Annual Taste of Grayslake family festivities go on despite some rain

Grayslake was counting on Mother Nature to cooperate.

Instead, she sent thunderstorms Saturday that took a bit of shine out of the Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks at Central Park in the village's downtown near Lake and Hillside streets.

Sponsored by the Grayslake Park District, the event featured bands, games and a play area for tots. As part of the festivities, a Taste of Grayslake offered culinary delights from local eateries.

But families still came out to have fun.

"We're not going to let a little rain bother us. It's the first time that we've attended this," said Pat Benson, who made the trip from Chicago to be with her sons Patrick and Cris and their families.

Patrick and Karen Benson live in Grayslake with their children, Liam, 2 and Calen, 4. They attend the picnic each year. Tori and Cris Benson, of Chicago, also attend along with their children: Benjamin, 18 months, and Crispen, 4.

"No matter what the weather, it's worth staying for the fireworks," Patrick Benson said.

The Bensons and other families huddled underneath the food tent to stay dry for a time Saturday.

In a bathing suit and towel, Mitch Tielke, a Grayslake Central High junior, was ideally dressed. He had been working in the dunk tank as a fundraiser for the Grayslake Central Softball and Baseball teams before the thunderstorm hit.

"I'm wet anyway so the rain doesn't bother me. It should stop soon and they'll set up again," he said

Taking shelter from the rain, Department of Recreation Kristin Splitt was watching the weather reports.

"We're still hoping to go on with the fireworks," she said.

The event typically offers one of the first fireworks shows around the Fourth of July holiday. About three years ago, park district officials moved the event from Sunday to Saturday.