Summer Daze in Warrenville features rock ‘n’ roll, cars
Two of America’s favorite things will be converging on Warrenville this weekend: rock ‘n’ roll and cars.
The corner of Butterfield and Batavia roads will be rocking once again for Warrenville’s 36th annual Summer Daze festival and about 100 cars are expected to be displayed at Saturday’s car show.
“I just love the community atmosphere at Summer Daze,” said Karey Ross, marketing supervisor for the Warrenville Park District. “People are excited to get together and listen to music with friends and neighbors. It’s a fun way to celebrate the summer in Warrenville.”
The live music is not limited to rock; this year’s festival will feature a variety of cover bands. Headliners include Maggie Speaks, who performs anything from the ‘60s to today, and Hi Infidelity, an ‘80s rock cover band. Also performing is East Lincoln Avenue (pop-rock), Fortunate Sons (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover), Denny Diamond (cover of America’s singer/songwriters) and Hillbilly Rockstarz (country).
“We really try to make sure there’s a variety of music for people of all different tastes to enjoy,” Ross said.
The Summer Daze Battle of the Bands competition is slated for 1 p.m. Saturday. Five local teen bands will compete on the main stage for the right to go to the Illinois Parks & Recreation Association’s regional battle of the bands competition and possibly even the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
President and CEO David Sabathne of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, who helps organize the event in conjunction with the park district, says Summer Daze is a great chance for the community to get together and experience what Warrenville has to offer.
“It gives neighbors time to get out and visit with one another,” Sabathne said. “We all get very busy with our lives and don’t always take the time to meet with our neighbors in a social environment.”
Saturday’s car show will feature about 100 cars in 23 different classes, with awards for each class. Car owners can register as late as 8 a.m. that day.
Last year, 80 vehicles were on display, including a 1933 Ford, which won first place in the category for street rods built prior to 1934.
There is also plenty for children to do. Inflatable Fun will be available both days of the festival providing all the inflatable bouncing a kid could want. And at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Radio Disney will host interactive games and contests.
“It’s something Warrenvillians and other folks in the area look forward to every year,” Ross said. “You get to see friends, reconnect with neighbors and it’s a really good family event.”
Admission to Summer Daze is free, but food and Inflatable Fun does come at a cost. The festival opens at 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.
“This is kind of a homecoming that really excites people,” Sabathne said. “The entertainment is professionally done and people enjoy this kind of a street dance with a couple thousand of their closest friends.”
If you go
What: Summer Daze
When: 5-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Corner of Butterfield and Batavia roads, Warrenville
Tickets: Admission is free, food and beverages for sale
Info: warrenvilleparks.org or (630) 393-7279