Vernon Hills Summer Celebration to be rock solid

The days of big spending for summer festivals might be gone, but that doesn't mean visitors to Summer Celebration in Vernon Hills will be shortchanged on entertainment.

As always, music will be the heartbeat of the popular free festival this weekend.

"The (Summer Celebration) committee has worked together for so long it's clear they still have a desire to bring national acts," said Erin Byrne, the volunteer village liaison in charge of entertainment.

The mix includes in-demand Chicago area bands as well as local favorites for a rock solid mix that spans generations.

"It's going to be great quality music," she said. "Everyone is going to like it and they'll know it (the music)."

Headliners this year include rockers Vertical Horizon, formed in 1991, who scored major hits with "You're a God" and "Everything You Want." The band, which plays Friday, has a new single, "The Lucky One."

On Saturday, The Smithereens, known for 1960s-influenced power pop, takes the stage. Formed in 1980 in New Jersey, the band has collaborated with many musicians including Graham Parker and the Kinks.

Mr. Slate, (rock); B-Side Band (funk, Motown, soul and R & B); ARRA (classic rock covers); and Cavern Beat (Beatles cover) round out the slate.

"In this economy, being able to provide not only people who live in Vernon Hills a family friendly event but a great event for anyone is priceless and many towns have cut festivals way back or have outright canceled them," Byrne said.

Besides music, the festival will include familiar favorites such as Thursday night fireworks, a carnival, bingo, 17 food vendors, a petting zoo, the Vernon Hills Park District's Hole in One Challenge and more.

"We're going to do more things at the Kiddie Korner both Saturday and Sunday at the big tent," said committee member and Village Manager Mike Allison.

Allison said canned and dry goods also will be collected throughout the festival for food pantries operated by Libertyville and Vernon townships.

And at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, July 18, the Vernon Hills Police Department will host its third annual 5K "Run from the Cops" race, which provides scholarships to injured veterans. Visit vhpd.com or call (847) 362-4449 for more information.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What: </b>Vernon Hills' Summer Celebration</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 15, and Friday, July 16; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 17; 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 18</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Century Park, a block north of Route 60 on Lakeview Parkway.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Admission:</b> Free</p>

<p class="News"><b>More info:</b> <a href="http://vernonhills.org" target="new">vernonhills.org</a></p>