Venetian Night kicks off in Fox Lake Saturday night

What is expected to be the best-attended Venetian Night ever in Fox Lake is set to launch Saturday night on the Chain O' Lakes, village officials said.

Amy Serafin, the village's director of the parks and recreation, said the sixth annual Venetian Night and Block Party will feature numerous boats when the boat parade begins at 7:30 p.m. on Pistakee Lake.

"I am very excited about this year," Serafin said. "It will be the biggest one we have ever had because of the continued support from residents and the communities around us."

Attendance figures are not available for the event because it's impossible to count the boats on the water and the people on land, she said. However, she added, the amount of people who attend the event has forced the police department to block off more of Grand Avenue than in previous years.

The block party kicks off at 6 p.m., with dancing in the streets, food and refreshments for sale at the block party.

The boat parade takes center stage on the water just west of Grand Avenue. The theme of the Venetian-style boat parade is "Roaring 20s back on the Chain," and at least a dozen boats will take part in the festivities, said Chris Valenziano, director of Venetian Night.

"I just love this whole event every year," Valenziano said. "From the block party to the boat parade to the fireworks, it's just a great time for everyone."

Boats will launch from Famous Freddies Roadhouse, about three miles south of Grand Avenue, then traverse the waterway until they reach Dockers at 33 W. Grand Ave.

The first-place prize for the boats is $500, with second place winning $300, and third place taking home $200, Valenziano said.

Fireworks will be launched at dark, immediately after the boat parade.

Free parking is available at the Metra Train Station, within walking distance from the event.

For more information, check out the village website at foxlake.org.