Events planned for Round Lake Beach's 75th anniversary celebration
As the village of Round Lake Beach celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, events will spotlight various segments of the community including children, fire and police and businesses.
“It's really important to have all factions of the community involved as we celebrate the present and look toward the future,” said Trustee Judy Armstrong, chairwoman of the anniversary committee.
The village's fire and police personnel will hit the basketball court to bring back an area tradition — the Oinkers versus Hosers game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Round Lake Area High School.
Years ago, players from both departments gathered annually to compete and earn the Kauffman Cup, named after the Rev. Lisle Kauffman who serves as police chaplain. Officer Sandy Molidor, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, suggested bringing back the game.
Members of the Panther Pushers will run the concession stand. All proceeds will go to the Round Lake High School Hall of Fame.
“It's a wonderful time to bring the game back and celebrate it again,” Armstrong said.
To celebrate local businesses and their contributions, the village posted on its website a list of those who are participating in a special promotion during the week of March 24 to 31. Throughout that week, or on one day during that period, those businesses will incorporate “75” into their promotions.
Among the deals, Diana's Tan and Beauty Salon will offer full head foils for $75, Lovin Oven will offer six doughnuts for 75 cents and Fashion Bug will give $15 off purchase of $75 or more.
“Businesses often are asked to donate to the community, whether it be seniors or Scouts. Seldom do we have a chance to thank them,” Armstrong said. “This is a chance to drive business to their stores and thank businesses for being in the Round Lake area and contributing to the economic vitality of our community.”
To get youth involved, fourth- and fifth-graders are invited to join a Young Authors program and submit a story on one of three topics.
The topics are: What they think it was like to live in Round Lake Beach 75 years ago; What it's like living in the village today; and What will it be like living in the village 75 years from today.
All entries are due by April 13 and will be bound and displayed at a future reception at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center.
The committee has planned a host of anniversary events throughout 2012. Upcoming events include a Beach Birthday Club party and new gazebo dedication in Veterans Park in Round Lake in May. In June, there will be a Boy Scout Camporee and Beachfest.
You can view the entire calendar of events on the village website.
Armstrong said there still are opportunities to plan events this year. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month at the village hall.
“As with all parts of government, whether it be planning this event or trying to decide the next steps for the village, getting the residents involved is critical,” she said.
Armstrong added that donations have become crucial to plan the events. A donation from B.E.S.T. (Bringing Everyone's Strengths Together) supports the Young Authors program, and more than $300 was raised selling banners.
Residents who would like to finance events may visit a link on the village website to the 75 Club. By making a $75 donation, they will receive a banner, commemorative ornament and recognition in the anniversary program to be produced in October.
“Help 2012 be a special year for the community without digging into taxpayer funds,” Armstrong said.