RidgeFest 2017 Let's the Good Times Roll, July 27-July 30

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL -- Chicago Ridge’s annual summer festival has been going on for so long, no one can remember the exact year that RidgeFest debuted except that it started sometime in the 1980s, and took a hiatus for a couple of years during the 1990s. The important thing to know is that this extremely popular South Side summer festival is still going strong and will commence July 27 through July 30.

The fest will be held on the grounds of Freedom Park at Birmingham and Oak. Featuring bands, food, beer, rides, family entertainment, a car show and a merchant lane carrying everything from handcrafted items to light-up toys, it’s easy to see why Southlanders flock to Chicago Ridge every year during the last weekend in July.

“I love seeing families laughing and people with smiles on their faces having a good time,” says Debbie Aguinaga, the village’s everywoman, who on top of her accounts payable and administrative duties, has coordinated RidgeFest for the past 17 years. “Over the years, RidgeFest has contributed $1.15 million to our organizations, scout troops, seniors, the library and our schools.”

Pick up a few baubles or a handcrafted item at Merchant Lane or head over to Restaurant Row, featuring Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe, Durbins of Burbank and Palos, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Miller’s Ale House, La Playita and other carnival fare.

RidgeFest’s Car and Bike Show gets underway at 104th Street and Ridgeland Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring classic cars, rods and customs. Same-day registration is available until noon, with 40 awards and plaques -- including the Mayor’s Award -- handed out at 3 p.m. Participation fee is $25; spectators free.

Festgoers can also purchase mega passes in advance for just $40 through July 27 at Chicago Ridge Village Hall, 10455 S. Ridgeland Ave., or at RidgeFest for $50. The mega passes are good for admission and rides for all four days of the fest.

For more information, visit the RidgeFest website. You can also keep up with RidgeFest happenings on Facebook.

RidgeFest 411

Thursday, July 27:

• 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Admission $5
• Carnival ride special, $25 for all rides 6 to 10 p.m.
• The Wedding Band, 80s and 90s music, 6 to 8 p.m.
• The Hair Band Night, hair band covers including Van Halen, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Ozzy and more, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, July 28:

• 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.
• Admission $5
• Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, featuring hits ranging from Hall & Oates, Taylor Swift, Beatles, Queen, Wilson Phillips, Elton John and more.

Saturday, July 29

• 3 to 11:30 p.m.
• Admission $7
• Prime Time Racing, 4 to 8 o,m,
• Bingo, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Hillbilly Rockstarz, super country cover band, featuring the latest county hits to county classics, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Led Zeppelin II tribute band, recreating the rock and roll and euphoria of a prime Led Zeppelin concert, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. and 10:45 to 11:45 p.m.
• Laser Light Show, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 30

• 2 to 10:30 p.m.
• Admission $5, free for Chicago Ridge residents with ID
• Super Sunday Family Fun Day, featuring animals, balloon twisters, jousting, circus clowns, crafts and more
• Carnival Ride Special, $25 all rides, 2 to 6 p.m.
• Prime Time Racing, 2 to 8 p.m.
• Bingo, 3 to 6 p.m.
• JW and the Wannabes, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
• Lisa Lenz “The One,” 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Absolute Journey, Journey tribute band, 9 to 9:45 p.m. and 10 to 11 p.m.
• Fireworks Spectacular, 9:45 p.m.