Riverfest Express in South Elgin hopes for a good turnout
We're all ears.
At least, festival goers for the South Elgin's 14th annual Riverfest Express will be, as the popular children's radio station, Radio Disney, will debut at the festival Sunday, Aug. 22, replacing the Village Idol competition.
The decision was made, according to festival officials, to better accommodate the growing youthful demographic.
"It's something new and something different," Joyce Ware, festival co-chairman, said. "I've personally never seen them at a festival, but I know they'll play some music and host raffles and games for the kids."
The festival began in 1997 after the town celebrated its centennial anniversary and residents enjoyed the idea of an annual celebration, and will retain many of the common attractions, including the carnival, craft show and an assortment of food vendors.
In addition, special prices will be offered for the many carnival rides featured at the festival.
"With the economy being the way it is, a lot of these festivals over the state are being canceled because there is simply not enough funds to afford putting it on," Ware said.
"Cities and towns are tightening their belts. Fortunately, we have always been so well received by the community, so we are just able to continually put it on."
From 6 to 10 p.m. today, and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 and Sunday, Aug. 22, festival goers can purchase a special wristband for $18 that allows full use of rides for that slated time.
New to the festival this year is the Mega Wristband, which for $60 in advance and $75 at the festival, give the purchaser unlimited carnival rides for all four days of the festival.
"Given that the carnival is open for more than 30 hours in that four-day period, it's a really good deal," Ware said.
A big part of the festival's success, according to Ware, is the large number of willing volunteers, who play roles from selling tickets to cleaning up after the grounds close for the night.
The real money winner, though, is the fireworks display, scheduled for Sunday evening.
"I pushed for the fireworks every since my very first year and they have been going ever since," Ware said.
"Usually, that's where we see our strongest showing. People just start streaming in beforehand and hang around until the display is over. Fortunately, since they're shot from over a lake, the reflection makes it that much more attractive," she added.
Ware hopes to see an increase in attendance this year, citing that previous years have seen shoulder-to-shoulder numbers.
"I mean, whatever we can get we'll be happy with, since there is no certain way we can keep track of official numbers. Hopefully pushing this whole 'staycation' theme will help gain audiences both near and wide. We'll have to just wait and see," she said.
The festival opens at 5 p.m. today and ends at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. For details, visit riverfestexpress.net or call (847) 774-1151.
If you goWhat: South Elgin's 14th Annual Riverfest ExpressWhen: 5 to 10 p.m. today, Aug. 19; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 and noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22.Where: Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., by the Fox River and village hallCost: Admission is free; charges for rides and individual events varyDetails: (847) 774-1151 or riverfestexpress.netTrue20001328The sun sets on the opening night of last year's Riverfest Express. This year's festival opens today.John Starks | Staff Photographer, 2009True