'Something for Everybody' at Shorewood Crossroads Festival

The tents are up and the port-o-potties are in place.

That can mean only one thing: Shorewood Crossroads Festival is almost set to kick off. 

On Wednesday morning, work crews were installing port-a-potties and beginning to set up a stage platform underneath the giant entertainment tent in preparation for the opening of the 37th annual Shorewood Crossroads Festival.

The festival runs from Friday (Aug. 2) through Sunday (Aug. 4) at Four Seasons Park off of Seil Road in Shorewood.

“Seeing all the tents come up and making it feel real is always exciting,” said Denise Schmidt, president of the Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce. “You plan the whole year for this and to see some evidence that it’s real—that it’s going to happen—is fun for us.”

Schmidt said residents can expect to see a new layout at the festival.

“The park has expanded and the Crossroads Festival has expanded, too,” she said.

Two parking areas will be utilized to accommodate the crowds. Schmidt said the north parking lot will be closest to the carnival and will be accessible off Route 52 and Wynstone Drive (just follow the signs).

She said the traditional parking area is off Seil Road (with handicap access and motorcycle parking).

“That end is closest to the food vendors and the entertainment,” Schmidt said.

And Crossroads Fest is all about entertainment.

There will be a pre-party special from 2-4 p.m. Friday, the two-hour time-slot set aside for families with children with special needs. Parents need to register by Wednesday (July 31) to be on the guest list. 

“We made a commitment to the idea that every family that comes out to Crossroads Festival should have great memories,” Schmidt said. “Some need a little more time to get on and off the rides—a little more space. That’s why we’ve set aside a couple hours.”

Schmidt said the pre-party is sponsored by Windy City Amusements and that various chamber members have adopted each ride at the carnival.

Crossroads Festival highlights

• Wristbands for carnival rides. The cost is $20. Times for unlimited rides are 4-8 p.m. Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Live performances on stage in the entertainment tent. Friday: Strong Out and Libido Funk Circus. Music begins at 5 p.m.; Saturday: The Messengers (family friendly) at 4:30 p.m.; Kashmir and Arra. Sunday: Skooters Roadhouse comes to Crossroads Festival (2-5 p.m.), closing patriotic concert from the Bicentennial Pops Band. Note: After 6 p.m., the entertainment tent is open only to individuals 21-over on Saturday and Sunday.
• Fireworks: 9 p.m. Saturday.
• Parade: Noon Sunday. Starts at Earl and Geneva, the grandstand is at River and David A. Berry Drive. Performing bands: Troy Middle School, Joliet West High School, Minooka High School and Minooka Junior High School.
• Crossroads Fest 5K: Begins at 8 a.m. Saturday behind the Shorewood police station.
• Bean bag tournament: Registration begins at noon Saturday in the entertainment tent.
• Car show, craft and vendor show. This runs from 12-6 p.m. Saturday. Also, there will be free crafts in the Kids Zone tent from 12-5 p.m. Saturday.

“Absolutely, there is something for everybody here,” Schmidt said.