Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation notes

For registration and information, call (847) 960-7460.

Looking for some fun fall activities to chase away the back-to-school blues? Stop by the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department or visit the Web site at www.lith.org to check out all the exciting programs available in our Fall Brochure. We are now accepting resident registration. Non-resident registration begins Aug/ 23.

Special News

Summer Sunset Festival: This year's seventh annual Summer Sunset Festival in Lake in the Hills promises to be the best yet. Mark your calendars for Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2 and plan to spend those last nights of summer listening to great music and enjoying all the festival has to offer.

New this year is the Kids' Korner, offering free entertainment for children including performers, crafts and games.

Neighbors, businesses and organizations are encouraged to be part of the exciting Melon Propellin' event on Saturday afternoon.

Crafters are wanted for the Arts & Craft Show that runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and volunteers are welcome.

Go to Web site www.summersunsetfest.com for more information and applications for all events.

Melon Propellin' Contest: Get your club, organization, neighbors, friends or co-workers together to participate in this year's Summer Sunset Festival Melon Propellin' Contest. Be part of one of the summer's most fun events this year by putting together a team to shoot watermelons across Sunset Park.

If your team's melon propellin' contraption sends its melon the farthest, you'll win this year's trophy.

This contest will be held over Labor Day weekend during the Summer Sunset Festival at 2 p.m. Sept. 1 at the corner of Miller and Albrecht roads at Sunset Park.

For more information and application, visit Web site www.summersunset fest.com and click on 'melon propellin'.

Battle of the Bands: Are you sick of playing your music to the lawn mower in your garage? Want a real live audience that can appreciate your musical talents?

The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department invites you to take up your instruments and join the battle. That is the Battle of the Bands held during the Sunset Festival from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 2.

You must pre-qualify your band by dropping off your demo CD/tape by Aug. 22 to the Parks & Recreation Department.

For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department of Lake in the Hills at (847) 960-7460.

Fifth annual Skateboard Competition: So you think you can skate? Drop in on our half pipe and show us your skills.

The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department is looking for skateboarders of all ages to enter this year's Skateboard Competition being held during the Sunset Festival on Sept. 1 for ages 12 and under, and on Sept. 2 for ages 13-plus. The pre-registration deadline is Aug. 28 and is limited to 50 skaters per day, on a first-come, first-serve basis at $10 per person. Check in is at 1:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 2 p.m. daily.

Awards will be given within each age group as well as an award for the best trick and mini-ramp run per day. So, work out the kinks in your Ollie, perfect your Kick Flip and head out to Sunset Park for the most down-to-earth competition in the area.

LITH preschool registration: Are you looking for a fun, safe learning environment for your preschooler?

The Parks & Recreation Department of Lake in the Hills is accepting fall preschool registration.

During the month of August, the $50 registration fee will be waived.

The 3-4 year old preschool program begins Thursday, Sept, 6 and meets from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The 4-5 year old program begins Friday, Sept. 7 and meets from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For more information regarding the new preschool program, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (847) 960-7460.

Bark Park membership discount: Dogs love wide open spaces to run and play. The Bark Park of Lake in the Hills offers 3.5 acres of doggy heaven.

With the new, prorated membership discount, your wallet will be singing alleluia, too. Resident membership costs $30, and nonresident membership is $45. That's a 25 percent savings

Bring a certificate of valid rabies and distemper vaccinations as well as a current vet receipt proving your dog is at least six months old when you stop by the Parks & Recreation counter to register.

Members, bring your dog(s) to the Sunset Festival on Sept. 1 and join the parade. Meet at the Bark Park. Doggie costumes are optional.

For All

Reduced Great America tickets on sale now: Create your family's own special event outing with the tickets now available at the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department. Excitement awaits you a Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. One admission price covers both Great America and Hurricane Harbor. You save money and avoid long lines by purchasing your tickets here. Cost is $34.50 for general admission, or $88 for season pass.

Six Flags also is opening its new family-themed area, Wiggles World, and the live action stunt show Operation Spy Girl. Parking fees are not included in ticket price.

For youth

Birthday parties: The Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department, in cooperation with Fairy Tale Creations, offers birthday party packages that will make your child's birthday memorable.

Whether the party is for Glamour Groovy Girlz or some Yo Ho Ho Pirates, the two-hour parties pack in fun activities, cool costumes, and feature a professional Party Hostess.

Both partial and all-inclusive packages are available. For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (847) 960-7460.

For adults

Monthly Mom Topics: Join the Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department as it we partners with the McHenry County Chapter of Mothers & More offering free monthly outings for moms looking to educate and inspire themselves to be their best. Each month has a different educational, fun and interesting topic or speaker.

Join the group at 7 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the La-Bahn Hain House, 149 Hilltop Dr., for an important discussion about self defense.

For details about the scheduled monthly topic or information about Mothers & More, call the Parks & Recreation Department at (847) 960-7460.