Long Grove Strawberry fest opens Friday

Long Grove’s annual tribute to the strawberry promises to be a refreshing break for fans who crave the sweet tastes and simpler times offered in this unique suburban getaway destination.

Circle June 24, 25, 26 on the calendar, when the entire family can take a mini-vacation to enjoy the Strawberry Festival, where fun foods, family activities and lively entertainment come together among the flowering gardens and old-world setting of Long Grove Historic Village.

Carrying the strawberry theme throughout, guests will find samples and desserts, from chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry doughnuts, strawberry shortcakes, crates of strawberries and strawberry drinks, from coffees to daiquiris.

Hours are: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday (special late concert by The Wild Ones at Sunset Pavilion) and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Ÿ Special appearance by Chicago area band 7th Heaven at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Ÿ Ice cream eating contests for all ages Saturday and Sunday.

Ÿ Art Beat Live, a special artistic performance to music at 5 p.m. Saturday, followed by “The Wild Ones.”

Ÿ Continuous live music on six stages, all three days

Ÿ Kids rides, pony rides, face painters, balloon artists.

Ÿ Beer, wine and mai-tai booths for the adults

Ÿ Specialty vendors, artisans and sponsors offering their wares throughout town.

More than 60 independent shops, galleries, restaurants and gourmet food merchants make up the core of Historic Long Grove. Tourists consistently rank Long Grove as one of the area’s top retail, dining and cultural attractions, and it was recently voted to “Chicagoland’s Best Public Spaces.”

Downtown Long Grove is just northwest of routes 83 and 53, north of Lake Cook Road in Lake County. A $2 donation is taken at the gate, abundant free and nominal fee parking is available, and everything is within walking distance.

For information, visit www.longgroveonline.com or call (847) 634-0888.