Food, art and music combine for a great fest in Crystal Lake
For 29 years, the Lakeside Festival has entertained thousands of McHenry County residents with a winning formula of bands, beer and carnival rides.
This year, the Lakeside Legacy Foundation, the nonprofit organization that supports the arts and runs the annual festival, is putting more art in the popular draw.
The 29th Lakeside Festival, which starts today and runs through Sunday, will feature an exhibition of local art, as well as works from around the country, in the historic Dole Mansion.
"We're really trying to bring more of the art into the festivities of our Lakeside Fest," said Heather Miller, director of community development for the foundation.
Artists who work at the Dole Mansion - which hosts studios and galleries for local artists - will give demonstrations and classes in painting in sculpture during this year's festival, Miller said.
The festival will also showcase the latest additions to the Dole Mansion - a newly renovated kitchen and cooking classes.
Festival patrons will be able to sample wines and watch cooking demonstrations at the festival Saturday night.
But the centerpiece of the festival will be music from a spectrum of local acts, including: Pirates Over 40, Kimberly Wolf Band, a Beatles tribute act called American English and Dot Dot Dot - featured on "The Next Great American Band."
The Taste by the Lake, modeled after the popular Chicago event, will feature a sampling of local restaurants.
"It's a family-oriented event," said Ron Russell, events chairman for the foundation. "We have things for everybody's taste."
The festival is the Lakeside Legacy Foundation's major fundraiser. The foundation hopes to raise $50,000 to $60,000 to help maintain Dole Mansion.
The Lakeside Festival draws about 30,000 local residents each year.
The foundation is looking to add more arts to the festival next year. The 30th festival may feature an afternoon of jazz and jazz master classes, Russell said.
Tickets to the Lakeside Festival are available at the gate. It costs $3 for adults and $2 for people 65 and older. Kids 12 and younger are admitted for free.
If you go
What: Lakeside Festival
When: 5 to 11 p.m. today; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
How much? $3 adults, $2 seniors. Children 12 and younger and active military with valid ID admitted free. Free parking and carnival admission.
Info: Visit lakesidelegacy.org or call (815) 455-8000.