Lions cancel Alpine Fest in Lake Zurich

For the first time in almost 80 years, Alpine Fest in Lake Zurich is being canceled. The three-day event typically draws about 30,000 people.

The Lake Zurich Lions Club announced Friday that due to COVID-19, the 79th iteration of the popular community tradition, scheduled for July 24-26, would not be held to protect residents, volunteers and staff.

The decision was not an easy one, club officials said. "Grandparents that rode our festival's rides in Lions Parkas children bring their grandchildren to the fest," event co-chair Tyler Garlock said in a news release.

The club is looking at options for holding the event, which is entirely run by volunteers, in the fall.