Lake Zurich rocks the block again
People filled a stretch of Main Street in downtown Lake Zurich on Saturday evening for the village's second annual Rock the Block bash.
They ate, drank and enjoyed live music, coming together as a community in the heart of the community.
"This gives (people) the opportunity to celebrate the end of summer and celebrate Lake Zurich," Village Manager Jason Slowinski said before the festivities began.
Main Street was shut down to cars between Old Rand Road and Church Street for the event. Food, beverage and snack vendors lined both sides of the street, allowing pedestrians to meander from booth to booth and to a stage near Old Rand Road.
A band called Alex & the Allstars got things started at 5 p.m., and more music was scheduled to follow.
"People come down for that," Slowinski said.
An estimated 5,000 people attended the first Rock the Block last year, far more than the 750 to 1,000 who were expected. This year, officials hoped to exceed the inaugural total.
Lake Zurich resident Frank Stornello brought his wife and three children to the event. The tasty food was a draw for them, he said.
"We like to support our local businesses, and the kids want something fun to do on the weekend," Stornello said.
Fellow resident Muffi Painter took her grandchildren to the block party.
"I missed it last year and I didn't want to miss it this year," she said.