On Sunday — the last day of La Grange’s Endless Summerfest earlier this month — the rain stopped and the sun peeked out.
But even so, not the rain nor the mud slowed down the music, the rides or, really, the crowds at the annual event, which proves to be one of the most popular summer festivals in the western suburbs.
Held at the 16-acre Gordon Park Aug. 4-6, the festival offers business booths as well, as the event is sponsored by the Park District of La Grange in conjunction with the La Grange Business Association and is intended to partly show off the community businesses, local bands and park resources.
“We’ve had a decent turnout,” said Jenny Bechtold, executive director of the Park District of La Grange.
“The rain was a damper, but the crowd picked up in the evening and today’s been beautiful,” agreed Beth Gorman. Gorman staffed a business booth for Impulse Rehab and Wellness out of Westchester, and while this was her first year staffing the booth, she said she would return.
“We are definitely going to be back next year and we’re going to try to bring the sunshine,” she added.
Sunday also brought lasers for the very first time with a laser show finale after dark. The laser show replaced the traditional end of the festival — a fireworks show — with the added benefits of being safer and cheaper.
But while business booths and food seemed to draw some interest, the bands were arguably the most popular draw with the adult crowd. Popular Beatles tribute band American English was on the bill, along with other favorites.
“I’m here to see 16 Candles,” Sandra Ragan said. “They’re one of my favorite groups.”
“The minute American English came out (on Saturday) it stopped raining and the sun came out, so that was telling,” said Jordan Arias.
Still, Sunday was the big day.
“This morning made up for last night,” said Cathy Domanico, the executive director of the La Grange Business Association.
The kids seemed to prefer the rides, of course. Erin Seiphter is an annual visitor to the event.
“We’re here for the kids,” she said. “They love the big slide and the cars, and the corn dogs are a big hit.”
Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
