Round Lake Heights Fest to celebrate 50 year anniversary

Round Lake Heights is gearing up for its biggest festival of the year this weekend as officials and residents celebrate the village's 50th anniversary.

For the first time ever, the fest is going to include a balloon launch contest, similar to sending a message in a bottle. Participants are going to attach cards to balloons reading "If you receive this card please mail it back to the village of Round Lake Heights." All the balloons will be released at the same time.

The two people whose cards are returned from the furthest distance will receive gift cards. Mayor Terrance Lumpkins said that he is hoping that there are at least 100 balloons launched.

The festival, which will be held on the lawn of the village hall at 619 W. Pontiac Court, will be kicked off by a parade starting at 11 a.m.

"It's our 50th anniversary this year so we are really excited," Lumpkins said, adding that this year's parade will be bigger than in previous years.

The other new event at this year's festival is an antique car show starting at noon.

There will be plenty of entertainment for both kids during the day and adults at night, including a casino.

Food vendors, kids games and carnival rides all will open up at noon. Later in the day there is a magic show at 1 p.m. and a safari starting at 2 p.m.

"The kids love the games and carnival," Thomson said. "The magic show is always a big hit, too."

In the afternoon, bingo and a Texas hold'em tournament will be held, and the casino will open at 6 p.m.

Liberty's Teeth, a cover band that plays hits from the '50s to today, will perform starting at 7 p.m. A fireworks display closes out the night, starting at 9 p.m.