Motley Crue front man to headline VetFest 141 on Saturday, Aug. 28

When the Oswego Entertainment Venue opens this August, the new park and bandshell will pack a big punch, with chart-toppers and rock legends hitting the stage for a great cause.

This week, VetFest 141 organizers and the Village of Oswego announced another headlining act for the four-day festival happening later this month – metal legend and Vince Neil, legendary voice of Mötley Crüe.

Neil will perform hits such as “Wild Side,” “Girls Girls Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Home Sweet Home,” and many more.

“It’s an honor to play an event like this for such a good cause,” Neil said. “I have several family members who served in the military including my father so a show like this is near and dear to my heart. My band and I are looking forward to performing a fun, energetic and exciting show performing all the hits.”

Twin brother rock duo Nelson will open.

“Matt and I are absolutely thrilled to be playing VetFest this year,” Gunnar Nelson said. “On top of the thrill of sharing the bill with our great friends Vince and his bandmates, for the past hundred-plus years the Nelson family has always loved and supported our great veterans. It’s time to celebrate together and honor the best of us all. Let’s rock!”

Vince Neil and Nelson join an already packed line-up for the four-day festival, which begins on Thursday, Aug. 26, with The Man in Black – A Johnny Cash Tribute starring Shawn Barker. Chart-topping country duo LoCash headlines Friday, Aug. 27, and local favorites 7th Heaven bring the party on Sunday.

The four-day music event also brings food, drinks and a carnival to the new venue, plus veterans and first responders get free admission and special perks. VetFest 141’s one-for-one ticket program admits one veteran, active military member first responder or frontline medical worker for every regularly priced ticket purchased. Patrons can also buy a burger or a beer for a veteran – even without attending the festival – by visiting VetFest141.org and clicking “Buy One for a Vet.”

A portion of proceeds from the festival are donated to local charities that benefit veterans and support the Oswego 308 School District.

“When we first began imagining this space just two years ago, I envisioned the kind of stage that could be both home to our local Oswego talent and a space for other big-name acts to entertain our residents and raise funds for great causes,” Village President Troy Parlier said. “The amazing lineup for this year’s VetFest and the other great community events lined up for this fall are proof that what we’ve built here is truly something for the whole community to enjoy.”

VetFest 141 is slated to be the first major show at the new venue, which is just completing construction at 1010 Station Drive in Oswego’s Orchard Road corridor, but a packed calendar of community events is planned throughout late summer and early fall. It includes patriotic concerts, the return of the free pumpkin pick-up for Oswego families and more.

Oswego residents can get special perks for big events happening at the new venue. In early July, residents signed up for Village of Oswego text and email notifications got first dibs on fast-selling LoCash tickets. Not signed up yet? Visit www.oswegoil.org/alerts to get started.

Tickets

VetFest 141 happens Thursday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 29, at the Oswego Entertainment Venue, 1010 Station Drive. General admission tickets for single-night shows start at $10. Four-day passes are $75 and are on sale now at www.vetfest141.org. Concert gates open at 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. The all-ages carnival opens 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 1 p.m. p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Volunteers needed

VetFest141 will donate $200 to local organizations for every eight-hour shift spent volunteering for event setup, support and breakdown. In return, volunteers will be granted free admission to another day of the festival for free. Individuals interested in volunteering can register at www.vetfest141.org.

For more information about Vet Fest, or to buy tickets, visit www.vetfest141.org. For more details on the new Oswego entertainment venue, including a complete calendar of community events, visit www.oswegoil.org/amphitheater.

Getting tired of what mom makes for dinner every night? Take a pizza tour of Oswego and try pizza from local places and rate them with your family. You’ll soon have many new favorite places to eat! Thirteen percent of Americans are eating pizza at any given time, so join in on the trend. Hop in the car and follow along.

First, start on the west side of town.

• Chicago Pizza Authority
  • 1043 Station Drive
  • Sink your teeth into their homemade sauce and dough and reward your tastebuds with a fresh slice of Chicago Pizza Authority pizza. Priding themselves on being fast, fresh, and flavorful, this pizza sure is a treat.
• Prohibition Junction Sports Bar & Grill
  • 1031 Station Drive
  • Come as strangers and leave as friends at this modern-day speakeasy meets sports bar. Enjoy pizza from local, three generation owned pizzeria, East Side Pizza, while cheering on your favorite team on the big screen.

Then, cross the river and make your way towards downtown.

