Go bowling in Island Lake to help pay for fireworks

Seeking to recoup the costs of September’s fireworks show, Island Lake village officials will hold a fundraiser at a local bowling alley later this month.

The third annual Candlelight Bowl bash is planned for Jan. 28 at 3-D Bowl, 4018 Roberts Road.

“It’s a nice thing to do in the doldrums of winter, now that the holidays have passed,” Mayor Debbie Herrmann said.

Most suburban fireworks shows are held on or near Independence Day, but Island Lake’s pyrotechnic extravaganza was staged Sept. 17. The show — by New Horizons Pyrotechnics of Schiller Park — had an estimated $16,100 price tag, Finance Director John Little said.

The firm has been paid, but officials need to raise $5,949 to cover the tab, Little said.

Last year, some officials questioned if the town would have enough money to pay for the show. A carnival was held in August as a fundraiser, but it didn’t cover all the costs.

At one point, Herrmann and Trustee Chuck Cermak offered to personally cover whatever balance existed if enough money wasn’t collected.

That offer still stands, Herrmann said. But Herrmann doesn’t think the balance will be more than a few hundred dollars after the bowling event and an additional fundraiser now being planned for February.

That event likely will include a comedy performance and a wine tasting, she said.

Fundraising will continue through April 30, the end of the fiscal year, officials said.

Admission for the bowling party is $25 per person. Tickets cover three games of bowling, shoes, appetizers and a drink ticket.

Teams are welcome, but no one under 18 can attend.

“It’s a chance to come out with friends and family or meet new people,” Trustee Connie Mascillino said. “It’s certainly a fun way to raise money.”

Check-in begins at 8:30 p.m., and bowling will start at 9 p.m.

A silent auction and other activities also are planned.

A digital flier and a registration form are available on the village’s website, villageofislandlake.com.