Summer Celebration to rock harder, longer

Summer Celebration in Vernon Hills has always been about the music, but this year's event will take it up a notch.

In a serendipitous turn, the actual date of the village's 50th anniversary falls on Wednesday, the day before the typical Thursday start of the festival.

So, the event will be expanded to five days, Wednesday through Sunday, at Century Park on Big Bear Lake. And village trustees want to celebrate big time.

In a once-in-a-half century decision, the board decided to expand the entertainment budget to make the special day memorable for different generations of residents.

Topping the bill Wednesday night is Creedence Clearwater Revisited, fronted by bass player Stu Cook and drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, original members of the '60s and early '70s chart topping Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Rockers Gin Blossoms are the opening act at 7 p.m.

"It should be a good combination," said Village Manager Mike Allison. "We anticipate a really big crowd."

So high is the expected interest that Lakeview Parkway will be closed Wednesday only and the amusement rides moved to accommodate up to 15,000 people. Shuttle buses will be available.

"The stage is double the size it normally is. Everything is bigger and better," said Monica Lundeen, volunteer director.

As always, Summer Celebration will feature a carnival, food vendors and special events and activities for kids. But it is the eclectic mix of musical entertainment that organizers tout.

"You want it to be fun, you want it to be energetic music people will recognize - or if they don't recognize it, people will enjoy it," said Erin Byrne, the volunteer village liaison in charge of entertainment.

Scheduled acts include Rico Band (Santana cover); Hot Rocks (Rolling Stones cover); Mike & Joe (acoustic cover); Arra (classic rock cover); Fabulous Thunderbirds (blues/rock); Od Tapo Imi (Jimmy Buffett meets Blue Man Group); and Cherry Poppin' Daddies (Zoot suit swing).

Allison said that the committee running the event met late last week to follow up on details.

"We're just planning for the extraordinary on Wednesday night. We have a great group of volunteers."

Byrne said the momentum will be carry through the festival.

"Everything will be set on this grander scale because of the 50th, and we hope to continue it through the weekend," she said.