• Danelli’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
  • 228 E. Washington Street
  • Voted as one of the best Italian food places in the Kendall County area in the Record Newspapers Readers’ Choice Awards, Danelli’s is a place you don’t want to miss. A classic Italian restaurant, their pizza, including their Gluten Free cauliflower crust, is sure to blow you away.

Head east on U.S. Route 34 for these delicious and iconic Chicago stops.

• Giordano’s
  • 2870 U.S. Route 34
  • Get a taste of some of Chicago’s best deep-dish pizza. Following a 10-step process, cooks make mouth-watering deep-dish pizza. It sure is worth the wait!
• Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
  • 2848 U.S. Route 34
  • Dubbed, “the oldest family name in Chicago pizza,” Lou Malnati’s uses a delicious buttery crust, vine ripened plum tomatoes from California, and Wisconsin cheese to create their deep-dish masterpiece.
• Rosati’s Pizza
  • 2751 U.S. Route 34
  • Eat at a classic Chicago pizza place that once drew in the likes of Al Capone. Silvario Rosati served gangster Al Capone in the 1920s, and while the infamous crime boss didn’t live on, Rosati’s did. Grab a bite of pizza made with family recipes that date back decades.
• Brick Oven Kitchen (Delta Sonic)
  • 1924 U.S. Route 34
  • Try Oswego’s newest pizza place, Brick Oven Kitchen at Delta Sonic. Their brick-oven style pizza is made from quality imported ingredients and are available in their drive-thru, so you won’t even have to get out of your car.

Next, go north on Douglas Road and find more yummy pizza places.

• Riverside Pizza & Pub
  • 1100 Douglas Road
  • A modern spin on a classic pizzeria, enjoy not only their pizza, but also play a fun game of pool or cheer on your favorite team at the bar.
• Windy City Pizza
  • 316 Douglas Road
  • This carry out and delivery pizza place is sure to satisfy all your needs. You can’t go wrong with their five different crust options. Try them all!
• Pizza Cucina
  • 12 E Merchants Drive
  • Enjoy a pizza from this local restaurant. Their delivery drivers sometimes dress up in costumes, so you might have the Mandalorian show up at your door!  

Which one are you going to try first? Post your pizza pics with the hashtag #SliceofOswego so everyone can see your delicious meal.

Enjoy classic Chicago-style street food or create your own classic meal — leaving you satisfied with exactly what you want — at RV’s Home of the Hoagy.

You don’t have to go all the way to Chicago for authentic hoagies, poutine, and other south side classics. Head over to RV’s Home of the Hoagy for elevated Chicago-style street food, right here in Oswego.

Founded 60 years ago on the south side of Chicago, this fast casual restaurant makes everything from scratch. From their 22 different hoagies to their 15 different poutines and everything in between, there are many tasty options to make your mouth water.

If their poutine options don’t fancy you, make your own! Start with a base of french fries or sweet potato fries, choose your toppings and create your own delicious masterpiece. Or, enjoy some of their original pizza french fries. That’s right, it’s a pizza made out of french fries. Choose from classic pizza toppings like cheese, pepperoni, or sausage, or add mushrooms, onions, ham, bacon, or olives.

Follow up your savory meal with some of their sweet treats. Try a yum yum cake or cool off with a scoop of gelato, hand-packed ice cream, or Italian ice.

Catch a game while you dine, and don’t miss a beat just because you have to go to the bathroom — even the mirrors play sports, movies, and TV shows.

Coming soon, find Bottoms Up beer dispensers at the bar. Watch your cup quickly fill with the exact amount of beer from the bottom up. Once you finish the drink, take home the souvenir magnet that prevents the beer from spilling out the bottom.

Try this restaurant from the future through their dine in, carry out, or drive thru options. For more information on RV’s Home of the Hoagy, 2430 U.S. Route 30, visit their website or call the “hoagy hotline” at 888-4-1-HOAGY.

You want your home to feel like you. You don’t want some ready-made décor that everyone else has, but something that fits in just right. Maybe it’s a piece that makes everyone swoon, or the piece that complements your unique style. But where do you find that piece that puts it all together? Downtown Oswego, of course! Find your newest treasure at one of several downtown antique stores, gift stores, and vendor markets and turn your style from cookie-cutter to one of a kind.

