Vernon Hills summer fest opens (July 16 - 19)

Posted July 15, 2009 11:00 pm

Ashley Shepherd of Vernon Hills and Lida Tetyusheua of Buffalo Grove ride the Dragon during Vernon Hills Summer Celebration at Century Park. Steve Lundy/Daily Herald file photo

Vernon Hills Summer Celebration, running from Thursday, July 16, to Sunday, July 19, is one of Lake County's largest and longest-running annual summer festivals.

Having grown from its roots as a small neighborhood picnic, this year's Summer Celebration features midway rides and games, food booths, fireworks and lots of free concerts.

"While the celebration has grown over the more than two decades it's been around, we are still focused on provided family friendly fun," said volunteer Chairwoman Ina Marquardt.

"Summer Celebration offers friends a wonderful opportunity to get together. Plus, it's economical. The concerts are tremendous, and they're free," she said.

This year's musical acts include Hi Infidelity at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16; That Eighties Band at 7 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 17; American Rock & Roll at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 18; and South of Disorder at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 19.

Thursday's concert is followed by a fireworks show at about 9:30 p.m.

Families can enjoy free children's activities on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m., as well as a petting zoo from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. A refreshment tent and a variety of food vendors are available throughout the Celebration, as well as informational displays and other fun, including the Vernon Hills Park District's Hole In One contest, which challenges golfers to drop their golf ball into the hole located on an "island" floating in Big Bear Lake.

Runners and walkers are invited to take part in the Vernon Hills Police Department's "Run from the Cops" 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, July 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Proceeds benefit Sentinels of Freedom, a nonprofit group offering support to injured veterans.

If you go

What: Vernon Hills Summer Celebration

When: 6 p.m. to midnight Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 18; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 19

Where: Century Park, on the west side of Lakeview Parkway, one block north of Route 60/Townline, across from Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center

Cost: Admission is free. Bring money for food and carnival rides.

More info: vernonhills.org

The band Rico performs for the crowds at Vernon Hills Summer Celebration. A strong lineup of musical acts is set for this year's festival. Steve Lundy/Daily Herald file photo

Under Saturday's blazing sun, Jim Kozelk of Lombard pulls steaming hot corn from the cooker at Rocky's Corn Stand at the Vernon Hills Summer Celebration. Food vendors will be out in force again this weekend. Paul Valade/Daily Herald file photo

The Zipper spins in the night sky at a previous Vernon Hills Summer Celebration. Rides are back at the fest this year. Steve Lundy/Daily Herald file photo

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