Local talent, vendors, focus of Summer Sunset Festival
As the sun sets on another summer, Lake in the Hills is giving you one last chance to soak in the season.
The eighth annual Summer Sunset Festival begins this Friday at 3 p.m. at Sunset Park. A jam-packed schedule of events is sure to appeal to participants of all ages.
"This is a very family-oriented event," said festival vice chair Denise Wasserman. "All of McHenry County is welcome to come together and enjoy."
Thrilling carnival rides, classic fair food, and a variety of challenging but fun contests await you.
Test your skills during Friday night's 5K run or Saturday's skateboard competition. If that's not your style, stop by Colonial Cafe's ice cream eating contest.
Children will find what they're looking for at the Centegra Kids' Korner, which features free crafts, games and shows. Magician Michael Hall and interactive storyteller Paddy Lynn are among the lineup of special performers.
Adults are sure to enjoy each night's offering of drinks and live music. The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills sponsors the Miller Beer Tent, while the main stage hosts a variety of bands, including Mellencougar, Mike and Joe, and Soul Cookin.
Those looking for a more laid-back festival experience can stroll through each day's unique showing of local talent. A custom car show, arts and crafts booths, and area businesses will each have a chance to shine.
"There are a lot of festivals that happen each summer," Wasserman said. "We wanted to keep this one focused on local vendors."
The festival ends with a dazzling fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, ending the summer of 2008 with a blast.
The festival is being held at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Hours are 3 to 10:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Participants can purchase a wristband for unlimited carnival rides for $20.
For directions and a complete festival schedule, visit www.summersunsetfest.com.
Summer Sunset Festival
Summer Sunset Festival will be Aug. 29-31 at Sunset Park, Miller and Albrecht roads in Lake in the Hills.
FRIDAY
3 to 10:30 p.m. Food vendors and beer garden
3 to 10:30 p.m. Carnival
3 to 7 p.m. Carnival ride wristbands
6 to 10 p.m. Car show
6:30 to 8 p.m. Friction band on the main stage
7 p.m. Sunset 5K
9 to 10:30 p.m. Mike and Joe on the main stage
SATURDAY
10 a.m. Parade
11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Food vendors
Noon to 10:30 p.m. Beer garden
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts and craft show
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centegra Kids' Korner
Noon to 10:30 p.m. Carnival
Noon to 4 p.m. Carnival ride wristbands
12:30 p.m. Horseshoe tournament
2 p.m. Skateboard competition with check-in at 1:30 p.m.
2 p.m. Melon Propellin' competition
3 p.m. Colonial Cafe Ice Cream Eating Contest
6:30 to 8 p.m. Mellencourgar on the main stage
9 to 10:30 p.m. Dot Dot Dot on the main stage
SUNDAY
11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Food vendors
Noon to 10:30 p.m. Beer garden
Noon to 4 p.m. Summer Sunset EXPOsure
Noon to 10:30 p.m. Carnival
Noon to 4 p.m. Carnival ride wristbands
1 to 5 p.m. Centegra Kids' Korner
2 p.m. Skateboard Competition with check-in at 1:30 p.m.
5 p.m. Sunner Sunset Idol contest
8 to 9:30 p.m. Soul Cookin, main stage
9:30 p.m. Fireworks finale