Dusty Road Merchants

• 5 S. Madison Street
• Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Both indoors and out, Dusty Road Merchants is jam-packed with a wide array of items you never knew existed but absolutely need. The jungle of home décor, handmade pieces, jewelry, and many other vintage pieces is a treasure hunt. They feature several vendors who bring their own pieces and unique style to add variety to the store. Check out the indoor showroom for colorful refurnished furniture staged throughout the store, then head outdoors for garden décor and plants to turn your yard into an oasis (and check back in December for Christmas trees.) Feelin’ crafty? Dusty Road Merchants is a retailer for DIY Paint, a clay and chalk finish furniture paint. Follow Dusty Road Merchants on Facebook for announcements of fun upcoming events.

Floral Expressions & Gifts

• 26 Main Street
• Open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

One sure way to her heart is flowers. Not only do they smell good, but they are a token of your love. Floral Expressions & Gifts is the place to go for a beautiful bouquet. With flowers of every color, their handmade arrangements will make any girl swoon. Bolster your gift to her with a personalized engraved picture frame or wooden garden sign. If you’re expecting, Floral Expressions & Gifts has a baby boutique with baby clothes in sizes up to 2T. They can also do floral arrangements for weddings, corporate events, prom, and others, so you have all of your bases covered.

Happenstance Goods

• 67 Main Street
• Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You will feel like part of the family when you walk into this charming antique store run by a mother-daughter team. Happenstance Goods is full of antique pieces that will instantly add character to any room in your home. Handmade décor is scattered throughout the sea of antique pieces to vary the age and look of the space. Head to the basement to see their collection of vintage toys and old records for sale. You’re sure to find a toy that the little kid in your life definitely doesn’t already have. Make sure to stop by the back to browse through their salvage area full of rustic wood and old tools perfect for your next project. Want to learn how to turn an old piece of furniture into your next centerpiece? Happenstance Goods teaches classes on how to use Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint, which they also sell in store.

Hudson Design House

• 76 Main Street
• Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It can sometimes be difficult to visualize how your grandma’s old table is going to fit in with the modern furniture and décor in your home. Hudson Design House is here to help you see just how perfectly your furniture — new and old — can fit together like pieces in a puzzle. Each area of this large lifestyle boutique highlights a different color to help you get an idea of how any color can be stylized. Not looking for décor or furniture? That’s okay! They also have a wide selection of trendy women’s clothing and apparel, perfect to help you look and feel good at the next summer barbecue.

The Marmalade Tree

• 79 Main Street
• Open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you’ve lived in Oswego for the past few decades, chances are you’ve heard of The Marmalade Tree. This mainstay on main street has been in town for the past 24-years. If you’re not sure what gift to get someone for a holiday or birthday, you’ve come to the right place! The Marmalade Tree has gifts for everyone, from your retired grandparents to your parents, to your best friends and teachers, everyone will be satisfied with their gift. If you want something more unique, look at their selection of apparel, scarves, and jewelry. And, if you’re looking for some entertainment, watch The Marmalade Tree’s monthly Facebook live, where co-owner Steve Tews dresses up in a fun costume to show off their new products.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 18. Here’s where to dig in locally.

La Yummy Michoacana Ice Cream and More

• 4530 IL Route 71
• Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Try a scoop (or two) of La Yummy Michoacana Ice Cream and More’s rotating ice cream flavors or try one of their delicious banana splits and ice cream tacos. They also have refreshing fruit drinks and bubble teas to keep you cool.

La Michoacanita Ice Cream Shop

• 18 East Merchants Drive
• Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.

La Michoacanita Ice Cream Shop’s homemade paletas (think fruit-filled popsicles) are the perfect refreshing treat for a hot summer’s day. Choose from many flavors from pineapple to bubble gum, and everything in between! Cool off with traditional Mexican beverages such as a Mangonada or Michelaguas or their selection of ice cream flavors.

Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store

• 2274 U.S. Route 30
• Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

As you walk into Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store you are hit with the heavenly smell of fresh baked waffle cones. Feel like you’re in a classic ‘50s diner by getting your ice cream served in traditional fountain glassware.

Andy’s Frozen Custard

• 1200 U.S. Route 34
• Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Ordering frozen custard is easy at Andy’s Frozen Custard. Pull up to the drive-thru window or go to the walk-up service window and enjoy your cold treat in the nice weather. Their frozen custard is served within an hour after it’s made, and they have a variety of flavors from vanilla to seasonal flavors such as strawberry shortcake.

