Fox Lake Fire Chief Ed Lescher talks about upcoming firemen's festival
The 51st annual Fox Lake Firemen's Festival is back this weekend. Assistant Chief Ed Lescher tells us what you need to know.
Q. What makes this such a fabulous event?
A. It is great fun for the whole family to come out and enjoy themselves. This is only one of a few events in the Fox Lake area over the summer. There are live bands Friday and Saturday night. There are kids' games going all weekend long. There are food and beverages to be purchased. The businessmen and women's' water fights are the highlighted event. Many teams come out to compete to see who will win it all.
We also have a raffle where one lucky person can win $1,000, and there will also be 10 lucky winners of $100 each. Tickets are on sale now from any member or can be purchased the day of the event. Tickets are $5 a piece or 5 for $20. All proceeds from the festival and ticket sales go to help fund the fire department with purchasing new equipment, supplies, training, schooling and outfitting members. All proceeds help to offset the budget and keep the burden off the taxpayers.
Q. How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year?
A. This is our 51st year doing the festival. The whole event has evolved over the years, once being a week long, then being shortened to only one day and now this year it is three days long. New this year we will have live bands both Friday and Saturday nights. Also new this year will be a Baggo tournament running each of the three days.
Q. What's the highlight of the event?
A. I would have to say the highlight would be the men's and women's water fights. The businesses from Fox Lake and surrounding towns put teams together and many people turn out to see the event. The water fights take place on Sunday beginning around 11 a.m. There also are firefighter water fights on Saturday beginning around 2 p.m. Teams from the surrounding fire departments duel to see who is the best.
Q. What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?
A. The water fights on Saturday and Sunday are great fun for the entire family. The adults can participate and the children can watch and root on their family and friends. There will also be games for the children to play. With the addition of the Baggo tournament, this should just add to the fun for all to enjoy. There will be plenty of food and beverages for all to purchase.
Q. What about adults? What does the event offer them?
A. The adults can join in the fun by putting together a water fight team and taking a try at being the best. For the adults who don't want to participate, it is great fun to just sit back and watch the water fights. The adults can also take in the great live band performances both Friday night and Saturday night. Friday night we will have the band Infinity, and on Saturday night we will have the band Modern Day Romeos.
Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?
A. For the beverages, there will be pop, water, beer, mixed drinks and Mike's lemonades. For the food, we will be serving burgers, brats, hot dogs, corn on the cob, chips, ice cream and baked goods.
Q. Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pull this together.
A. This whole event is put on and sponsored by the Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department, an all-volunteer organization with the sole purpose of supporting the fire department. The volunteer fire department has two major events throughout the year to help to raise funds to supplement the budget from the Village of Fox Lake and the Fox Lake Fire Protection District. The volunteer fire department also holds bingo every Saturday at 7 p.m. The volunteer fire department is made up of firefighters from Fox Lake and surrounding communities.
There are also many men and women in the community who volunteer their time and energy to help make the Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department a success. These different groups work together to raise funds throughout the year doing many fundraising events.
<p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>If you go</b></p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>What:</b> 51st annual Fox Lake Firemen's Festival</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>When:</b> Friday, July 17, fest opens at 6 p.m., band at 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 18, fest starts at noon, water fights at 2 p.m., band at 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 19, fest opens at 10 a.m., water fights start at 11 a.m.</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>Where:</b> Station #2, on Washington Street in Ingleside</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>Cost:</b> Friday, $5 per person, $8 per couple; Saturday, free during the day, at night $5 per person, $8 per couple; Sunday, free</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>More info:</b> (847) 587-3312</p>