This year’s Franklin Park Fest will include trains, live music and a special event to celebrate the village’s 125th anniversary.
Jazz will be the theme the first day of the festival on June 8. The opening act will be the Bobby Lewis Quintet followed by the Buddy Rich Big Band featuring Gregg Potter.
“Buddy’s daughter [Cathy Rich] will be there to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Buddy Rich’s birth,” said Franklin Park Village President Barrett Pedersen.
In addition to jazz, the June 8 festivities will feature historical exhibit displays and special guest speakers to honor the founding families of Franklin Park.
Another festival highlight will take place on June 10, when families and train enthusiasts will be able to check out historic trains that will be parked on the tracks next to the festival.
“We’re going to have a train car that has a dome for the whole length of the car, not just part of it,” said Pedersen.
Admission to Franklin Park Fest, including access to the entertainment and train viewing, is free. No bicycles, dogs or skateboards will be admitted to the festival. For more information on Franklin Park Fest and for access to the complete musical lineup and train viewing information, call 847-671-4800 or download a program at www.villageoffranklinpark.com/events/railroaddaze.
Daily carnival hours
Opens at 5 p.m. on June 8 and June 9.
Opens at noon on June 10 and June 11.
2017 Railroad Day train lineup
June 10 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Walk on and view the interiors of trains. There will be mini train rides for kids, train memorabilia and collectables.
Featured trains
* Indiana Harbor Belt — Genset engine, 2141, diesel locomotive featuring the Village of Franklin Park engine.
* Canadian Pacific — GP 20 with 2,000 horsepower.
* Union Pacific Heritage Fleet, Missouri, SD 70 — AC Engine 1982
* Union Pacific West Pacific, SD 70 AC Engine 1983
* Amtrak — Two Superliners, one is a sleeper and one is a full dining car.
* Iowa Pacific – Scenic View — full dome observation car.
* Metra — F40 PH — 3 Engine 217 which is a new vehicle for the line. Also, a WiFi Coach — F40 PH — 3 Engine 217.
* Belt Railway Chicago — Cupola Caboose with side bay windows.
Sesquicentennial Party Under the Stars
June 8 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Historical exhibit, displays, and special guest speakers honoring the founding families of Franklin Park, taking place under the tent at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Rose Street. Wine, beverages, and a light supper will be provided, but reservations are required. Call 847-671-8236 or send email to villagersvp@gmail.com.
Live music lineup
June 8 Jazz Night
6:30-8 p.m.: Bobby Lewis Quintet featuring Olejo Poveda
9-10:30 p.m.: The Buddy Rich Big Band featuring Gregg Potter with Cathy Rich, Buddy Rich’s daughter
June 9
6:30-8 p.m.: Kashmir: The Led Zeppelin Concert
8:45-10:30 p.m.: Think Floyd USA (Pink Floyd Tribute Band)
June 10
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Caliente (Old school with a Latin groove)
1:15-2:45 p.m.: Vic Lombardi & The Chicago Seven (Rock, soul and R&B)
3:30-5 p.m.: The Dream Police: A Tribute to Cheap Trick
5:45-7:45 p.m.: Dirty Dan’s Cool Rockin’ Daddies
8:30-10:30 p.m.: 7th Heaven (Known for 30 songs in 30 minutes medley)
Alex V. Hernandez is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