Menchie’s Oswego

• 1530 Douglas Road
• Monday-Sunday 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

You will not run out of options at Menchie’s! They have self-serve frozen yogurt for everyone, with nonfat, gluten-free, no sugar added, dairy free, and vegan options, everyone will be satisfied. They keep it fresh with rotating flavors and even have limited edition collector’s spoons available with your order.

TCBY

• 2840 U.S Route 34
• Monday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

TCBY, better known as “the country’s best yogurt,” has been a staple self-serve frozen yogurt company for 40 years. Their “Super FroYo” and Greek FroYo flavors are must-try nutritious treats.

Culver’s

• 2781 U.S. Route 34
• Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Treat yourself to frozen custard from a Midwest staple. Try one of Culver’s classic flavors with the option of many toppings or their unique flavor of the day.

La Michoacana Magna

• 2590 U.S. Route 30
• Everyday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Cool off with one of La Michoacana Magna’s freshly made popsicles and ice cream, or one of their many snacks! They use fresh fruits to make their popsicles and other treats.

Cocomero Frozen Yogurt/Bubble Tea/Smoothies

• 2753 U.S. Route 34
• Monday-Thursday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Try one of Cocomero’s many self-serve frozen yogurt options and load it up with toppings. Not in the mood for froyo? Try their refreshing bubble tea in one of their many seating options. Leave the kids in the mini play area and enjoy your treat!

Coming soon! The Dairy Barn

• 125 Main Street
• Opening this fall!

Dairy Barn is expected to open downtown Oswego this fall. They will be open year-round and have indoor and outdoor seating for people to enjoy their ice cream and traditional American fare.

WHAT IS CLASSFIED ‘HISTORIC’ has always been open to interpretation. When establishing the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966, a timeframe needed to be selected “in order to assure historical perspective and avoid judgements based on current or recent popular trends.” A 50-year period was established as a guide for “evaluating the historic resources worthy of preservation.”

With the turn of the last decade, this 50-year time period now includes the 1960s. The 1950s saw the rise of the mid-century style and, while the style remained throughout the beginning of the next decade, American ideals began to shift and size became the growing trend. Ranch levels were expanded to split levels, single car garages became double, and family rooms were added to floor plans.

The Oswego community also participated in the expansion trend as local industry saw our population increase substantially. Construction was prevalent in the 1960s and included the completion of the Civic Center and downtown library building to entertain the number of growing families. The Dairy Hut was also constructed in 1961 as an answer to families needing a place to enjoy a cold treat and mingle among the locals.

Originally called the Dari-Boat, the building stood on Block 11, Lot 5 of the Original Town plat and featured items like the Dari-cone and the Burger Boat. The building was recently razed to allow for its redevelopment as the new Dairy Barn.

Though a twist on the original, Oswegoans are sure to enjoy an ice cream and quality time just as families have been doing at this location since the 60s!

Chicago may have their own popular popcorn mix, but did you know that Oswego does too?

The Oswego Mix consists of Extra Buttery and Caramel popcorn. This sweet and savory mix gives you a taste unique to Oswego.

Make movie night special with a stop at The Popcorn Store, located at 1690 Douglas Road. With the rise in popularity of streaming services, it’s easy to have a fun movie night in the comfort of your own home. Enhance the experience with some gourmet popcorn that’s way better than anything out of a microwave.

Don’t worry about everyone agreeing on the same flavor. The Popcorn Store has more than 60 flavors to choose from, plus a selection of 15 seasonal and monthly flavors. They have five different bag sizes, including a mini, so everyone can enjoy popcorn that satisfies their tastebuds. There is truly something for everyone!

Plus, feel good about supporting a small business that supports the community! You can find The Popcorn Store’s popcorn at the Rush Copley Gift Shop, local breweries, and even at special events like the Village of Oswego’s Movies in the Park series. They even participate in fundraisers for local schools and sports teams.

Miss the popcorn but you’re not in Oswego? Not a problem! The Popcorn Store ships anywhere in the United States for its nationwide cult following — they’ve already shipped a few bags all the way to Hawaii! The Popcorn Store can also provide popcorn for your next big event, making more than just movie night magical.

For more information and to see a list of their 60+ popcorn flavors, visit https://www.thepopcornstores.com/.

OSWEGO, ILL. – The Village of Oswego and the VetFest 141 Foundation announce VetFest 2021 featuring country music chart-topper LOCASH as the inaugural act at the new Oswego Entertainment Venue.

