Get Ready, Streator—Park Fest Is Back and Bigger Than Ever!

It’s that time of year again—the smell of funnel cakes in the air, the sound of kids screaming on spinning rides, and the faint hope that someone, somewhere, might win a prize at the ring toss. That’s right: Park Fest returns to Downtown Streator May 23–25, and it's shaping up to be the usual chaotic celebration of rides, noise, and nostalgia.

Unlimited rides will run $28 per person, per session, unless you’re smart enough to get a Mega Pass for $65 in advance (or $75 if you wait until you're standing in line with three kids and regret). Ride sessions will run:

Friday: 5–10 PM

Saturday: 1 - 10 PM

Sunday: 1–6 PM

A&A Attractions is back with all your favorites: the Ferris wheel that seems taller every year, the carousel that’s more majestic than a certain movie theater, and that pirate ship ride that makes you question your lunch decisions. And yes, there will be teacups spinning just fast enough to test your balance and your ability to keep a corn dog down.

Funnel cakes? Absolutely. Cotton candy? By the fistful. It's a perfect recipe for a weekend of overstimulation, mild sunburns, and children negotiating like hostages for just one more ride.

For those truly committed to the cause of fun, Presale bands are available now—and if you time it right, you might avoid paying full price and still get to scream at the top of your lungs while dangling upside down.

So dust off your walking shoes, load up your wallet with small bills, and prepare to eat something fried that shouldn't be. Park Fest is more than a carnival—it’s a Streator tradition. We may not know what happened to that promised hotel at Northpoint, but at least we can count on the tilt-a-whirl.

See you downtown—if you can find parking. And if you can't, a good walk never hurt anybody.