Round Lake fest a hometown affair
By design, Round Lake's second annual Home Town Fest won't be on the scale of some community gatherings.
But the event is just as advertised - a chance for residents, businesses and visitors to get together for a throwback-type celebration.
"In years past, we had fireworks and we had carnival rides, which cost us dearly," said longtime village Trustee Don Newby, who also serves as co-chairman of the event.
The village found itself $55,000 in the red at one point, and so last year decided to scale back.
The inaugural event in 2009 was popular enough that the hours are being expanded this year from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on village owned property at Avilon Avenue and Goodnow Boulevard just off Route 134.
"We're keeping it more of a hometown picnic feeling," said Village Clerk Joyce Swieton. "It's not going to cost anyone a fortune to come and have some fun."
Donations of about $2,300 from last year's event will be used toward expenses, and no village funds will be spent, Newby said.
Despite the lean budget, there will be no shortage of activities, entertainment and food for all ages.
Games include Baggo, a bounce house, trackless train, a slide and an obstacle course. More than a dozen crafters are signed up and about 16 food vendors are expected. Besides the taco-eating contest, attendees also are invited to bring a pie of their creation (any type of crust) for judging at 2:30 p.m.
Musical entertainment features Neil Diamond and Frank Sinatra tributes from 4 to 6 p.m. From 7 to 9 p.m., The Unnaturals, a band made up of village public works employees, will take the stage.
"The employees, everyone is pulling together," Newby said.
A bingo tent, U.S. Army climbing wall and car show are new attractions this year. The car show runs from 9 to 11 a.m. next to Lakes Bowl and behind Classy Chassis, 545 Railroad Ave. The show is open to all with vehicles manufactured in 1977 or earlier, with trophies awarded in several categories.
All in all, it's going to be a big picnic in a parklike setting.
"People last year commented that it felt like a block party," Swieton said.
"We did extend it (hours) a little bit. It seemed to go well and everybody had a good time."