This year’s Island in the City Festival in Norridge had periods of rain but more than enough sunshine to draw crowds to the festival at Overhill and Lawrence.
As many as 40,000 people were estimated to have attended over the four consecutive days of the festival, which began July 6.
“The Norridge Park District is committed to bringing the community together and is reflected here at the festival,” said Annemarie Flaherty of Arlington Heights, executive director of the Norridge Park District.
“The Island in the City Festival is a community favorite.
“Friends, family and neighbors enjoy gathering together at the park for some summer fun listening to live bands, tasty food and drinks, and fun carnival rides,” Flaherty said.
Natalie Armendariz, 17, of Norridge, a rising senior at Ridgewood High School, rode the popular Pharaoh’s Fury, a repeat attraction to Island in the City, with friends, and recalls years of coming to this summer festival while growing up.
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The Island in the City Festival is approaching two decades as an event held in Norridge.
“I do have a lot of memories,” Armendariz said, adding about the park itself, “I love it, it’s such a friendly environment.”
Juliana Kucmierz, 3, of Norridge gave a thumbs up to people riding a large carnival ride while the tot was being held by her father Chris Kucmierz.
“This is day two, we used to come here when we were younger, so she’ll build some memories too,” Juliana’s father said about the youngster.
Performing on the main stage on Sieb Field on Friday evening was the band Generation.
Stefanie Mitchell of Hawthorn Woods is among vocalists for Generation and said,”It’s just always so fun to get out and spend the summer outdoors and make some noise and get people dancing.”
People were seen swaying to the music. Families brought picnic suppers and had blankets spread out for the occasion. They could also buy on-site concession food.
This year, concessions included local restaurants and other food providers in a lined booth tent format instead of food trucks as primary sources for purchased fare.
Restaurateur Nuccio D’Argento of Harwood Heights, of the Ridgewood High School Class of 1985 and of RoccoVino’s Italian restaurant in Harwood Heights, helped to staff the restaurant’s booth. They sold signature RoccoVino’s entree items including pasta with a creamy sauce.
D’Argento, who grew up in Norridge, was happy to see people out after several COVID-19 pandemic years.
“Believe me, I’m really happy that we’re out of COVID…restaurants went through a challenging time,” D’Argento said. “And it’s great to see everybody back out and somewhat, let’s call it, back to normal.
“I think we’ve been through a lot.”
Walking the carnival midway was the Fulara family of Norridge. Parents Joe and Brianna Fulara brought their children Lincoln Fulara, 7, a rising third-grader, and Avery, who turns 3 this July. Avery won a large yellow ball at a carnival hoops game.
Brianna Fulara said, “We moved here from Chicago two years ago and we really like it here.”
