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Strawberry Fest returns to historic Long Grove this weekend

Historic Downtown Long Grove will once again host its annual homage to strawberries.

After a brief hiatus last year, Strawberry Fest returns by popular demand Friday-Sunday, June 23-25. Producers are presenting three days of live music, along with vendors and activities devoted to the strawberry, from prime-rib sandwiches lathered in strawberry salsa to strawberry pie-eating competitions.

Although Strawberry Fest begins and ends with the strawberry, for those who want to mix it up, all Midwest summer fruits will be represented, offering diverse creations for every taste bud.

In addition to three stages of live entertainment programmed by Ravenswood Special Events, Strawberry Fest 2017 will see the return of the Kid Zone.

"It seems people can't get enough strawberries," said Ryan Messner, president of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association. "We're excited to bring Strawberry Fest back. It's Long Grove's signature summer party, always a great time to come out and visit our charming town."

The first area that stands out this year is the live music. Stasek Chevrolet Main Stage headliners include rock tribute powerhouse 7th heaven (Friday at 9 p.m.), '80s cover giants Hi Infidelity (Saturday at 9 p.m.), and the redheads that rock known as The Gingers (Sunday at 4 p.m.). The full music lineup can be found at http://longgrove.org.

In respect to eats, on top of the many strawberry-infused foods and drinks, there will be an array of BBQ and fruits from local vendors like Strawberry Patch, The Village Tavern, and Long Grove Confectionery.

Some of the fest's unique strawberry-centric food and beverage items include: strawberry beer, strawberry wine, chocolate strawberry popcorn, strawberry kebabs, strawberry jams and strawberry fudge.

For the kids, organizers are planning activities all weekend at the Kid's Zone, including Medieval Times junior knight training, dance performances, water balloon toss, bag sets, spin-art coloring, face painting, the bubbler, flower crown arts and crafts, and do-it-yourself gardening for little green thumbs.

There will also be live karaoke on the Fountain Square Stage Sunday and the strawberry pie-eating competitions Saturday and Sunday for both kids and adults.

To cap it off, a full carnival - with all the classic carnival rides from Fantasy Amusements - will be held at the Archer parking lot. Separate carnival ride tickets will be available for purchase on-site.

The festival is 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday in downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Road.

Admission is $5 or free for kids younger than 12. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, there is no admission fee. Parking is complimentary in the Stempel Municipal Lot, 360 Historical Lane; Archer Lot, 343 Old McHenry Road; and at Kildeer Countryside Elementary School, 3100 Old McHenry Road.

Complimentary remote parking with continuous shuttles is available Friday from 4 p.m.-close at Chase Plaza; Saturday and Sunday open to close at Jay's Camp and Chase Plaza. Chase Plaza is at 160 W. Lake-Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, and Jay's Camp is at 23160 N. Old McHenry Road, Long Grove.

The last shuttles depart five minutes after festival ends.

With their hands tied behind their backs, people compete in the 2012 strawberry pie eating contest. The event returns at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Long Grove's Strawberry Fest. Daily Herald Photo/June 2012
While strawberry-infused foods and drinks are at the heart of the festival, live music on three stages, a carnival and a variety of family activities are major draws for the event. Daily Herald Photo/June 2013
Sample strawberry treats galore at the annual Long Grove Strawberry Fest. Daily Herald file photo

If you go

Event: Strawberry Fest

Location: Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Road

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Attractions: Food, music, kids events, contests, carnival

Admission: $5 and free for kids younger than 12; free for all from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday

Parking: Complimentary at various lots, some with shuttle service

Details: <a href="http://longgrove.org/festivals/strawberry-festival-2017/">http://longgrove.org</a>

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