Grayslake ready to celebrate Summer Days

This weekend, one of Grayslake's service club presidents will kiss a pig.

"It's part of a fundraiser for Grayslake Rotary Club," said Karen Christian-Smith, executive director of the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce. "Whoever raises the most money out of four different people gets to kiss the pig. It's usually a baby pig from a farm, which is really cute."

The "Kiss the Pig" contest is a tradition that's part of Grayslake Summer Days, a two-day celebration on Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15. The event will also feature several new activities, including go-cart races.

"Four boys from (Grayslake Elementary) school District 46 brought go-cart racing (to the festival) this year," Christian-Smith said.

The fourth graders' project, titled the "Ultimate STEAM Challenge," encourages children to use science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics to build a go-cart, she said. Once team-members create carts out of innovative materials, such as old bike and car parts, they will race.

Awards will be given for fastest cart, best technical design, and most creative design. Proceeds will serve Foundation 46, Water.org, Feed My Starving Children, and the American Cancer Society.

Grayslake Summer Days' schedule also includes two parades, bingo, live entertainment, carnival games, food booths and more. The festival will be held in Downtown Historic Grayslake, at Center Street and Whitney Street.

The bike and pet parade will be held Saturday, Aug. 15 at noon.

"People dress up their animals, their dogs and cats," Christian-Smith said. "Last year, there were even reptiles dressed up."

The main Summer Days parade will be that day at 6:30 p.m. This year's theme is "Celebrating Grayslake's Inspiring Stories."

There will be a few floats honoring veterans, Christian-Smith said.

Attendees at Summer Days can taste food from restaurants, such as the Brat Shop and Tropical Chill, while enjoying music from bands 7th Heaven and Infinity.

"It's one last summer event," Christian-Smith said. "It's also one last family event before the kids go back to school."

"Grayslake Summer Days Schedule"

<b>Friday, Aug. 14</b>5 p.m. Carnival games, food booths, attractions

5 p.m. Business booth area opens

5 p.m. Spotlight Company of the Dance Connection

6 p.m. Six Speed Tranny

7-10 p.m. Bingo

8 p.m. Deeze Guize

10 p.m. 7th Heaven

<b>Saturday, Aug. 15</b>11 a.m. Carnival games, food booths, attractions

11 a.m. Business booth area opens

Noon: Pet and bike parade

12:30 p.m. Dave Rudolph, Children's Entertainer

1 p.m. Go-kart races

3:30 p.m. Slam Funk (Motown)

4 p.m. "Kiss the Pig" contest

5 p.m. Svelte Bobby and the Soulfixers

6:30 p.m. Summer Days Parade

5-9 p.m. 102.3 FM radio appearance

3-10 p.m. Bingo

8 p.m. Blush

10 p.m. Infinity