Carnival Rides, Games, Food Await At Eid Fest In DuPage County

Wheaton IL

23 July, 2021

3:21 PM

Description

WHEATON, IL — Carnival rides, games, traditional fair and street food and a shopping bazaar will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Eid Fest at DuPage County Fairgrounds July 23 through July 25. Billed as "Chicagoland's Greatest Eid celebration," the weekend festival, presented by Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), got its start in 2011 with "a couple bouncy castles," according to the Eid Fest Facebook page. Eid Fest grew quickly over the years, but held tight to its mission "to foster a culture of holiday celebration for children, friends, and families to enjoy Eid in a positive community environment," the ICNA website states. Eid Fest marked its first year at DuPage County Fairgrounds in 2019, allowing for more attractions and more guests. The festivities were canceled in 2020 due to coronavirus. The annual festival celebrates Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for millions of Muslims around the world. Muslims who partake in Eid al-Adha, which translates to "Feast of the Sacrifice," celebrate their belief of the willingness the Prophet Abraham had to sacrifice his beloved son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God's command. Muslims believe that before Ibrahim (another spelling for the prophet's name) could sacrifice his son, God placed a lamb before him to sacrifice instead. Click the link to learn more about Eid al-Adha. What: Eid Fest When: July 23 from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., July 24 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., July 25 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: DuPage County Fairgrounds, North Grounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton How much: $2 for admission, unlimited carnival ride deals available at event Patch Editor Yasmeen Sheikah contributed to this article.