VetFest 141 comes to the brand new Oswego Entertainment Venue, 1010 Station Drive in Oswego, on Thursday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 29. The event, organized by the VetFest 141 Foundation, raises funds for local charities with a focus on supporting veterans and the Oswego School District 308. For each ticket purchased, a veteran, first responder and front-line medical professional will get free admission into the event.

“The vision for the Oswego Entertainment Venue has always been to create a place for events that all of our community can enjoy,” Village President Troy Parlier said. “We are thrilled that VetFest is not only bringing such great entertainment with LOCASH, but also is hosting an event that donates proceeds to so many great local organizations.”

LOCASH, a country duo with No. 1 hits, “I Know Somebody” and “One Big Country Song,” will headline the event Friday evening.

“We are excited to bring LOCASH to Oswego as part of VetFest 141,” event co-organizer Kevin Fialko said. “We have a national act that wants to be a part of benefiting the veterans in our local community and bringing some fantastic country music for everyone to enjoy as well. It’s going to be a great event.”

Johnny Cash tribute The Man in Black starring Shawn Barker will headline Thursday evening with opening act Hillbilly Rock Starz. Popular Chicago-area rock band 7^th Heaven will close out the festivities on Sunday, with more music announcements expected soon. A carnival will also provide fun for all ages throughout the four-day event.

A portion of the VetFest 141 proceeds will benefit Kendall County Veterans Assistance, the Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club, and the Oswego American Legion.

“Our Veterans and first responders deserve this recognition, but also support throughout the year,” event co-organizer Chris Skilnik said. “We are passionate about giving back to organizations that can provide support for our veterans. This year, we’ve added front-line medical professionals to our list of heroes after all they have been through. We can’t thank you all enough for your service.”

Movie tickets include lite brunch fare, coffee, juice and more!

The Oswego Cultural Arts Commission celebrates women in the arts with the return of LUNAFEST, a fundraising film festival of shorts by and about women on Sunday, Aug. 8, in Oswego.

LUNAFEST is a fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women’s issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing people together in their communities to engage in the arts.

This unique film festival includes seven short films by lauded women filmmakers who have earned  Emmy nominations, Peabody awards, and recognition at Manhattan Film Festival, SXSW, Sundance and more. Films range from animation to documentary to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers.  This year’s films include:

• Overexposed: Filming an Arctic Odyssey (2021). Dir. Holly Morris. A high-stakes behind-the-scenes look at the film team that captured the daring story of the Women’s Euro-Arabian North Pole Expedition.
• Knocking Down the Fences (2019). Dir. Meg Shutzer.  AJ Andrews, the first woman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, struggles to make it as one of the best professional softball players in the world. A selection at Indy Shorts International Film Festival.
• A Line Birds Cannot See (2019). Dir.  Amy Bench. Separated from her mother at the border, a 12 year old sets out on a harrowing journey to the United States to find her. Winner of Special Jury Recognition at SXSW.
• The Scientists Versus Dartmouth (2021). Dir. Sharon Shattuck. A young neuroscientist and her colleagues make a life-changing decision to speak up for women in science everywhere.
• Until She is Free (2021). Dir. Maria Finitzo. Mixed-media artist Sophia Wallace imagines a culturally cliterate world, where all people are equal and able to live with rich possibility and purpose.
• Connection (2020). Dir. Tracy Nguyen-Chung and Ciara Lacy. A lifelong angler, Autumn Harry never fished beyond the waters of her reservation – until she picked up a fly rod.
• Betye Saar: Taking Care of Business (2020). Dir. Christine Turner. There’s no stopping this legendary artist, even at age 93.

Please note that this year’s films are recommended for ages 16 and up. “Until She Is Free” contains partial nudity and themes related to sexuality.

Brunch and Artisan Showcase

LUNAFEST is more than just the films – it’s a celebration of the arts. Enjoy finger foods with brunch fare, and a showcase of local artisans, too! Talented local artists in a range of media will be displaying and selling their artwork as well as demonstrating their creative processes for attendees.

(Interested in showcasing your work? Check out our artisan application.)

A light brunch with coffee and juice is included with your ticket, along with a chocolatey treat at intermission. Grab a seat on the patio or under a tent and enjoy live music as you nosh. Mimosas will be available for purchase. Must be 21 and have a valid ID to consume alcohol.

Tickets

Tickets to this year’s LUNAFEST, on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, are $23 plus tax and applicable ticketing fees and are available on Eventbrite.

