Festival has food, fireworks and plenty of fun
The Labor Day weekend means one thing to Schaumburg area residents: Septemberfest.
It is one of the largest festivals in the Northwest suburbs, offering live music on two stages, a Taste of Schaumburg, a parade, fireworks nightly, a carnival, an arts and crafts festival all three days and the Miss Septemberfest competition.
Ever since 1970, Schaumburg officials have mounted the family festival on the village's municipal grounds. With its serene pond surrounded by graceful weeping willow trees, the setting offers just the right backdrop for a day of outdoor entertainment.
Visitors often start by perusing the 250 arts and crafts tents that wrap around the west side of the festival grounds along Summit Drive. Septemberfest's craft fair is a big draw for patrons and crafters alike. This year alone they had 475 artisans apply, of which they had to turn away nearly half.
"They come from all over the United States and have such unique things," says Carol Prikopa of Schaumburg, who heads up the fair.
Along with handmade jewelry, home décor, woodworking and sculpture are such unique gifts as porcelain Santa Claus figures, ornaments made of recycled cans and ornate bird baths made out of stone.
Making their way east, patrons find the carnival midway featuring a total of 18 rides for families and teens. Provided by North American Midway Entertainment and All Star Entertainment, the rides feature the top thrill attractions and children's favorites.
Children with disabilities living in Schaumburg and Schaumburg Township may ride the attractions for free from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, but it is limited to the first 500 who reserve a spot with Schaumburg Township officials by calling (847) 884-0030.
"This has gotten to be so popular, we had to limit it to local children," says Roxanne Benvenuti, Schaumburg's special events coordinator.
"Last year it was so crowded, the children were overwhelmed and could only go on a few rides. We really hated to limit it, but we are trying to make it a special event for these children."
Once they walk beyond the Prairie Center for the Arts building, festival goers come upon the Taste of Schaumburg and its massive food and dining tents set up on the east end of the venue, along Prairie Center Drive.
This year's Taste goes beyond the typical picnic fare, offering a variety of specialties from 20 of Schaumburg's popular restaurants. Two of the newest restaurants demonstrate the variety, including the ahi tuna and saucy shrimp served up by Bonefish, to pad Thai chicken and egg rolls prepared by Don Thai.
Restaurants will be featured all day Saturday and Sunday, while nonprofit groups will provide food options Monday.
Septemberfest's parade steps off at 10 a.m. Monday. This year's theme is "Mardi Gras, Schaumburg style." Its more than 70 units will feature plenty of glitter and beads, along with eight bands.
Serving as grand marshals will be local residents who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan. So far, they include Army master sergeants Thomas Alderson and Glen Johnson, as well as Army Spc. Donald J. Bozzi, and Air Force veteran Krimo Kalache, all of Schaumburg.