Grant Township and Fox Lake Fall Festival returns
Organizers of the fourth annual Grant Township and Fox Lake Fall Festival, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, are hoping for sunny - or at least dry - weather this weekend, according to Kay Starostovic, Grant Township supervisor.
The event, which Starostovic says could draw up to 2,000 visitors, is held at Grant Township, 26725 W. Molidor Road in Ingleside, and will include a vendor and craft fair, petting zoo, pony rides, entertainment, inflatables, pie-eating contest, hay rides and food. Admission is free.
There will also be a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department Station 3, 26603 W. Molidor Road, Ingleside. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children, free for children younger than 3.
The Daily Herald caught up with Starostovic to learn more about the festival.
Q. What is the history of this festival? How did it get started?
A. Four years ago, the village of Fox Lake was renovating their Lakefront Park building and asked if they could hold their Octoberfest at our location. Fox Lake is in our township. So we partnered with them, and it was such a huge success and the two government bodies enjoyed working together we have continued our partnership.
Q. What kind of planning is involved with an event like this, and how does it all come together? What role do volunteers play?
A. We coordinated this festival with the Fox Lake Fire Protection District and the Grant Township Highway Department. The Village of Fox Lake and Grant Township split the expense for the entertainment.
The Fox Lake Volunteer Social Club holds a pancake breakfast at the next door fire department location. The Fox Lake Fire Protection District displays all their equipment and does demonstrations for the public and lets the children climb and sit in their equipment.
The Grant Township Highway Department has a Touch A Truck Display, where the children can also climb on their equipment and enjoy treat bags given by the Highway Department.
The Grant High School National Honor Society volunteers their services. Also, the Lakemoor Police Explorers donate their time directing traffic. We also have resident volunteers who come help us. Volunteers also consist of Grant Township supervisors and highway department employees, as well as the Village of Fox Lake Parks and Recreation Department and the Fox Lake Department of Public Works.
Q. What events or activities are new to the festival this year?
A. The Fox Lake Police Department will be new this year with a display of their vehicles. Also, the Rolling Video Gaming Theatre for the children of all ages. Rolling Video Gaming Theatre is a trailer that holds six gaming stations and the children are allowed 10 minutes to use the gaming stations.
Q. What do you think attendees will like best? What are some highlights, or what's "not to be missed?"
A. The attendees like best that there is no admission charge and all the children's activities are free. We strongly feel that we wanted to give back to our community and have the families enjoy such a beautiful event.
The entertainment by Soundwave Entertainment keeps the audience going with games and music. Our balloon artist, RCJUGGLES, is the best. Seeing our beautiful park surroundings on the hayride is a must.
Q. How many vendors and crafters are expected?
A. We have 77 vendors and crafters. All kinds of items are for sale. We do not duplicate any commercial vendor. Mostly homemade crafters will be on hand. Food vendors will be providing bratwurst, corn on the cob, hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, hot chocolate and cider, ice cream, Dog n Suds root beer, nachos, tacos, cotton candy.
Q. Any last minute tips? What about parking?
A. There will be a shuttle service provided and handicap parking will also be available. For details, visit granttownshipcenter.org or foxlake.org.