Harwood Heights Summer Fest Returns with Exciting Carnival Delights
The Harwood Heights Summer Fest has made a triumphant comeback this year with a thrilling carnival experience. The 2023 edition of the festival celebrated the village’s 76th anniversary and was met with incredible enthusiasm from locals and visitors alike. Harwood Heights, located next to Norridge and surrounded by Chicago’s Northwest side, turned to the Saint Monica and Saint Rosalie Roman Catholic Parish on Montrose Avenue to host the event once again.
The success of last year’s 75th-anniversary celebration at the parish was the driving force behind the decision to bring back the carnival. The festivities kicked off on Thursday, Aug. 17, ahead of the full launch on Friday for three consecutive days. Mayor Arlene Jerzierny expressed her gratitude to Father Greg Lorens, the pastor of Saint Rosalie’s church, for allowing the community event to take place on their property, including the use of their parking lot.
The festival drew crowds with a wide array of attractions, with people flocking to Harwood Heights to indulge in delicious food, enjoy live music performances, and bask in the spirit of camaraderie. This year, the Summer Fest had a new venue, and it garnered overwhelming praise from attendees. Previously held outdoors on the grounds of Union Ridge School District 86, the relocation to Saint Rosalie’s church was met with positive feedback, highlighting the success of the new event setting and the accompanying carnival.
One popular feature at the festival was the indoor bingo held in the church’s multipurpose room. It provided participants with a lively and engaging experience. As for the music, The Wayouts took the stage on Friday night, captivating the audience with their incredible performance. Eric Korte, who plays bass guitar with the band, expressed his delight, stating that being around people and interacting with them was truly the best part of the event.
Among the dedicated volunteers was Tim Ludston, the sound and band coordinator, who manned the stage area. Ludston, a resident of Harwood Heights, played a crucial role in staging the event and received recognition from Mayor Jezierny for his expertise and commitment. While the festival is not a fundraising event, Ludston emphasized that it aims to bring the community together, foster connections among neighbors, promote local food vendors, and create a sense of unity.
Children, too, had a blast at the festival. Serena Li, a first-grader from Norridge, was seen happily spinning on the kiddie balloon ride, a vibrant and captivating attraction. Serena’s parent, Vaneida Li, expressed her joy at being able to attend such an event after a period of limited social interaction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted the importance of allowing children to have fun and interact with others, especially as the summer draws to a close and the school year is about to begin.
The Harwood Heights Summer Fest and carnival have once again proven to be a resounding success, bringing together the community in a joyous celebration. As residents and visitors enjoyed the diverse range of attractions, from tasty food to thrilling rides and fantastic musical performances, the festival showcased the tight-knit bond among Harwood Heights residents and their commitment to creating a vibrant and welcoming community. With its triumphant return, the Summer Fest has undoubtedly become a beloved tradition for the village, promising even more excitement and delights in the years to come.
