Oswego PrairieFest 2018: Guide To Music, Food, Activities

OSWEGO, IL — Summer is nearly here — that means it's almost time for the Oswegoland Park District's free, four-day PrairieFest, from Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 17. This year brings the return of headliner Sugar Ray, along with the PrairieFest 5K, a carnival, expo, the "Made in the '80s" parade, petting zoo, gymnastics obstacle course, pet adoption event, quilt show and, of course, plenty of food and live entertainment.

The forecast calls for temperatures in the 90s and a heat index that could hit 110 during the fest, so remember to hydrate, stay cool and get out of the heat if necessary. You can find a list of cooling centers here.

Oswego police also offered some heat safety tips, plus info on where to go if you need to get out of the heat or are suffering from heat-related illness.

This year, the fest celebrates its 30th birthday, and you can snag a free piece of birthday cake from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Want more fun? Summer Festival Guide 2018: Will And Kendall County

While the carnival, food, drinks and some activities (such as the PrairieFest 5K) come at a price, these things are free:

• Admission
• Parking
• Events and live music

Me too

Things will kick off Thursday, June 14, with "Me too @PrairieFest." While the carnival opens to the general public at 6 p.m., families of children with special needs are invited to a special event from 3 to 5 p.m.: "The carnival will offer a modified experience with no lights or sounds slower speeds where we can," the Oswegoland Park District says. Unlimited ride wristbands will be on sale for $10.

Live music

Here's what's on tap for PrairieFest 2018.

Thursday

• 5 p.m.: Oswego East High School - Chelsea Rhoades kicks off PrairieFest with her inspiring A Cappella groups
• 6 p.m. PrairieWinds Concert - The tradition continues! Delight in the festive sounds of the community concert under OEHS director Stevan Rexrroat and Kelly Cooper.
• 7:30 p.m.: Hi Infidelity - It’s an all 80’s line up of classics in honor of PrairieFest’s 30th birthday!

Friday

• Noon: Family concert with Dave Rudolf - Sing and dance along to the silly songs of Chicagoland’s favorite goofy musician!
• 4:30 p.m.: Plainfield School of Rock - Students of Rock showcase legendary cover songs. Come hear your favorites!
• 7 p.m.: Red Woody - Kaneland’s favorite cover band opens the night with our favorite hits!
• 9 p.m.: Blood Sweat, & Tears with Bo Bice - "American Idol" runner-up Bo Bice leads the jazz-rock legends with "Spinnin’ Wheels" and "You Made Me So Very Happy."

Saturday

• 1 p.m.: FRAMA Rock Ensemble - Take a listen to the Fox River Academy of Music and Art featuring talented your local musicians!
• 6:30 p.m. Fool House - Kick back and enjoy the Ultimate 90’s Dance Party!
• 9 p.m.: Sugar Ray - Back by popular demand, the group is ready to croon their hits like “Every Morning,” “Fly” and “When It’s Over.”

Sunday

• 3 p.m.: WhiskeyFist - Local favorites kick off Country Sunday!
• 4:30 p.m.: Keith Anderson - Country Sunday’s main act takes the stage with hits like “I Still Miss You, "Pickin’ Wildflowers" and "Sunday Morning in America”

Carnival

The PrairieFest carnival is cash only (ATM on site), with unlimited ride specials all night Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

• Thursday - 6 to 10 p.m. (unlimited ride specials all night)
• Friday/Saturday - noon to 10 p.m. (unlimited ride specials noon to 4 p.m.)
• Sunday - 1 to 6 p.m. (unlimited ride specials starting at 2 p.m.)

