Streamwood’s 30th annual Summer Celebration adds ‘Wizard of Oz’ theme
Each year, the Streamwood Summer Celebration Committee works to bring new ideas and events to the free festival while keeping it welcoming and enjoyable for all ages.
This year’s theme, “No Place Like Home,” brings several “Wizard of Oz” inspired activities, along with new entertainment and the addition of a 50/50 raffle.
Festival hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 24; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 25; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at Hoosier Grove Park, 700 Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Highlights include live music, food, rides, entertainment, a parade on Saturday and more. Find a schedule of events at streamwoodsummercelebration.org.
We checked in with Lisa Scheiner, assistant village manager, to learn more about this year’s festival.
Q. What is new or different at this year's festival?
A. This year is especially exciting because it marks the 30th anniversary of Summer Celebration. It also coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which inspired this year’s theme, “No Place Like Home.”
We wanted the festival to celebrate the sense of hometown pride and community connection that makes Streamwood special. This year, we’re excited to introduce a few new offerings, including a new 50/50 raffle. Tickets for that and our traditional prize raffle are available for purchase through the village’s website through 5 p.m. Friday.
In keeping with the theme, there are also several “Wizard of Oz”-inspired activities. At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, children can enjoy the Somewhere Over the Rainbow Experience, and at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, kids under 7 can take part in the Follow the Yellow Brick Road Scavenger Hunt.
We’ll also be showing “The Wizard of Oz” at 12:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For history buffs, the Schoolhouse Museum will present “Making of a Classic: The Wizard of Oz” at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
We also have some new musical acts this year, including Trabuco Latin Salsa Band and Sofa Kings, along with returning fan favorites like Mike & Joe Band and 7th heaven.
Q. What makes this festival stand out in comparison to other festivals?
A. Summer Celebration is truly family-focused and community-oriented. There is something for every age group, from children’s crafts and themed activities to live music, Bingo, raffles, carnival rides, food vendors, and the parade.
Another thing that makes the event stand out is how many activities are free. Families can come out and enjoy live entertainment, take part in children’s activities, visit the Business Expo, and spend time together without feeling like every part of the experience has a cost attached.
It really has that hometown festival feel, and that is something our community looks forward to every summer.
Q. How many years has the festival been taking place?
A. This is the 30th annual Streamwood Summer Celebration! The first festival was held in 1994. We paused briefly during the pandemic, but are excited about this milestone anniversary and that it coincides with America’s 250th.
Q. Do you have any tips for how festgoers can have their best experience at the event?
A. We encourage guests to check the schedule in advance, plan for the activities or bands they most want to see, and use the free bus shuttle service to get to Hoosier Grove.
Parking at Hoosier Grove Park is limited to permit and accessible parking, so we encourage guests to take advantage of the free shuttle buses, which run every 30 minutes from three locations: Village hall, 301 E. Irving Park Road; Hanover-Countryside School, 6 S. Bartlett Road; and Park Place, 550 S. Park Blvd.
Guests can also bike to the event. Bicycle parking is available at the park’s entrance and along Madison near the bike path, though bikes are not allowed inside the festival grounds.
The Saturday parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. from Streamwood Boulevard and Bartlett Road, traveling west on Streamwood Boulevard to Madison Drive, then south to Irving Park Road and the festival grounds. Parade award winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Main Stage.
For families planning to enjoy the carnival, the unlimited ride wristbands on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. are the best value. Wristbands are $27 and are sold at the carnival, which accepts cash only. An ATM will be available nearby. The rest of the festival accepts cash/card.
We also encourage guests to visit the Summer Celebration website at streamwoodsummercelebration.org for the complete event schedule and a helpful list of FAQs before heading to the fest.