Make Memorial Day Special in Loves Park, Illinois

Northern Illinois Really DOES Have Something for You!

P. Workinger
Memorial day means many things to many people, and is often a day where we take the opportunity to connect with family and friends. Generally, there are many things to do, from yard work and cleaning to grilling out some fine steaks, but what should we do in Northern Illinois if we need a little break from day to day reality?

Welcome to Loves Park, Illinois. I love this town, and have always been intrigued by it, with it's beautiful winding riverside bike and walking path, complete with parks, and the friendly people who live here. It has a wonderful school system as well, however let's get back to the discussion of Memorial day weekend!

Enter the annual Memorial day party for the whole city, the Young at Heart Festival! May 23-26 this year, there is an action packed festival (as in years prior, on Memorial day weekend.) The festival begins at 6pm on May 23rd , and wraps up on May 26th at 6pm. Filled with entertainment, food, fun, and carnival rides, there is something here for everyone, of every age category.

For the price of only $8.00, you get four fun packed days! That's right, you only pay one time for the button. Children under the age of 8 are free. If you purchase your buttons in advance, they are only $6.00, which is quite a value. I have attended this event every single year since I was a teen, and have never been disappointed. So what about the entertainment?

For the country music fan, May 26th will be the best bet - it's country music day! Little Texas will be on stage at 8pm, directly followed by a magnificent fireworks display which any enthusiast would be impressed with. I have never been disappointed with the fireworks display at this event...it is just awesome! The kids will love it too!

The other three days are a mix of contemporary and 80's music, featuring more local talent. There are also days where you can get wristbands for the kids for unlimited rides.

My best suggestion for affordable food at the festival, which is generally good and prepared with cleanliness in mind--The Loves Park Firefighters booth. Stop by for brats, burgers, dogs, and a beverage. Proceeds support the local volunteer fire department, and food is prepared by firefighters and their families. This is one of the best deals for your dollar while spending your entire weekend enjoying the fun (and hopefully the sun!)

For more detailed information, and directions to this don't miss event, go to the official website http://www.youngatheartfestival.com/

Don't forget, the 37th annual Young at Heart Parade on May 24th, which will be located several blocks from the festival site...on Il 251. The parade begins at 9AM, but you will definitely want to bring the lawn chairs and come early! My favorite spot for the parade is along the east side of 251 (otherwise known as N. Second street.) Beware of Elvis sightings, and have a great time! After the parade you will have many places along this route to choose for breakfast, then you can head to the festival for some fun!!

Come join us in Loves Park for this family oriented event...and don't forget to stop to pick up a real estate magazine on your way home!

http://www.youngatheartfestival.com/

Published by P. Workinger

I'm a lifelong Rockford Illinois native, a mother and grandmother, and animal lover. Hobbies include photography, reading, and cooking.  View profile

1 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Leora Mae5/4/2008

    From Leora Mae....additional information can be found at site below. There were several misprints in the article, as there are on the young at heart website. The festival does start on May 23, ends May 26. To clarify further, country music night is
    May 24th with fireworks at 9:30. Little texas will not be appearing as stated on the pdf file of the website.
    http://www.youngatheartfestival.com/sched.html

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.