Round Lake ready to celebrate Home Town Fest

Round Lake’s Home Town Fest will take over a field off Route 134 with offerings ranging from a Neil Diamond tribute singer to a taco-eating contest.

Home Town Fest will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, in the field bounded by Route 134, Goodnow Boulevard and Avilon Avenue. There is no admission charge.

On the schedule of activities for the day are a pie-baking contest, car and motorcycle show, puppet show, climbing bridge and a fire truck for children to play on. The village’s St. Joseph Catholic School will host 50/50 bingo with a fee of $1 per card or six for $5.

Action also will include a regular and spicy taco-eating contest sponsored by Nanuco’s Cafe, which operates on Railroad Avenue in Round Lake. There is no charge to be in the eating derby.

Tickets will be required for carnival games, a bounce house, obstacle course and trackless train.

Patrons will have plenty of music to entertain them during the festival.

The Barstool Soldiers duo will play hits from bands such as Lynryd Skynryd and Dave Matthews. Barstool Soldiers play at other suburban festivals and are regulars at McGee’s Tavern in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Waterfront Dogs will knock out classic and Southern rock, along with blues. Art Warshawsky handles the lead vocal, guitar and keyboard.

Jeff “Diamond” Vescelius will hit the stage with his trademark audience interaction to keep the crowd juiced. Vescelius is known not only for covering Diamond’s greatest hits, but he also has a realistic presentation while accompanied by a band.

No one should go hungry at Home Town Fest. Along with tacos for sale by Nanuco’s for those not partaking in the eating contest, there will be hamburgers, bratwurst, Philadelphia cheesesteak, hot dogs, Polish sausage and ice cream.

Beer will be available in a tent.