Grayslake Summer Days starts Friday
Grayslake’s Summer Days returns for another run Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17, in the village’s downtown.
Unlike most suburban festivals, Summer Days features an evening parade on its second and final day. This year’s theme is “Dancing With the Stars in Grayslake.”
The festival is presented by the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce. Summer Days chairman and chamber director Greg Koeppen said he’s proud of the event.
“Over the past several years we’ve turned Summer Days into one of the best festivals in Lake County,” Koeppen said.
Summer Days launches at 5 p.m. Friday around Center Street and Seymour Avenue in downtown Grayslake. Kicking it off will be carnival rides, food booths, a business area and a dance show. Medleys in Motion disc jockey service, co-owned by Koeppen, will begin entertainment at 5:30 p.m.
Other first-day highlights include bingo from 7-10 p.m. and the band Bella Cain at 10 p.m.
On Saturday, the carnival, food, business booths and various attractions reopen at 11 a.m. An hour later, the pet and bicycle parade will lineup on Slusser Street in downtown. Bingo will be offered from 3-10 p.m.
Grayslake’s Rotary Club branch will sponsor a “Kiss the Pig” contest at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., the parade will step off at Grayslake Central High School and travel south on Lake Street, ending at the main festival site at Center and Seymour.
Koeppen said a good place to watch would be at Center and Whitney streets, where he and Medleys in Motion DL partner Steve Slobe will provide music and commentary.
“Holding our parade on Saturday night has been one of the biggest and most successful changes we’ve made in recent years. The streets are packed and everyone heads to the fest after,” Koeppen said.
Mike and Joe will be the main stage band at 10 p.m. Saturday.