Lake County briefs

Park board vacancy:

The Vernon Hills Park District is seeking applicants to fill the term of Carol Sente, who recently resigned after being appointed state representative for the 59th District. The remaining term is until spring 2011 when the seat will up for election for a two-year term. Interested residents should send a resume with a letter of introduction to include their qualifications and areas of interest in becoming a park commissioner. Inquiries and letters of interest should be addressed to Jeff Fougerousse, board secretary, 294 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills, Ill., 60061, by e-mail to jefff@vhparkdistrict.org or by calling (847) 996-6930. Inquiries will be accepted until Oct. 30.

Oktoberfest in Vernon Hills:

Vernon Hills' annual Oktoberfest celebration is 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Metra station, 75 Route 45. It features live entertainment and a beer tent. Activities include free crafts, pumpkin painting, inflatable activities and more. All food and drinks will be prepared and sold by local not-for-profit organizations. Visit www.vernonhills.org.

Fire department open house:

Countryside Fire Protection District hosts its annual open house, 8 a.m. to noon, Sunday at its Vernon Hills station, 600 Deerpath Drive. It features a pancake breakfast for $5 per person or $15 per family, and many special activities and exhibits to celebrate the district's 50th anniversary. Flu shots from Dominick's will also be available for $20. Call (847) 367-5511.

Spirit Fest at Stevenson:

Stevenson High School's National Honor Society sponsors SHS Spirit Fest, a carnival for the community, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, in the Lincolnshire school's stadium. A breakfast, a kids parade, musical performances and other activities are on the schedule. It is a fundraiser for the Familial Dysautonomia Now Foundation, a nonprofit group seeking a cure for a fatal neurological disease, so donations will be requested. Suggested amounts are $10 for an individual, $20 for a family of three, $25 for a family of four, and $30 for a family of five or more.