Prairie Fest attracts crowds to Wood Dale

Wood Dale's first Prairie Fest celebration was designed to promote community spirit, organizers say, and more than a dozen years later the annual party continues to do just that.

The four-day bash, which opened Thursday and continues through Sunday near Wood Dale Junior High, 655 N. Wood Dale Road, features music, carnival rides, plenty of food and even a Saturday night fireworks show.

Admission and parking are both free as the party continues from 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

For details about the festival and a complete schedule, visit wooddale.com.