Finally feels like summer

For about a dozen Lake in the Hills families Saturday, life really was a day at the beach.

Opening day at Indian Trail beach -- which sits on Woods Creek Lake -- saw some sprawled out on beach blankets while others dashed back and forth between the chilly water and the hot sand.

Meanwhile, kids of all ages took part in the beach's annual sand castle contest.

Jim Petrykowski and sons Alex, 2, and Nate, 4, of Algonquin labored away for the contest's full hour to build a giant mound complete with a moat.

"Our regular pool in Algonquin was closed," Jim Petrykowski said. "This was an easy switch."

Kayla Alva, Jessica Trznadel, Debra Stephan and Micky Rayan, all 12-year-old Lundhal Middle School students, won't officially embark on summer vacation until June 9.

"It finally feels like summertime today," said Rayan, as she formed miniature sand houses around the volcano the group constructed.

Rayan and friends, the Petrykowskis, and several other participants were awarded Frisbees, bubbles and candy for their efforts.

"It's something small to kick off the season," said Andrew Gemmell, Lake in the Hills superintendent of recreation. "To get people into the spirit."