News

Lake Villa firefighter volunteers gear up for festival

Posted August 04, 2010 11:00 pm

By Paul Biasco

The Lake Villa Volunteer Fire Department is gearing up for its annual Lake Villa Days festival, which will be held on Aug. 5-8.

The highlight of the four-day event, which is in its 77th year, is the waterfights. Teams of firefighters from local departments will battle using water pressure from fire hoses to push an empty half-barrel keg across the opposing team's end line.

"It's more of a traveling event than a rivalry," said Edward Kofoed, a Lake Villa firefighter. The water fights were also held at the Fox Lake Firemen's fest earlier this summer.

Tom Muehlfelder, president of the Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department, did not agree when talking about the water fights last month.

"There's usually a pretty good rivalry between Fox Lake and Lake Villa," he said.

The firefighters are scheduled to face off on Saturday, Aug. 7, at 5:30 p.m. Teams from local businesses will square off on Sunday, Aug. 8, with registration for the fights at 11 a.m. before they start at noon.

The festival, which will be held on the grounds at Lehmann Park in downtown Lake Villa, also will include carnival rides, bingo and live music.

Friday night will feature the John Mellencamp tribute band Mellencougar, with the Modern Day Romeos taking the stage on Saturday.

Admission is free for the festival.

Proceeds from the event are used to purchase firefighting equipment and to provide upgrades to the volunteer department's facility.

One of the bigger fundraisers for the department is a cash raffle that will pay out 12 total cash prizes, including two $500 winners.

Ride specials are available Thursday starting at 6 p.m. with a 10-ride pass available for $15. An unlimited ride pass from 2 to 6 p.m. is available on Saturday for $18.

Jim Aronson spins the Wheel of Meat at the Ham and Bacon Stand during the first day of Lake Villa Days in Lehmann Park. Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer

If you go

What: Lake Villa Days

When: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5, and Friday, Aug 6; 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7; noon on Sunday, Aug. 8

Where: Lehmann Park, off Cedar Avenue in downtown Lake Villa

Admission: Free

More info: (847) 356-2525

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