Mark Pawlowski, superintendent of leisure services for the Park District, has some sage advice for people planning to attend the 19th annual Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival Sept. 1 and 2 at Island Park.
“Park at the Kane County Government Center on Route 31,” Pawlowski said. “There’s plenty of space there, and most people don’t realize that a foot bridge leads from the Government Center right onto the island.”
The two-day festival, which began as a modest, largely local event in 1977, now ranks as Illinois’ biggest and best-attended folk festival. More than 7,500 people from 15 states showed up for last year’s bash, sponsored by the Fox Valley Folklore Society and the Geneva Park District.
This year’s lineup includes Jenny Armstrong, the Fermilab International Folk Dancers, Chicago Sacred Harp Singers and entertainers from the Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove. An old-time community barn dance and ghost story session are scheduled for Sept. 1. Call 630-844-3655 for a schedule.
Island Park is at Illinois Highway 38 and the Fox River.