Wood Dale's Prairie Fest expected to draw 20,000

Once a one-day community picnic, Wood Dale's annual Prairie Fest has grown into a four-day live music festival attended by 20,000 people. And organizers will be celebrating its 15th anniversary when this year's fest opens.

"It's really cool that this little town was able to grow this event into a celebration that pulls in more than 20,000 people for a four-day event," organizer Stacey Udoni said.

"And we keep that original picnic feel on the first night when the fest is open only to Wood Dale residents."

To honor that tradition, Thursday, July 28, will be Resident Appreciation Night, featuring an appearance by Chicago Bears mascot Staley Da Bear and Lester the Clown.

With proof of residency, residents can take advantage of $5 food vouchers. Residents also can pay $15 for a carnival ride wristband, while the cost is $25 for others.

"Our residents definitely appreciate the extra things we do for them on that night," Udoni said. "And we get to recognize them and thank them for being such great residents, too."

The four-day bash continues through Sunday, July 31, near Wood Dale Junior High, 655 N. Wood Dale Road, and features music, carnival rides, plenty of food and even a Saturday night fireworks show.

Admission and parking are both free as the party continues 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Favorites such as thrill rides, family rides and kiddie rides (about 40 total) will return, along with popular cover bands such as Kashmir paying tribute to Led Zepplin on Friday and Eliminator paying tribute to ZZ Top on Saturday.

"The big open fields at the new location (near Wood Dale Junior High) really gave us the opportunity to fit more activities and amusements, while also allowing us to grow the live music aspect," Udoni said.