Lake Barrington debuts Family Fun and Fitness Fair

The first major event of a new health and fitness initiative for the village of Lake Barrington happens Sunday, Nov. 8, with its first-ever Family Fun and Fitness Fair.

The all-encompassing event - free and open to residents of Lake Barrington and beyond - includes everything from chef demos with food samples to crafts and games for children to skin analyses and free tanning.

The brainchild of Village President Kevin Richardson - who's agreed to take a few turns in the dunk tank - the fair also features dozens of exhibitors, ranging from local service and law enforcement agencies to fitness specialists to health service providers to environmental groups. Vendors of products and services will also be on hand.

Additionally, scouting troops and youth sports teams will have information available on their activities, and presentations and performances will go on throughout the day.

But with all the freebies and giveaways, there will also be opportunities to give back:

• Lifesource will conduct a blood donation drive during the fair.

• Local salons will provide free haircuts to donate to Locks of Love.

• Food donations will be accepted for the Cuba Township food pantry, and those who contribute will receive a dunk tank throw.

The Lake Barrington Field House has donated its space for the event.

Other aspects of the initiative include a series of public-access TV presentations, the first of which involved an Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital official talking about the H1N1 epidemic. Upcoming programs, which will air repeatedly, including a nutritionist talking about healthy eating during the holidays and kicking off a new exercise routine for the new year.

If you go

• What: Family Fun and Fitness Fair, sponsored by village of Lake Barrington, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Lake Barrington Field House

• Highlights: Crafts and games for kids, food samples, spa treatments, dunk tank, health screenings, product and service exhibitors, youth programs and sports, goodie bags for all attendees, go-green tips, child and pet health and safety info, live performances and presentations, deejay, demos, holiday boutique, raffles, charitable giving opportunities.

• When: noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

• Where: Lake Barrington Fieldhouse, 28156 W. Northpointe Pkwy., off Pepper Road between Rt. 14 and Kelsey Road

• Cost: Free admission

• Info: (847) 381-6010 or lakebarrington.org