Deep into the summer season for carnival lovers – thousands took part in a four-day community celebration in Lincolnwood’s Proesel Park, in pursuit of cotton candy, a ride on the Ferris wheel, and some family fun.
The 30th Annual Lincolnwood Fest, presented by Republic Bank of Chicago, was held Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26, featuring a carnival and midway, food vendors, a family activity tent, a sensory zone, a beer/wine garden, main stage entertainment, and a business expo.
“Lincolnwood Fest is a chance for us to gather to celebrate our town, to show what we are about and what makes us special,” Karen Hawks, director of Parks and Recreation for the Village of Lincolnwood, said.
Adam Martinez of Morton Grove attended Lincolnwood Fest with family.
“Our daughter just loves carnivals, and we come here to share the experience with her, trying out new rides and the many children’s activities,” Martinez said.
The Family Tent, hosted by Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation, was held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring entertainment by Taiga Gymnastics, Andy Head – Wonderful Wacky Juggler, Scarlett Entertainment Hula Dancing, along with arts & crafts activities for the kids.
“The fest not only brings people into our Village, but also strengthens community pride, supports local businesses, and creates incredible memories for families,” Hawk said.
The Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Business Expo on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., highlighting dozens of local business booths, live music, food and family activities.
The dunk tank also returned for a second year on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with proceeds benefiting Student Achievers, a local program which recognizes Lincolnwood high school seniors named Illinois State Scholars for their academic excellence.
Hawk says this year’s dunk tank schedule included Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, Lincolnwood Mayor Jesal Patel, and other Village Staff and Parks and Recreation Board Members.
Tania Manzanares of Lincolnwood attended Sunday’s performance by Chicago-based indie rock band Mistrophia, and says she comes to Lincolnwood Fest for the music.
“Here I can always hear original music by local artists, as well as favorite cover songs, really something for everyone,” Manzanares said.
According to Hawk, the Main Stage lineup hosts local talent including Ace Herrera and The Long Goodbye and regional favorites like 7th Heaven, Run Forrest Run, Semple, and 16 Candles and others.
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Raena Mulder, 12 years old, and Corinne Jones, 11 years old, both from Lincolnwood, take off on the Sky Rider during the 30th Annual Lincolnwood Fest, in Proesel Park, Thursday July 23 through Sunday July 26, featuring a carnival and midway, food vendors, family activity tent, a sensory zone, beer/wine garden, main stage entertainment, and business expo. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
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Raena Mulder, 12 years old, and Corinne Jones, 11 years old, both from Lincolnwood, take off on the Sky Rider during the 30th Annual Lincolnwood Fest, in Proesel Park, Thursday July 23 through Sunday July 26, featuring a carnival and midway, food vendors, family activity tent, a sensory zone, beer/wine garden, main stage entertainment, and business expo. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)
Carnival diversions included Bingo hosted by American Legion Post #1226, and a Sensory Zone hosted by the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation – designed to provide a welcoming environment with sensory-friendly resources and activities, helping attendees regulate, recharge, and enjoy the festival experience, organizers say.
Lincolnwood Fest was supported by many local organizations, including Republic Bank, Liberty Bank, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Fannie Mae, Backyard Bank, City Auto Group, Fat Pour, Loeber Motors, Studio 41, The Kriticos Group, Alzheimer’s Association, Fast Signs, and the Niles Township Food Pantry Foundation and others.
Abby Jones of Lincolnwood attended Sunday with friends and family.
“As Lincolnwood residents, we enjoy this event every year; for us it has become important to come out for some fun and support our community in the process,” Jones said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
