Palatine takes it to the street during annual fest

The Downtown Palatine Street Fest knows how to celebrate the dog days of summer, quite literally.

That was proved on Sunday during the Sweet Pea Pet Parade, which included dozens of dog breeds, as well as ferrets, rabbits and other animals.

Of course, the street fest, with an anticipated attendance of 45,000 over the weekend, had plenty for humans as well.

Visitors took in a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers. Other offerings included a pie-eating contest, Parky the Clown, the Palatine Public Library Bookmobile, kiddie games, face painting and teen karaoke.

The fest offered a variety of food to suit every taste, including Mexican, Italian, Indian and Argentinian. One vendor in particular attracted Kevin Sheehan from Arlington Heights.

"Brothers Ribs is here. I'm a big fan of them," Sheehan said.

Sheehan, who arrived with his 4-year-old son Zachary, said another draw was the entertainment available to children, including the inflatable bounce houses.

Music poured out into the streets from the main stage. Over the three day period, nearly 15 bands including Sixteen Candles, Andrew Ripp Band, the Smithereens and Hi Infidelity, entertained the crowd.

On Sunday, the Palatine Park District also held its seventh annual Feet Fest, a 3K family fun walk/run, and the Northwest Special Recreation Association offered a noncompetitive sprint event.

Attendance was strong despite road construction in the area, particularly along Palatine Road.

Rolling Meadows resident Michael Pettrone said the roadwork is a necessary inconvenience.

"It's a little tough with all this construction going around right now, but it can only improve the town," he said.

Pettrone, who grabbed second-place in the Street Fest Toss beanbag tournament, said he has attended on and off for five years.

"A lot of crowds, a lot people, good atmosphere," he said. "They really take care of things."