Long Grove's Strawberry Festival is back this weekend
The Strawberry Festival began as a community event 27 years ago with the goal of fun and entertainment, according to Long Grove Village Board member Peg Ball.
Nearly three decades later, the fest has grown into a gala celebrating the strawberry and vending everything from strawberry-flavored chicken to strawberry-scented candles.
From Friday, June 22, to Sunday, June 24, the Village of Long Grove will host the event along Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
In terms of the sweet, red fruit, the festival offers strawberry-flavored smoothies, drinks, ice creams, doughnuts and baked goods, as well as the berries themselves. Restaurants surrounding the festival are expected to also sell strawberry-themed goods.
Aside from the fest's namesake in various forms and combinations, attractions include Long Grove's historic shopping district and entertainment for children and adults.
The live music is free and centered around five stages in the village. Other entertainment includes a pie eating contest, an ice cream eating contest and a variety of children's activities, including pony rides, face painting, and outdoor activities.
Ball expects parking to be a challenge this year, but there are two free parking lots and parking on roads all over Long Grove. Local churches and the Lions Club also provide paid parking.
For a complete entertainment schedule, visit visitlonggrove.com. Here's a few of the acts:
On Friday, The Wandering Endorphin take the stage at 2 p.m. on the Fountain Square Stage, followed at 4 p.m. by Steve Justman on the Gazebo Stage and Symbia on the Fountain Square Stage
On Saturday, Jeff Justman takes the Gazebo Stage at 10 a.m.
At noon, Old Town School of Folk Music presents The Pinecones, Towner Green Stage; The White Saddle Band, Covered Bridge Stages; The Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic Guitar Duo, Fountain Square Stage.
At 3 p.m., the Karen Hart Band hits the Towner Green Stage and Cover Story takes the Covered Bridge Stage.
At 4 p.m., Opal Staples performs on the Fountain Square Stage, followed at 6 p.m. by hi-fi Superstar at the same location.
On Sunday, a Gospel Sing-A-Long starts the day at 10 a.m. on the Gazebo Stage.
At 11 a.m., Old Town Underdogs takes the Covered Bridge Stage.
At noon, Old Town School of Folk Music presents Linda Lubell & Anne-Marie Akin on the Towner Green Stage.
Tom Bradfish hits the Gazebo Stage at 1 p.m.
Finally, at 3 p.m., 7th Heaven rocks the Fountain Square Stage, while Wind Gypsies perform on the Towner Green Stage.
If you go
What: Long Grove Strawberry Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Friday; 10 a.m to 8 p.m Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Along Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads
Parking: Two free lots, on roads, and paid lots operated by churches and the Lions Club
Information: <a href="http://www.visitlonggrove.com/">visitlonggrove.com</a>