St. Mary Country Fest to serve up locally sourced food
Eating fresh, locally sourced food doesn't have to require an expensive dinner out or lengthy kitchen preparation. On Sunday, Aug. 5, it will be as simple as bellying up to a picnic table under the big top tent at St. Mary of the Annunciation's Country Fest in Mundelein. Festivalgoers will be able to enjoy a pit-roasted pork dinner with all the fixings while eating locally sourced food and supporting a number of community businesses and organizations.
The farm-to-table feast will feature locally raised pork procured from the Lake County Fair and roasted on-site by Beelow Farms. Also on the menu are fresh corn on the cob and tomatoes from Didier Farms in Buffalo Grove. Rounding out the meal are baked beans, apple sauce and potato salad. In addition, craft beer from Mundelein's Tighthead Brewery will be available for purchase as well as soda, wine and desserts. Traditional Filipino cuisine items will also be available.
Last year St. Mary of the Annunciation brought back its tradition of roasting pigs obtained from fair after a six-year hiatus. The renewal of this 38-year tradition was well received by festivalgoers. Members of the 4-H community expressed their gratitude that St. Mary procured its meat for the event from exhibitors at the fair, as the increased demand raised prices for the youth showing their livestock. More than 1,000 attendees turned out for Country Fest 2017, enjoying 900 adult meals, about 250 child meals, and more than 750 desserts. As a result, St. Mary's Country Fest 2017 realized its largest attendance since 2010.
"We are pleased with the positive response to Country Fest and invite the community to join us in celebration again this summer," said the Rev. Jerry Jacob, St. Mary of the Annunciation's pastor. "The food and fellowship build a great spirit of community here in Lake County."
Country Fest 2018 will be from 1-7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5, at St. Mary of the Annunciation, 22333 W. Erhart Road, Mundelein. Food will be served from 1-5:30 p.m. Activities include hayrides, bingo, children's games, face painting, music, antique vehicle exhibits, Baggo, live and silent auctions and a cash raffle. Admission is free as are children's games and exhibits. Meal tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under, and can be purchased at the event or at the St. Mary Parish office. For information, visit www.stmaryfc.org or call (847) 223-0010.