a few.

Q. How long has this event been in existence?

A. This year we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary.

Q. How has it changed, and what is new this year?

A. It originally was located at one of our neighborhood parks. After a few years it outgrew that location and was moved to the district's main park, Cook Park. The fest has grown over the years and usually has more than 20,000 people attending the four-day event. Every year our committee tries to bring in new activities or acts. This year we will be holding a Texas Hold'em Tourney for the first time. Two teen bands are scheduled to appear (And After and Dr. Manhattan) along with a senior band under the tent.

Q. What's the highlight of the event?

A. There is not one highlight event. Our fest is centered around bringing the community together. There are people who plan their vacations around Wauconda Fest. The fest provides an opportunity to catch up with old friends and reconnect with family. It brings people together to enjoy a great evening out.

Q. What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?

A. There are wristband specials ($18) for the kids from noon to 5 p.m. that allow them to ride any carnival ride. A Traveling Game Show, Bike Parade, Stilt Walker, Balloon Man and a T-shirt tie dye station also are big hits.

Q. What about adults? What does the event offer them?

A. We have various music acts to entertain the adult crowd. American English will once again open our fest on Thursday, June 25. Infinity ('80s rock) will perform on Friday, June 26, Modern Day Romeos (rock) on Saturday, June 27, and we close the fest out on June 28 with a Jimmy Buffett tribute band know as the Beach Bum Band. These are just the headliners, there are other bands playing throughout the four-day festival. Bingo, Bags Tourney and Texas Hold'em Tourney are also planned for the adult crowd.

Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?

A. We have a food tent area that has a wide selection of food and beverages.

Q. Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pull this together.

A. Wauconda Fest could not take place without are committee members and volunteers. We have more than 150 volunteers each year that help with entrance gates, beer tent area, ride tickets and wristbands areas. Our committee members are dedicated individuals who you will see out at the fest all four days from opening to closing. These individuals are truly dedicated to making our fest the best it can be and in providing a safe environment for our patrons. There is little rest for these individuals because they will begin planning the 2010 fest in September. They meet year round to discuss varies issues relating to the fest.

Q. How much does it cost to get in? If the admission costs benefit a charity, please tell us about that group.

A. Admission to Wauconda Fest is $2 for the four-day event. Patrons will receive a button that will get them in on any of the fest days. Wauconda Fest is the major fundraiser for the Wauconda Park District. Proceeds from the fest are used for capital improvement projects.

It was a perfect start to Wauconda Fest as American English preformed for he crowd at a past Wauconda Fest. The band is performing at the festival again this year. Here, Leslie Cicero and Sheila Carani, both of Grayslake, groove to the music. Steve Lundy/Daily Herald file photo, 2005

Brent Sherman and his son Cooper, both of Wauconda, ride the Orient Express at Wauconda Fest in Cook Park at last year's event. Steve Lundy/Daily Herald file photo, 2008

What: Wauconda Fest 2009 When: 5 to 10 p.m. June 25; 5 p.m. to midnight June 26; noon to midnight June 27; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 28 Where: Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda Admission: $2 for all four days More info: (847) 526-3610 or<a href="http:// waucondaparks.com" target="new"> waucondaparks.com</a>.

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