Dudefest 2019

Dudefest, a fundraising event benefiting Misericordia, has been put on by the Creevy family for the past 9 years. We were so thrilled to have been brought on this year to take part in this event that helps an incredible organization!

Photo by Kim Ryan

On the day of the festival, the Five Grain Events team arrived early at Eris Brewery and Cider House to begin set-up. Soon, the stage and sound equipment had been set by Sound Investment AV, all the pop-up tents were up and ready to give much needed shade to the patrons, and excited guests began pouring into the festival!

Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan

As people arrived to Dudefest, they gave donations to Misericordia, entered the raffle, and bought drink tickets to enjoy the many ciders and beers that Eris Brewery and Cider House was serving  from their pop-up bar in the parking lot. There was even the opportunity to buy some really awesome Dudefest 2019 merchandise!

Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan

As the drinks, music, and food kept people engaged outside, there was a silent auction to benefit Misericordia going on inside Eris. Attendees could bid on numerous items, such as sports tickets, one-of-a-kind artwork, and even a walk-on role in Chicago Fire.  All items were donated by Dudefest groupies to benefit Misericordia.

Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan

Throughout the evening, bands played on the stage, entertaining the entire crowd. We had an incredible emcee crew for the evening who kept everyone engaged and laughing in the breaks between performances.

Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan

One of our personal favorite moments of the festival was the crowning of the Queen of Dudefest, and the tasty queen cake that followed. Inside the cake a little plastic shoe was hidden, and one very excited girl found the cake and was named Queen of Dudefest 2020!

Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan

At the very end of the evening, we were treated to the Creevy Family Band, which has been the hit at Dudefest for many years. Their most popular song was “Hey Dude,” a rendition of the well-known Beatles song “Hey Jude,” that was dedicated to their sister, known as “the Dude,” who was the inspiration for this fundraiser. 

Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan

To the Creevy family and all of the attendees of Dudefest, thank you for letting us take part in putting on this fantastic festival. We cannot imagine a more worthy cause than Misericordia to be fundraising for, or a more fun way to do it  Looking forward to the 2020 event!

Photo by Kim Ryan
Photo by Kim Ryan

A very special THANK YOU to Chris Brandt who captured the day’s festivities.

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