Stevenson Spirit Fest to benefit CASA Lake County

Spirit Fest, the annual District 125 family-friendly charity event sponsored by Stevenson High School's National Honor Society chapter, returns Saturday, Sept. 17 ... with a twist. For the first time, Spirit Fest will be held in the evening. Spirit Fest will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the SHS Stadium.

At the heart of Spirit Fest is helping a local charity. This year, all proceeds from the event will go to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lake County, a non-profit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. CASA helps more than 500 children annually. The goal is to raise $25,000.

Last year, Spirit Fest raised $20,000 for the Saving Tiny Hearts Society.

During Spirit Fest, families are invited to the SHS Stadium for games, a 5K Spirit Walk, a professional fireworks display and, for the second straight year, a chance to help set a Guinness World Record.

Last year, Spirit Fest set a record by holding the world's largest robot dance, with 525 people taking part. This year, organizers are going for the "Largest Glow-In-The-Dark" Design by spelling "CASA" in glow sticks on the football field. The world record attempt will be followed by a professional fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Spirit Fest is an affordable event open to all ages. Individual admission is $10. A family of three costs $20, a family of four is $25 and a family of five or more is $30. Since Spirit Fest is a charity event, those attending are encouraged to donate more than the minimum admission fee.

Admission grants access to carnival games, music entertainment, a chance to participate in the world-record attempt, and the 5K Spirit Walk. Food, drinks, T-shirts and other entertainment options will be offered at an additional charge.

Online registration is now open at http://stevenson.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jnqrkoe4&sess=e6e186a9e69d3a08187b8b6606916f7d. If you register online, no ticket will be necessary for admittance; your name will be on a list at the gate.

Those wishing to pay by cash or check can do so during lunch periods at the school Sept. 12-16, or on the day of the event. Spirit Fest T-shirt sales will begin Sept. 12.

Also, baked goods and other food items will be sold in the Wood Commons during seventh and eighth periods Sept. 12-16 to raise money for CASA Lake County.

For more information, contact Brett Erdmann at berdmann@d125.org or 847-415-4418.