Lake Villa's Celebration of Summer promises fun, food and fireworks show

Lake Villa's annual Celebration of Summer takes place starting today, June 11, and runs through June 14 at Lehmann Park in Lake Villa. We asked one of the organizers, Betty Burns, what you need to know about the festival.

Q. What makes this such a great event?

A. Lehmann Park overlooks beautiful Cedar Lake and as the sun sets you couldn't ask for a nicer place to be to listen to the music and watch the best fireworks in the area.

Q. How long has this event been in existence, and what is new this year?

A. This event was started in the year 2001 when we celebrated our centennial. Because it was such a success and our fireworks were just awesome the community has rallied to help the village continue the event for 9 years.

Q. What is the highlight this year?

A. The highlight each year is the fireworks display, which starts at dusk on Saturday night.

Q. What kind of activities can people look forward to? A. On Thursday night, the Palombi Middle School drama club will present "A Play in the Park" beginning at 6 p.m. Anyone attending must bring their own lawn chairs.

Friday night has always been "Teen Night" for our local teens ages 11-16. Many competitive games are played and some carnival rides and games are available.

Saturday is our BIG EVENING in the park with live music starting at 6 p.m. and continuing until 9 p.m. Carnival games and rides are available also. Fireworks follow at dusk, at about 9:30 p.m.

This event has become a favorite for many families, friends or neighbors to gather and share a meal together, socialize and enjoy the wonderful evening. The park looks like a mini Ravinia, with tables, lawn chairs, blankets spread out, and even a candelabra or two.

Sunday has become a very busy day for the Celebration of Summer committee.

The "Kroozers" Fun Run Car Show starts at 8 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. We have had as many as 250 fabulous cars lined up on the grounds, and what a sight to see.

Cardboard Boat Races start at 1 p.m. and this is a must-see event. Boats constructed starting at 11 a.m. are launched in the lake. Anyone can build a boat and the cardboard and duct tape will be available that morning.

On Sunday, an expanded Safety Fair will take place both inside and outside the train station and also in front of Lehmann Park.

Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?

A. Food vendors will be Blackthorn Restaurant, Grande Jakes, Scott Dogs and Maui Wowi Smoothies. Items include corn on the cob, pizza, cheesy bread, tacos, burritos, fried ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, mini corn beef sandwiches plus soft drinks and water.

Q. How much does it cost to get in?

A. There is no admission fee and any money raised goes to pay for the next year's fireworks.

Q. Is there anything else we should know?

A. Volunteers from the village work alongside the village staff to organize this yearly event. Sponsorships are available to help pay for the fireworks.

People must bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. The village encourages everyone to support the food vendors.