Rockin' good time promised for Libertyville Days
One of the area's longest-running summer festivals again promises four days of fun, but with a bit harder edge than in past years.
"Rock This Town" is the theme of the Libertyville Days festival, which runs June 17-20 in Cook Park and the downtown area. And while the popular parade, carnival rides, and even the fruit pie bake off will be familiar, visitors may be moving just a bit more to the music.
"We have new and a little bit bigger name entertainment this year," said Anne Carlino, a member of the Libertyville Days committee.
The Afrodisiacs bring a distinct style to the main stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 17.
"They're a funky retro band that does a lot of hits from the '80s," said Dee Cox, volunteer coordinator for the entertainment. "They're very entertaining."
At 1 p.m. Sunday, June 20, grass-roots favorites Chasin' Mason, which opened last fall for country star Dierks Bentley at the Libertyville Sports Complex, takes the main stage.
Local teen bands will be heard Saturday, June 19, but this year it's strictly performances rather than competition, Cox said.
The Libertyville Idol singing contests again will be part of the festivities on Friday, June 18. But organizers decided to take local talent a step further as part of a beefed up Sunday line up.
No one is quite sure what to expect when contestants take the stage at 2 p.m. for Libertyville's Got Talent contest.
"We're kind of hoping for some stupid human tricks and stuff to keep the crowd entertained," Cox said.
Mayor Terry Weppler, who is serving his last year as festival chairman, said organizers have maintained the level of activity despite economic conditions.
"We're trying to keep it the way people like it and maintain things," he said. "A lot of people are having to cut back. We want to provide a quality festival."
Seven oversize balloons, including a wildcat, airplane, puppy and goose, again will highlight the popular parade that begins at 10 a.m. Saturday from the train station on Milwaukee Avenue heading south.
The arts and crafts fair, a mainstay of the festival, is expected to be among the largest ever hosted. The carnival, beer garden and taste of Libertyville are open all four days.
Selected activities include the Libertyville pageants, children's cookie bake off, fencing demonstration and a junior theater presentation.
The festival is the main fundraiser of the Libertyville Civic Center Foundation Inc. To see the schedule or to enter for a contest, visit libciviccenter.org/festival2010.html.
<p class="factboxheadblack">Libertyville Days</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 17; noon to 11 p.m. Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 20</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Cook Park, at Cook and Milwaukee in downtown Libertyville</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Admission is free. Food and beverages and carnival ride tickets available for purchase</p>
<p class="News"><b>More info: </b><a href="http://libciviccenter.org" target="new">libciviccenter.org</a></p>