Festival of Colors returns to Vernon Hills April 7

The Vernon Hills Indian Association will hold its annual Holi Dhamaal - or Festival of Colors celebration - from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, in Century Park, 1401 Indianwood Drive, Vernon Hills.

The Festival of Colors celebrates, among other things, the coming of spring, and festivities include the throwing of vibrantly colored powders, which is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

The festival will also include children's activities, such as face-painting, a balloon artist, and a bouncy house.

Live music will be provided by DJ Oza, and there will be performances by children's groups. Community vendors will be on hand showcasing products and services in a Holi bazaar with more than 20 booths.

The Vernon Hills event is one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest.

"Last year we had about 1,200 people, this year we expect about 2,000," said Anshul Bindal, president of the board of the Vernon Hills Indian Association.

According to Bindal, the purpose of the event is "for the community to come together and celebrate."

That and "bringing colors to everyone's life."

Entry to the festival and parking are free and everyone is welcome. Colors will be available for purchase; no outside colors or food will be permitted. Wear clothes you don't mind getting covered in colors.

For more information, find the Vernon Hills Indian Association on Facebook.