New — or returning, depending on how far your memory goes back — is a carnival to Warrenville Summer Daze.
The 38th annual Warren Summer Daze festival runs Friday and Saturday in downtown Warrenville. It’s a community event that showcases the town while bringing residents together, said Karey Ross, marketing supervisor with the Warrenville Park District.
“We’re going to have carnival rides this year, which are new,” she said. “I guess … there was a carnival at some point. But we haven’t had one since I’ve been here in four years. It’s new to the event at least now. People will be able to buy a wristband and ride all they want or they can purchase individual tickets for rides as well.”
The impetus for bringing back the carnival was to try and make the event appeal more to families, she said.
“We like to try to make Summer Daze a family event, and so we try and get activities and things to do for people of all ages, and we figure this is something families like to do that’s interesting and fun for kids,” she said.
There will be food booths and a beer tent for when you get the munchies or need to cool off with an adult beverage.
The Battle of the Bands is back for young bands to compete at 1 p.m. Saturday, and a new Warrenville’s Got Talent competition is at 3:15 p.m. Saturday for Warrenville residents with special talents, she said.
One of the highlights of Summer Daze is the annual car show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
“Last year we had about 80 cars in the car show,” she said. “It depends on the weather, but it’s usually a fairly large car show. We have awards in 23 classes.”
There will be live music Friday from country act Just South of Heaven, followed by classic rockers Centerfold and headlining act American English.
Saturday’s lineup is Motown band The Associates followed by modern country band Mason Rivers. Headlining Saturday is Infinity.
Summer Daze has always been a last blast of summer for Warrenville-area residents, Ross said.
“It’s a great event because it’s a big party for people who live in the area. It’s a family event with a lot of free things going on,” she said. It’s a celebration of where everyone comes together to listen to music and have fun.”
Annie Alleman is a freelance writer.
Warrenville Summer Daze
When: Friday and Saturday
Where: Route 56 and Batavia Road, Warrenville
Tickets: Free
Information: 815-393-7279; Warrenville.il.us