PrairieFest 5K & One-Mile Prairie Dog Jog

• Bib pickup is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday
• Race day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, with prices at $35 (5K) or $20 (One Mile). Dogs and strollers welcome
• Race begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunday

Other events

• TBT Trivia: Compete for the chance to win $50 and a chance to meet Sugar Ray in the First National Bank Tent at 6:30 p.m. Thursday with questions based on PrairieFest's 30th anniversary.
• Expo village: Shop this year's lineup of artisans, makers and local businesses from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
• Gymnastics obstacle course: 10 a.m. Saturday - Roll, jump, crawl, and flip through this fun course under the shady Event Tent. Presented by Oswegoland Park District Gymnastics.
• Face painting: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday (via OHS and OEHS cheer teams)
• Miller's Petting Zoo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday/Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
• Pony Rides: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday/Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday via Sarah's Ponies
• Prairie Paws Pet Adoption: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the high school soccer fields
• OHS Cheer Car Wash - 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
• Fox Bend Family Golf, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Fox Bend Golf Course. Play nine holes for $5 per person. Sign up at the pro shop or call 630-554-3939.
• PrairieFest Car Show: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, south parking lot of Oswego High School
• Oswego Country Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in downtown Oswego
• Parade: 1 p.m. Sunday through downtown Oswego. Find the 2018 PrairieFest parade lineup here.
• PrairieFest Grand Prix: 3 p.m. Sunday at the family tent. Create a pinewood car for the second annual Pinewood Derby. Kits are $20 and available at Boulder Point, 0 Boulder Hill Pass.
• Rotary's PrairieFest Duck Race: 3 p.m. Sunday at Hudson Crossing Park
• Quilters Dozen Raffle Drawing: 4 p.m. Sunday - Win “Twirling Triangles,” a queen-size piece by the Quilters Dozen, appraised at $2000. Purchase tickets at Park District offices, Little White School Museum, or during the festival for $1 or 6 for $5. Funds support PrairieFest.
• Still want more? From archery to BMX demos to community art; find the full event lineup online or in the 2018 PrairieFest brochure.

Parade route via Oswegoland Park District:

Good to know

• An info booth will be available with festival info, child safety wristbands, an ATM, first aid, beverage ID wristbands and tickets.
• Emergency shelter: Oswego High School, Door #13. Follow the blue signs.
• Rules: No pets, no coolers, no outside alcoholic beverages, no firearms/weapons. Bags will be checked for safety.

What's cookin'?

Here's a look at the 2018 PrairieFest food options.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

• Boy Scouts – hot dogs, chips, soda, water
• Oswego Optimist Club – corn on the cob
• Oswego Otters – lemon shake ups

SWEETS & TREATS

• Bayou Chill – flavored shaved ice
• Cinnamon Station – cinnamon roll w/icing, caramel pecan roll w/icing, brownies
• Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream
• Frannie’s Funnel Cakes
• Kettle Kabin – kettle korn, cinnamon roasted nuts
• LC Restaurant – fruit smoothies, monsterfries, chocolate dipped strawberries
• North American Food Service – apple dumplings, shakes, floats, sundaes
• Paleteria Y Neveria La Michoacanita – Mexican corn in the cup, Cheetos and cheese, ice cream & popsicles

CARNIVAL CLASSICS

• Chicago Pizza Authority – pizza, gelato
• Quality Concessions – cheddar nuggets, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno cheese poppers
• Suzie’s Fun Foods – corn dogs, toasted ravioli, potato skins, soft pretzels, slushies

MAKE IT A MEAL

• Freddie’s Off the Chain Catering – flautas
• Genoa Pizza – burgers, pizza, Italian sausage, bacon cheese fries, calamari, jumbo butterfly shrimp
• Greek Delights – gyros, chicken divine,shish-kabobs, Philly cheese steak, spinach pie, saganaki sticks
• Heartland Food Service LLC – chicken on a stick, alligator on a stick, loaded fries,chicken pita, cajun shrimp on a stick
• Lee Concessions – egg rolls, orange chicken, deep fried Oreos
• Pizza Cucina – pizza, pasta, meatball sandwich, Italian breaded steak sandwich
• Spittin’ BBQ & Kickin’ Ash – ribs w/fries, bbq gyros, bbq steak sundae
• Steve’s Meat Shop – grilled turkey legs, pork chops, sausage
• Team Fib BBQ Caterers – brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, nachos
• Umbrella Azul – empanada, lomo saltado sandwich, anticuchos, chichi morada

Photo by Renee Schiavone, Patch Staff