Father’s Day weekend is approaching and for Oswegoland Park District that means PrairieFest! As our staff and volunteers kick it into high gear before the big show, the energy becomes electric for another awesome year. The best part about PrairieFest is that it’s free. We’ve got a ton of new, exciting things going on at our largest special event. Here are some of the highlights:
What’s for eats?
You can’t have an amazing party without even more amazing food. Our golden star line-up includes six vendors that were featured on national television. From carnival classics, to sweet treats and big name cooks, we’ve got all the skillets covered. The pinnacle of Prairiefest’s unique bites is the Sip & Savor Gastropub. Featuring Black Dog Distillery’s legendary cocktails, Pearce’s entrees, and a sweet treat from the Village Grind.
The Main Stage
Mark McGrath is making his way to Oswego this year. He and his band, Sugar Ray, are headlining the main stage on Saturday at 9:00pm. Opening up will be American Idol contestant, Gina Glocksen. Friday night we will be rocking hard to some 90’s alternative bands, Eve 6 and Blessid Union of Souls. An addition to ramp up this year’s tunes is country music Sunday! Hillbilly Rockstarz will take the stage at 4:30pm to close out our jamming weekend.
The Circus is in Town
The Cincinnati Circus will be landing at PrairieFest. Not your typical eccentric show – think Cirque De Soleil meets the high-wire madness of Barnum and Bailey. Witness unbelievable acrobats and stunts that are so impressive that they find no need to bring animals. We never know what this crazy group is up to next, but be prepared to see some talent defy the laws of physics.
All in Line
On Sunday afternoon, catch the PrairieFest Parade marching through downtown Oswego. You’ll be looking up as the man on stilts prances by and awestruck by shriners and floats. We are proud to include Oswego High School, Oswego East High School, and Aurora East High School’s marching bands. Hockey fans out there won’t want to miss the Blackhawks Ice Crew, with a meet & greet on the festival grounds. And lastly, the South Shore Drill Team will be marching. They have a genius blend of color guard, hip-hop, and dance moves beyond this galaxy.
Save a Life
The last three years in Oswego, three people have come forward and performed CPR on a resident in need. That is something to be proud of in our community. Partnered with the American Heart Association and the Community Foundation, we’re celebrating outstanding bystander participation with Be Someone’s Heart Throb. Stop by Family Tent to quickly learn CPR and take home a free CPR training backpack. You never know when it may be your turn to save someone’s life.
The Oswegoland Park District believes it’s a privilege to host this unbelievable festival for our community every year. An important facet of our health and wellbeing is having fun! So don’t miss out – enjoy your Father’s Day weekend with the people you love within the community that would love to see you there.
