For Chicago, summertime usually means lots of fests. With fests returning after a year off, I spent most of Sunday at Edison Park Fest on the far northwest side of Chicago.

Debuting in 1972 as a sidewalk sale, Edison Park Fest has grown into one of the most popular fests in Chicago, with about 20,000 attendees expected over the weekend. An annual fundraiser, proceeds go to neighborhood beautification projects, free community projects and the Chamber of Commerce.

My first stop was at Murray Bros. Caddyshack, where I enjoyed truffle mac and cheese while catching up with general manager Mike Avella. I have had many fantastic meals at their Rosemont location, but somehow this was my first time sampling the truffle mac and cheese. Thick and creamy without being overly rich, it was outstanding. They also had a couple different sliders and other tasty offerings. I’ll definitely be ordering this next time at the restaurant, and I’ll even bring some home for reheating and enjoying later.

A little more walking around brought me to EPIC Craft Ice Cream, where I tried pretzel and dark chocolate ice cream. Creamy, smooth dark chocolate ice cream chock-full of crisp, salty pretzels, it was a light, cool delight on a warm afternoon.

In the evening, Everett Dean & the Lonesome Hearts took the stage. It was my first time seeing the band live. Described as “raw rockabilly, high-octane rock and roll,” it is a blend of “Elvis, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash.” I’d add a little Buddy Holly into the mix, too. It made for a fantastic set of old-school rock with a modern edge. Everett Dean is joined by Rocco Phipps on bass, Kevin O’Connor on lead guitar and Joe Smith on drums. I already checked for their future appearances.

Photo courtesy of Rocco Phipps & Marge Farina-Larsen.

Photo courtesy of Everett Dean.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Photo courtesy of Everett Dean.

Photo courtesy of Everett Dean.

Photo courtesy of Rocco Phipps & Marge Farina-Larsen.

Photo courtesy of Everett Dean.