Harley-Davidson show to highlight Itasca Fest

If you want to get a close-up look at the most recent bikes to come off the Harley-Davidson production line, Itasca Fest is the place to be Saturday.

And if you'd like to check out some Harley leathers, well, they'll be on display, too.

“We're having a Harley-Davidson fashion show,” says Mike Subers, co-chairman of this year's four-day celebration that starts Thursday, July 12, and goes through Sunday, July 15, in Washington Park, 350 E. Irving Park Road.

“We're working with Windy City Harley-Davidson,” Subers says. “The Harley dealership is going to bring out some motorcycles and put them on display.”

Models also will show off a selection of Harley clothing and accessories during the 2 p.m. show.

Another highlight of this year's festival is the music lineup that features bluesman Ronnie Baker Brooks as Saturday night's headliner.

The Arlingtones, a men's a cappella group, gets the music started during the 6 p.m. Thursday opening ceremonies. They'll be followed by Throwback Jukebox, a band that plays rock ‘n' roll from the '50s and '60s.

On Friday, AC/DC tribute band Down Pour starts things off before ARRA brings classic ‘80s rock to the stage.

Opening for Brooks' classic Chicago blues show at 10 p.m. Saturday will be performances by Motley Crue tribute band Sixx and Jimmy Nick & Don't Tell Mama, performing old school rock and blues.

Sunday's entertainment will feature a DJ with music and karaoke and Heartache Tonight, an Eagles tribute band.

Subers says the festival stage will welcome back American English, a Beatles tribute band that has played Itasca Fest for more than 20 years, to close out the festival with a show that goes from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

“We also have a killer carnival,” Subers says. “They've got everything for all ages.”

Bingo will be available each day inside the air-conditioned Itasca Park District gym and 13 food vendors will offer a variety of dishes in the Itasca Lions Den Pavilion.

On Saturday afternoon, there will be a bunch of children's activities along with pony rides and a petting zoo. A health fair will be in the park district gym from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Usher Park will host an Old Time Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

And from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, there will be a classic car show in Usher Park.

The festival is presented by the Itasca Lions Club in conjunction with the Village of Itasca, says Subers, a Lions Club member and the village's utilities superintendent. Proceeds benefit charities supported by the club.

Subers says on-street parking is available throughout the area.

The festival is the village's biggest party of the year and usually draws about 40,000 people over its four-day run.