South Elgin festival celebrates 20 years

Eighteen years ago, a South Elgin Riverfest Express special events committee member approached the committee six weeks before the start of the festival to create a night out for kids with special needs.

Within those six weeks, the committee joined forces with volunteers to put together “A Special Night for Special Kids” in which kids with special needs and their families can head out to Panton Mill Park for a night of free carnival rides, games, food and drink.

About 50 people came to the event 18 years ago, and the event received the Governors Hometown Award. Now, the event welcomes between 1,000 and 1,500 people every year, on the night before the festival opens to the general public.

“It's just gotten bigger and better every year,” special events committee Co-chairwoman Joyce Ware said. “A lot of times families don't go to big events like the Riverfest because of the big crowds. It's not as big and busy as the other nights, so the kids don't get overwhelmed.”

This year, “A Special Night for Special Kids” is from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, and will feature clowns and Grimace from McDonald's. The committee suggests preregistering for the event.

“If you want to see some happy kids, come down to see the special night. To see the look on those kids' faces when they come in and when they leave, it will melt your heart. It is just awesome, It gives me goose bumps when I think about it.” Ware said.

“It's only three hours, but boy, those kids can have a ball in three hours.”

After “A Special Night for Special Kids,” the South Elgin Riverfest Express festival starts Thursday, Aug. 11, and runs until Sunday, Aug. 14 at 10 N. Water St.

“People can see their neighbors and friends, and they all have a good time,” special events committee Co-chairwoman Mary Van Winkle said. “We are hoping for good weather and for everybody to have a good time.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the festival, the special events committee is adding a fireworks show to kick off the festival at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, and end the festival Sunday, Aug. 14, as well as awarding plaques to two businesses and three food vendors that have been a part of the festival for all 20 years.

“I think it's wonderful that we made it 20 years. I think it's exciting that people are so devoted to us,” Van Winkle said.

Riverfest Express is usually held on the third weekend of August, but due to school starting earlier this year, the committee chose to have it a week earlier.

“It's a good way to end the summer. School is starting the following week,” Ware said. “It's a good way for people to get together and enjoy the last hurrah for South Elgin. The kids all look forward to it.”

Over the four days, between 7,000 and 10,000 people will attend the all-volunteer-run festival.

“Everything is done by volunteers. Some of our volunteers have been volunteering for 20 years. We are really grateful for all of them,” Ware said.

At the festival, people can enjoy the carnival rides, a craft show and business expo, live music, as well as see a BMX bike demonstration and car show.

Carnival rides are $25 per wristband with unlimited rides from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12; and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14.

The festival is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11; 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14.

Admission is free. For information visit riverfestexpress.net.

20th annual South Elgin Riverfest Express

<b>When:</b> 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11; 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14

<b>Special Night for Special Kids:</b> 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10; advance registration is requested

<b>Where:</b> Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin

<b>Admission:</b> Free

<b>Details:</b> <a href="http://riverfestexpress.net">riverfestexpress.net</a> or (847) 774-1151