'Hometown feel' sets Crystal Lake's Lakeside Festival apart

Great music, food, and a historic mansion tour will be part of the fun this weekend at the Lakeside Festival, known as the "granddaddy of all festivals."

Taking place at the Lakeside Arts Park in Crystal Lake from Thursday, June 29, through Sunday, July 2, the event is the 38th annual, and represents the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit organization. All proceeds from the event go toward programs and building operations to support the arts.

Executive Director Siobhan Cottone said that this year is a momentous one for the organization.

"The Lakeside Legacy Foundation is celebrating its 15th anniversary and we're very proud of that accomplishment," Cottone said.

The festival attracts more than 50,000 people from all over the Chicago area and even some out-of-staters. Alysson Wittmeyer, a 20-year-old volunteer from Elgin, called the event "a good time in a unique setting."

"The festival takes place on the lawn of the Dole Mansion, which is the jewel of Lakeside Arts Park," Wittmeyer said. "There are so many amazing food vendors to go to, live music from local bands to check out, daily activities to watch or participate in."

Kicking off on Thursday night are two concerts. The band Pirates Over 40 will take the stage at 5 p.m., and CATFIGHT will go on at 8:30 p.m. Unlimited carnival rides run from 4 to 8 p.m.

Friday is Kids' Day with face painting, balloon twisting, a petting zoo and more from noon to 4 p.m. Kids 12 and younger are free; all others pay $2. The carnival continues, and six different performances, including "story lady" Jennifer Kapp, will run throughout the day and evening.

"The committee has worked really hard to provide a fun family day and Kids' Day, but also the community chair has worked very hard on securing some amazing talented performers for the four days," Cottone said.

On Saturday and Sunday, attendees will have a chance to participate in a guided tour of the beautiful 1865 Dole Mansion, the summer residence of Charles Dole. The home contains artwork and original features such as a walnut staircase, fireplaces and woodwork. Tours run from 3 to 5 p.m. on both days.

"It's amazing that they would have built something so exquisite back in that time for a summer home," Cottone said, adding that they'll be asking for a small donation for the tour.

Highlights

The "Taste by the Lake" will feature a variety of food vendors serving up burritos, sea salt caramel sundaes, deep dish pizza and jambalaya, to name a few items. A large beer garden will offer beer, wine, and tropical drinks; and people can enjoy listening to musical performances each day, spread out on 12 acres of land across from a lake. It should be plenty of space for the anticipated crowd, Cottone said.

"I've been to a lot of festivals and what makes Lakeside's different is that it really has a hometown feel," said Cottone. "Our guests can sit under 100-year-old oak trees and maple trees and enjoy the music. It's a very family-friendly event."

Saturday features a kids' decorated bike contest and baggo tournament, and on Sunday, a parade and fireworks are planned to bring the event to a close. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue on Sunday.

Music will include a variety of performances, from the McHenry County Youth Orchestra to the cover band, Modern Day Romeos who will play songs like "Black Betty" and "Centerfold." The Beatles tribute band, American English, will take the stage on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the festival event will help to keep costs down for the artists and performers who use studio space at Lakeside Arts Park. Cottone said funds help them "to continue to preserve, protect and promote the arts, both visual and performing."

38th annual Lakeside Festival

When: 4 to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 29; noon to 11 p.m. Friday, June 30; noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 1; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 2.

Where: 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake

Cost: $5 at the gate; $2 for seniors, age 65 or older; free for kids, age 12 or younger, free or active military with valid ID

Details: <a href="https://lakesideartspark.org/">lakesideartspark.org</a>