Streamwood Summer Celebration honors fire department's 50th anniversary
The Streamwood Summer Celebration became an annual tradition 26 years ago. But this year, the festival honors a different milestone: the Streamwood Fire Department's 50th anniversary.
“50 Years of Fire Safety” is the theme of the Celebration this summer. The festival, which runs from Friday, July 26, through Sunday, July 28, at Hoosier Grove Park, will pay homage to the fire department with games and water fun.
“We will have a new fire truck game, where two engines race to put out a fire, in honor of this milestone,” Village Manager Sharon Caddigan said.
“Also, on Sunday, the fire department will help attendees beat the heat with a fire hose spray at 3 p.m.”
Those are just a few of many attractions at the three-day event. It kicks off with bingo at 7 p.m. Friday. There's an ice cream-eating contest at 7:30 p.m., followed by Woody's Barnyard Races at 8 p.m.
At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the parade begins from Streamwood Boulevard and Bartlett Road. Children's carnival rides are available Saturday from noon to 10:30 p.m. The talent show is at 4 p.m., the Hula-Hoop contest is at 5 p.m. and the water balloon contest takes place at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday features a golf outing at 7:30 a.m., followed by carnival rides at noon and the Hoosier Grove Schoolhouse Museum from 1 to 4 p.m.
The live music at the festival runs the gamut. On Friday, classic rock cover band Five Guys Named Moe performs at 5:30 p.m. Beatles tribute band American English goes on at 8:30 p.m. The Millenials takes the stage Saturday at 5:30 p.m., followed by 7th heaven at 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, the Ethan Bell Band plays pop and country music at 3 p.m., then ARRA covers classic rock at 5:30 p.m.
Summer Celebration Chairman Bill Berquist said there are activities for the whole family at the event.
“To me, the best part of the festival is all the families that come out,” Berquist said. “It's great music, great food, great carnival and a chance to meet and talk with your friends and neighbors.”
The food vendors participating include RS Concessions, My Cocina, Bob's Lemon Shake-Ups, Lee's Concessions, Basrawi Brothers, CiCi's Pizza, Salt Creek BBQ, Chicago Classics, Papa Fresco's, North of the Border and Slinky's.
The Streamwood Park District, the Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Streamwood worked together to plan the festival. Berquist said the public works department and the park district cooperated to get the grounds ready for the event.
Park district Superintendent of Recreation Steve Muenz said the weather is a big hurdle for them, from the chance of rain to the intense July heat. He said they do their best to keep people comfortable and safe in spite of it all, and they hope the crowds will turn out for the festival.
“Watching, and working with, people who are so passionate about this community has been wonderful,” Muenz said. “It is truly a community event which brings generations of families to the park for the weekend.”
Streamwood Summer Celebration
When: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 26; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 27; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28
Where: Hoosier Grove Park, 700 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood
Highlights: Carnival, bingo, Saturday morning parade, kids' activities, food/beer tent, Sunday morning golf outing, and entertainment each day on the children's stage and main stage.
Details: <a href="https://www.streamwoodsummercelebration.org/">www.streamwoodsummercelebration.or</a>g