An event that was started by Clarendon Hills in 1964 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the village’s incorporation makes its annual return June 19-20.
Daisy Days, a marquee summer event in downtown Clarendon Hills sponsored by the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, will feature carnival rides and games, a petting zoo, reptile show, beer and wine tent, a local talent showcase, young entrepreneurs market, food from area businesses and a headlining band performing each night.
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The festival is scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. June 19 and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 20. Event admission is free.
Friday’s activities are highlighted by a performance by Folk Yeah. On Saturday, activities begin at 8 a.m. with a Barre3 workout at Village Hall, followed by a police bike auction at 9 a.m.
Entertainment throughout the day Saturday includes a showcase of music performances from students hosted by Clarendon Hills Music Academy at noon and the headlining act features rock hits from The Other Guys at 6 p.m. Dave DiNasio’s Traveling World of Reptiles will have exhibitions at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and a petting zoo will be open from noon to 4 p.m.
The young entrepreneur market will be open from noon to 2 p.m. June 20 at Burlington Plaza.
“This year, we are really pleased that a high school student really took over the event, changing it to youth organized, managed, and featuring local young business owners with services and goods to promote,” said Shannon McDonald, executive director of the Clarendon Hills Chamber.
That student, Jayden Bajttacharyya, a Clarendon Hills resident who just finished his sophomore year at Hinsdale Central High School, started his own DJ business about two years ago, something that sparked his interest in getting involved with the entrepreneur market at Daisy Days. He expects about 14 booths set up with high school, middle school and elementary school students marketing their businesses and, in some cases, selling goods.
“It’s a really good platform for people to get started and make themselves known,” he said.
For Clarendon Hills residents who attend Daisy Days, many several times over the years, the festival is a great opportunity for family fun.
Cammie Horan has lived in Clarendon Hills her entire life and is now raising three children, ages 9, 6, and 4, in the village. Daisy Days was a favorite event for her as a child, and that remains the case now for her and her kids.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s a vibrant community event that brings everyone together. You get to see neighbors and let the kids run around.”
Sharon Peterson has lived in Clarendon Hills with her family since 1993 and also has regularly attended Daisy Days.
“We raised six kids in town and always enjoyed going, and now, the grandkids love it,” she said. “I think it’s great because it’s gathering as a town to celebrate. It reminds me of ‘small town USA.’”
For McDonald, Daisy Days is particularly important.
“This is the event that made me want to move to Clarendon Hills — about 17 years ago,” she said. “It was just that wonderful small-town feel, with kids and their parents enjoying themselves. It’s a great place for families and for people to run into their neighbors.”