Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival marks 25th year with 10 bands and fireworks
The Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival is marking its 25th year on Labor Day weekend with three days of family-friendly activities, a music lineup of 10 bands, and a big fireworks show Sunday.
The village’s signature end-of-summer community celebration, opening Sept. 4, offers carnival rides, a classic/custom car show Friday, a community picnic Saturday, and the Sunset Market featuring local artisans, crafters and businesses Sunday.
“And instead of Sunday night fireworks ending the event like in past years, the band (Tennessee Whiskey) will come back after the 9 p.m. fireworks show to keep the party going until 10:30 p.m.,” said Blaine Krage, the village’s communications coordinator, in an email Q&A.
The live music starts Friday with Aberdeen Drive, fusing classic rock, ’80s hard rock and modern radio hits, at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Brass From The Past, featuring a six-piece horn section, a four-piece rhythm section and four singers, will play hits from the 1960s to the ’80s, at 4 p.m., followed by Eagles tribute band Heartache Tonight at 6:30 p.m. Then dance along to Dirty Pop, blending multiple eras of dance artists and top hits, at 9 p.m.
On Sunday, a three-band punk lineup will open the final day of the festival with My Big Beautiful, Paper Boy Riot and SMFC at noon. Cadillac Groove will blend blues, funk, soul, rock and R&B at 3 p.m., followed by 28 Days, covering hits from a wide range of musical styles, at 5:30 p.m. The Chris Stapleton tribute band Tennessee Whiskey will take the stage at 8 p.m.
Krage said this year’s parade will honor Bob and Arden Spooner of the Lake in the Hills Historical Society as grand marshals. The Spooners, who have been village residents since 1994, were instrumental in the restorations of the historic LaBahn Hain House and one-room Ford Schoolhouse. Bob Spooner also served on the village board.
The parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Sunset Skate Park, traveling on Haligus and Miller roads, and ending at Sunset Park for a community picnic from noon to 3:30 p.m. with games and food vendors.
“New this year is a free game called SINGO during the community picnic,” Krage said. “SINGO is bingo but with song titles on your card as the DJ plays snippets of family-friendly hits.”
Another new addition, Krage said, is the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, celebrating its 90th anniversary on the road with a stop at the festival from 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Also, check out the Axe Throw and Mini Golf 9 Hole inflatables from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Festival hours are 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road. According to Krage, the car show from 5-9 p.m. Friday has been relocated closer to the festival grounds just west of the fest off Haligus Road.
Festival admission is free, with attendees paying separately for things such as carnival rides, food and beverages, Krage said.
“There truly is something for everyone at the Summer Sunset Fest,” Krage said.
Follow the event on Facebook and visit summersunsetfest.com for the schedule or information on unlimited carnival ride passes.