Ridge Fest returns Friday for 3-day run
By Bob Bong
Chicago Ridge’s popular summer RidgeFest will return Friday evening to Freedom Park and Mayor Chuck Tokar says it will be “the best fest ever.”
The annual festival began in 1989 and only missed returning in 2020 when COVID-19 caused festivals and carnivals to be cancelled across the south suburbs out of health concerns.
It returned last year and was cut back from four days to three.
“The fourth day was just too much,” Tokar said this week. “Three works out much better for everybody.”
Landen Krull, 5, of Chicago Ridge, fishes for a prize at last year’s RidgeFest at Freedom Park in Chicago Ridge. (File photo)
New this year, he said, will be a laser light show on Saturday night.
“I saw one and thought it would be a fantastic addition to our fest,” he said.
Tokar also said the carnival rides would be checked and rechecked before the fest started to avoid a repeat of an accident at last month’s Palos Hills’ Friendship Fest when part of a ride broke off and slightly injured a mother and daughter.
“We’re going to check every nut, bolt and screw,” Tokar said emphasizing the carnival rides should be safe.
“We use Modern Midways and there has never been any trouble with a ride,” he said.
There will also be a strong police presence at the fest to ensure guests enjoy the music, food, games and fun.
Musical headliners this year will be Great White on Friday night, Voices of Classic Rock on Saturday and Forever Seger on Sunday night.
A spectacular fireworks show is slated for Sunday night from 9:40 to 10 p.m.
The fest will run from 5:30-11:30 p.m. Friday, from 3-11:30 p.m. Saturday, and from 3-10:30 p.m. Sunday.
General admission is $10 all three days. Residents with ID will get in for free on Sunday.
Sunday is Family Fun Day with visits scheduled for World of Reptiles, Mr. D’s Magic Show, a petting zoo and pony rides, and inflatables.
There will be food vendors, crafters, and a beer garden all three days.
The weather should cooperate, as well. The forecast is for dry conditions all three days.
Tokar is expecting a big turnout.
“People are starting to feel confidant again.”
For complete information on bands and activities, visit https://www.chicagoridge.org/183/RidgeFest or check out their Facebook page at Chicago Ridge Fest.
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