Flashback to 1959: Glendale Heights Fest celebrates village's 60th anniversary
Glendale Heights has a rollicking follow-up to Independence Day coming — a five-day festival that starts Wednesday and features not one but two fireworks shows.
As the village celebrates 60 years since its founding, there are some throwback events planned for this year's edition of Glendale Heights Fest, an annual event that started in 1984 and continues in Camera Park at 101 E. Fullerton Ave.
On Saturday, July 13, the anniversary of the village's incorporation in 1959, the movie “Grease” will be shown on the main stage big screen at 3:15 p.m., followed by more nostalgia, including a “Glendale Heights Through the Ages” video, said David Genty, the village's public affairs coordinator.
“We will have music from 1959 until today. We will be showing 1959 TV commercials,” said Glendale Heights Village President Linda Jackson. “We are focusing on the '50s. We'll have Hula-Hoops and other games from that era.”
At dusk, the village president said festgoers can look forward to a special surprise to celebrate the 60th anniversary.
The emphasis on history is aimed to help educate newcomers to town, Village Administrator Raquel Becerra said.
Presented by the village's Founders Day Committee, the festival features a lineup of musical entertainment that will include a performance by ARRA at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, followed by opening night fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Other headliners include the Spazmatics at 8:30 p.m. Thursday; the Modern Day Romeos at 9 p.m. Saturday; and an 8:30 p.m. Sunday show featuring the Déjà vu Band that will be followed by the festival fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m.
Friday is country night from 6 p.m. to midnight, leading off with line dancing at 6:30 p.m., a show from Dixie Crush at 7 p.m. and headliners Cowboy Jukebox at 9 p.m. Mechanical bull rides will be available with proceeds benefiting the Family in Faith Food Pantry.
The festival grounds in Camera Park will host midway carnival games and rides Wednesday through Sunday with wristband passes available. From 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, the Glendale Heights Woman's Club will present bingo games.
In addition, 20 food vendors will be on site with a varied menu. “Just about anything you want, you'll be able to get,” Jackson said.
Genty said the festival will go on rain or shine, unless severe weather conditions force a cancellation, late opening or early closing. Updates will be posted on the village's website and social media accounts.
Jackson, who has served as village president since 1999 and previously served as a trustee, said she plans to attend the festival all five days. She said she's seen the fest grow and expand while retaining its community roots.
“I love seeing the kids. There are thousands that come through here,” she said.
Genty said about 20,000 visitors streamed through the gates last year on the festival's final day alone.
“I've been in town 45 years. It used to be a like a small-town gathering, had some carnival rides,” Jackson said. “It is amazing to see how we have progressed. We're very proud of our fest.”
Glendale Heights Fest
<b>When:</b> 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 10-11; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 12; 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 13; and 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday, July 14
<b>Where:</b> Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights
<b>Admission:</b> Free
<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.glendaleheightsfest.com">glendaleheightsfest.com</a>