RotaryFest 2009 set to open summer
The first major festival of the summer, Elk Grove Village's Rotary Fest, opens today just off Lions Drive between Elk Grove High School and Rainbow Falls.
The annual festival has a carnival, food, live entertainment night, fireworks and its traditional evening parade.
We asked Rotary Club President Scott Bernholdt to give us the details of this year's event.
Q. What is new or different this year?
Bernholdt: We added some bands and increased our entertainment budget. (We have) a few new food vendors. In addition to our usual unlimited ride specials, Fantasy Amusements has added a "Last Blast" on Sunday where from 7-10 p.m. there are unlimited rides for $12.
Q. What is the biggest attraction?
Bernholdt: Every night there are several outstanding live bands and the entertainment is free, but it's really the mix of everything that is offered that draws the crowd - really great food and a variety of Anheuser-Busch products, Fantasy Amusements Carnival rides and midway games. Friday and Saturday the Ribfest is going on; Saturday evening (is) the village parade and fireworks show. It all works together.
Q. How many people attend every year? Are you expecting the same number to attend this year?
Bernholdt: That is really hard to guess. We tried to count one year, but since so many people come and go between the carnival and the RotaryFest grounds it was too difficult. We have great crowds and we expect even more people to come.
Q. How important is the weather?
Bernholdt: Weather plays a factor, but we have a huge tent under which you can listen to and enjoy the entertainment, food, beverages and the company of your friends and families, even when the weather is not perfect.
Q. What fees are there for people attending the fest?
Bernholdt: There is no cover charge and not even a fee for "over 21" wristbands. You pay for your food and drinks and for the carnival rides. We have worked with Fantasy Amusements to offer a lot of ride specials and you can pre-order tickets at a discount. For more information watch the Daily Herald, one of our sponsors, for daily ads and our pullout insert, or check out our Web site at www.ElkGroveRotary.com.
Q. How hard is it to pull off the fest?
Bernholdt: We like to think we are getting pretty good at it for amateurs. It requires a great deal of effort from our Rotary Club. We could not do it without the support of our friends and this great community. Every year there are challenges, but we try to learn from the past and make improvements each year."