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Lake Zurich village board to decide on craft beer festival

Lake Zurich village board members will get the final word on whether a craft beer festival should be held in Paulus Park.

Village board trustees at a meeting July 7, are expected to vote on whether to approve the fest for the Columbus Day weekend in October. Lake Zurich's park and recreation advisory board recently sent a positive recommendation on the proposal to the village board.

Recreation manager Bonnie Caputo said Friday that residents have provided feedback to village officials on wanting more special events, so the craft beer festival at Paulus Park would be another way to address the demand.

"We want to keep our residents happy," Caputo said.

Chicago-based Special Events Management would be hired to operate the craft beer festival, which Caputo said tentatively would be on a Friday and Saturday.

Special Events Management Chief Executive Officer Hank Zemola said about 50 brewers would be expected to participate in Lake Zurich. He said the goal would be to draw 2,500 patrons over the two days.

Provided the village board approves the fest, Zemola said, possible offerings beyond beer might include food tastings, seminars from some craft brewery owners and live music. Admission would be $30 to $45.

Caputo said Lake Zurich likely would break even or do slightly better on the craft beer festival. Special Events Management projects income of $101,750 on expenses of $98,879, including a $10,000 fee for administrative services.

Special Events Management is known for several productions, including the Puerto Rican and Wells Street art festivals in Chicago, and the Des Plaines Summer Fling today and Saturday.

Meanwhile, Caputo said a volunteer committee already has booked three bands for the second Rock the Block street party in downtown Lake Zurich.

Caputo said regional cover bands Friction, Arra and Alex and the All-Stars are committed to Rock the Block, set for Sept. 13.

"We've got some really great bands this year," she said. "We're really excited about that."

About 5,000 visitors attended the quickly organized 2013 inaugural. Officials said Rock the Block serves a dual purpose of meeting the special events demand and calling attention to the downtown area that long has been targeted for redevelopment.

Twitter: @DHBobSusnjara

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