PrairieFest Entertainment
Over thirty years ago, after a year of no fest, the community asked the Oswegoland Park District to organize an event. For the past three decades, Father’s Day Weekend has been filled with the thrilling sights and amazing sounds of PrairieFest. The past month has brought a lot of assessment as the Park District figures out the safest way and time to bring a community together. PrairieFest is committed to the safety of guests, volunteers, and vendors. The event organizers are also charged with creating a celebration for the amazing people who make up this community.
“We have spent the last month watching teachers and lunch room attendants hand out meals to hungry families, neighbors decorate their windows for children on walks, and everyone with a sewing machine making masks for our front line heroes. We were not built to let these acts go unrecognized.” said Kristie Vest, Oswegoland Park District Superintendent of Cultural Arts and Events.
The Oswegoland Park District will be postponing PrairieFest until Labor Day Weekend. Everyone is welcome have some fun Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7. PrairieFest promises funnel cakes, fried cheese, trampoline acts, touch-a-trucking, races, and a parade. There will be Windy City’s biggest carnival, terrific regional music, and Uncle Kracker on Saturday night.
PrairieFest features free parking, free admission, and free concerts. More than any other year in fest history, the festival is possible because of the generous businesses of this area. Even in the middle of a pandemic, these partners committed to the community festival. The fest is grateful to First National Bank of Omaha, 6601 Rt. 34, Oswego for continuing their history as PrairieFest Presenting Partner. When called about the question of PrairieFest this year, Mechelle Kruse, FNBO Branch Manager had this to say, “FNBO is dedicated to supporting events and organizations that help our communities thrive!”
Thrivent Financial will be supporting the festival this year as Title Partner. “Thrivent Member Network Chicagoland Region is excited to partner with PrairieFest to welcome members and friends together for generosity activities, educational opportunities, and community celebration this fall.” said Rob Umlauf, Manager of Community Engagement.
From bouncing off the walls with Flippenout, the touring trampoline group to bushels of fun with Miss Jamie’s Farm at the Saturday Family Concert, PrairieFest has got it all in 2020!
The The Park District partners with the Oswego Public Library to host a Midwest favorite for the Saturday Family Concert. Miss Jamie’s Farm is a popular music show for young kids and their families. From Texas hill country, Miss Jamie brings music, stories, and puppets to the Chicagoland area with her vibrant, cheery show. Little kiddos and their parents will be wrangling a great time on Saturday, September 5.
Saturday will include with Midwest favorite, Rockstar Rodeo. More than the best country show, and blowing away your rock concert expectations, Rockstar Rodeo bring the Saturday, September 5 night in bucking and bulldogging. Kid Rock’s most famous turntablist, Uncle Kracker will headline the night. PrairieFest fans will sing along with his hits Drift Away, Follow Me, Smile, In a Little While, and When the Sun Goes Down.
This amazing community is invited to enjoy a full weekend of PrairieFest, September 4-7. Look for concerts, events, and activities to be announced in the coming months
Summer may not have started with PrairieFest this year, but we’re determined the season won’t end without it.
For information on involving your business or organization in the community festival, please contact Kristie Vest at kvest@oswegolandpd.org.