PrairieFest returns to Oswego this weekend

Under the theme “Happy Days Are Here Again!,” PrairieFest, Oswego’s annual summer community celebration, returns to PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Road, just south of Oswego High School, Sept. 3 to 6.

Admission and parking are free.

Organized by the Oswegoland Park District, the festival, traditionally held over Father’s Day weekend in June, was canceled last year due to the pandemic, but brought back by the park district this year to close out the summer.

This weekend’s festival features all of the popular family-friendly events that have made the fest a community tradition, from live music, a carnival and food to a 5K run and parade.

Popular singer-songwriter Uncle Kracker, known for his country and rock music hits, will headline the festival’s main stage with a concert from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4. Preceding Uncle Kracker will be Evil Burrito from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and a laser light show at 8:45 p.m.

The PrairieFest parade, one of the festival’s most popular annual events and largest attractions, will step off at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, from East View Academy, 4209 Route 71, and proceed on Jefferson Street to the village’s Main Street business district to Tyler Street. The parade will conclude at the former Traughber Junior High School on Franklin Street.

For information and to view an event brochure visit: prairiefest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/PrairieFest-2021-Event-Brochure.pdf.