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‘It’s Good To See A Lot Of People’: Fall Fest Returns To Des Plaines


First row, from left, Des Plaines siblings Elliott Doerr, 10, a fifth-grader, Dakota “Koko” Doerr, 8, a third-grader, and Harlow Doerr, 11, a sixth-grader ride Pharaoh’s Fury on opening night of Fall Fest, Sept. 17, 2021. (Karie Angell Luc/Journal photo)

Organizers estimated that thousands of people came through Fall Fest after the event had a year off in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 12th annual Fall Fest ran three consecutive weekend days, starting Sept. 17 at Lake Park (2200 Lee St.).

Ray Schultz of Rosemont attended Friday evening with his wife Carol.

“Fresh air is good, certainly a lot nicer than sitting in the house,” Ray Schultz said.

From left, Tom Strossner of Des Plaines, commander of American Legion Post 36 in Des Plaines, during the national anthem. On right also saluting is veteran Ronald White, also of Des Plaines. (Karie Angell Luc/Journal photo)

Friday night began with a brief ceremony featuring veterans from American Legion Post 36 in Des Plaines who saluted during playback of the national anthem.

People in the audience awaiting stage entertainment were seen with hands over their hearts.

Tom Strossner of Des Plaines, commander of American Legion Post 36 and legion colleague Ronald White, also of Des Plaines, staffed flagpole duty.

“We were asked to raise the flag,” Strossner said. “It’s Americanism, I mean, it’s what we do.

“We start with the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem at events because men have died for that right and we’ve served for that right,” Strossner added.

Strossner served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971 and White served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1960 to 1966.

White said he comes from a family with a strong history of United States military service.

“It’s unfortunate that a lot of the other veterans don’t join us in what we’re doing to promote the Americanism and what we stand for, especially with what’s happening with our country today,” White said.

People gathered under this outdoor pavilion when the rain started suddenly approximately 6:45 p.m. (Karie Angell Luc/Journal photo)

About 40 minutes after the opening ceremony, winds and rain arrived suddenly, causing people to scramble to picnic shelters and tents.

Many had umbrellas and some vacated their soaked lawn chairs before removing them from the grassy area in front of the stage. Many people went to their cars with the parking lot at a standstill.

It was 90 degrees one hour before the event began on Friday with temperatures dropping to 63 degrees right before 7 p.m.

But there was the rest of the weekend which had a clear forecast to accommodate the schedule.

Two people huddle under an opened tent as the rain comes in. (Karie Angell Luc/Journal photo)

The event, which was created by the Des Plaines Park District, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and the Des Plaines History Center, featured free admission, free parking and free concerts each day.

“Presenting the history of Des Plaines in a fun and interesting way is a big part of what we do, and the response from both kids and adults at Fall Fest is always so exciting to see,” said Philip Mohr, the history center’s executive director.

Fall Fest was again sponsored by Rivers Casino.

“Free entertainment is always a big draw for Fall Fest,” said Don Miletic, executive director of the park district.

Ray Doerr of Des Plaines accompanied his children Elliott, 10, a fifth-grader, Dakota “Koko,”, 8, a third-grader, and Harlow, 11, a sixth-grader who rode several rides including Pharaoh’s Fury and the Ferris wheel.

“We’re here all three days and we’re glad it was on,” Ray Doerr said.

“It’s good to see a lot of people coming out.”

Skies are darkening from a Ferris wheel view. It is raining in the background of the currently dry carnival grounds. (Karie Angell Luc/Journal photo)

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