Online ticket sales end at 11:59 p.m. on August 7, 2021. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door. Day-of event tickets are based upon availability and cost $30 plus tax.  Cash and credit cards are accepted at the door.

The pre-event reception begins at 11 a.m. The film screening begins at 12 p.m. A 30-minute intermission takes place following the first four films.

LUNAFEST is held at Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego.

All proceeds from LUNAFEST will benefit Mutual Ground in its mission to create a community free of domestic and sexual violence through its shelter and education programs, as well as Chicken & Egg Pictures, a national nonprofit organization that supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change. Thus far, LUNAFEST, which is created and funded by LUNA, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, has raised more than $6 million for nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

For more information, contact Julie Hoffman, Community Engagement Coordinator, at 630-551-2344 or email jhoffman@oswegoil.org.              

Find a guitarist’s heaven tucked away in the most unassuming of spots, right here in Oswego.

With rustic wood from an over 200-year-old barn, guitars lining the walls from floor to ceiling, and the occasional taxidermy animal, DeMont Guitars, 61a Stonehill Road, is a place like no other.

The large showroom has everything you need to live life as a rockstar, guitar straps, Guyatone pedals, large speakers, and vintage gear of all kinds. They even have a temperature-controlled side room to keep acoustic guitars in tip top shape.

Interested, but don’t know how to play? No problem. DeMont Guitars has a room for private guitar lessons so you will be rocking out in no time.

Behind the scenes is a guitar factory of sorts with equipment such as a kiln and a sawmill.

Nate DeMont, owner of DeMont Guitars, creates as many pieces of a guitar as he can here in his own facilities. Keeping as much of the manufacturing process and materials local, he often uses lumber from local farms and properties to make the bodies of guitars and shells from the Fox River to make guitar inlays.

DeMont Guitars doesn’t stop there. In addition to guitar lessons and manufacturing their own guitars, they offer guitar repair, custom made guitars, and different kinds of guitar manufacturing such as engraving and metal milling.

DeMont has since purchased the Guyatone, Kent, and Mono-Plak companies, expanding the reach of DeMont Guitars nationally and internationally. With the purchase of Guyatone, a Japanese manufacturing company, DeMont Guitars expanded some of their inventory to Japan.

Famous musicians such as Rick Nielson, Billy Gibbons, Paul McCartney, and Jeff Beck have received Mono-Plaks made right here in Oswego from DeMont Guitars and several others have been spotted using a DeMont Guitar. Are you next?

For more information, go to https://www.demontguitars.com/index.html or call 347-433-6668.

Happy Father’s Day, Oswego! There are so many ways to celebrate dad this weekend. While a gift and a card are nice, why not get some quality bonding time in by doing an activity together? We’ve compiled a list of some activities you can enjoy with your dad this weekend, all while staying local.

• Go fishing at Hudson Crossing Park along the Fox River or Farmington Lakes Park. Each body of water provides several fish for catch-and-release fishing, along with access to great walking trails.
• Hike at one of Oswego’s many great trails, like Saw Wee Kee park. Saw Wee Kee is an extensive nature area with several different trails to explore. The trails can also be used for horseback riding and BMX biking. With trails 0.46 miles long to 2.04 miles long, Saw Wee Kee has a distance perfect for everybody.
• Play a round of Frisbee golf at Eagle Ridge Park. Entry to the 18-hole, 22-acre disc golf course is free, and you can ride a bike there from the Waubonsee Trail or the Fox River Trail for an extra workout.
• Rent bikes downtown Oswego from the Fox Valley Bike Share. Renting a bike costs $4 for the first hour, and $5 each hour after that. The Fox River Trail is just a few blocks away and is nicely paved for a fun, easy ride.
• Go to the Prairiefest Carnival at Prairie Point Park. Join the Oswegoland Park District June 17^th through June 20^th for thrills, rides, and fun. An unlimited ride wristband is available each day for $25-$30, depending on the time.
• Play a round of golf at Fox Bend Golf Course. This 11-hole course provides a fun challenge with 34 well-positioned bunkers and water. With rates from $19-$55, Fox Bend can provide an afternoon of fun. Not interested in playing a full course? They also offer a driving range, practice bunker, and putting green to hone your golf skills.
• Enjoy a locally brewed beer at Oswego Brewing Co. downtown Oswego. They have a wide variety of beers brewed onsite for you to enjoy and have a good time with dad.

Be sure to share your photos of how you celebrated Father’s Day with your dad on social media and use the hashtag #GoOswego.