Something old and new offered at Hainesville Fest

Hainesville Fest is back again this weekend for the fifth year. Village Trustee James Tiffany tells us what you need to know.

Q. What makes this such a fabulous event?

A. It's a great event because it's family friendly. We try to have something for the whole family to enjoy.

Q. How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year?

A. This will be the fifth year our village has done Hainesville Fest. The idea was started by a couple of our former trustees to bring out the village's residents for some food and fun. Our fest was small at first but has grown significantly the last three years. I was placed as chairman for Hainesville Fest three years ago when I was elected village trustee, with only some past records to work off. Since then with the help of a recent trustee, village staff, some residents and my wife, we have made Hainesville Fest into quite a large event. This year we have made a couple of changes. Kids and parents have the opportunity to ride a giant inflatable slide, and also new is a giant four-sided climbing wall for young and old.

Q. What's the highlight of the event?

A. We have varying highlights this year. Kids will enjoy a hands-on interactive museum, a craft-making bus, a variety of games to play and win prizes, an inflatable slide, a climbing wall and also pony rides. A DJ will provide music, and we will also have Round Lake Area Fire Department and Grayslake Fire Department with vehicles and equipment to see and touch. And if you want to look cool, you can get a temporary airbrush tattoo. We finish off the fest with a live band.

Q. What about adults? What does the event offer them?

A. Adults can find something of interest also, including interacting with members of the Hainesville Police Department, talking with a representative about the importance of being counted in the 2010 census and visiting with a candidate running for state representative. Other political officials have been invited as well. Our Great Age Club will be running bingo for prizes, and the Round Lake Park American Legion Post 1170 will have a beer tent for adults. Also this year Avon Township Youth Baseball will be operating a raffle table with lots of prizes ranging in value from $10 to $150.

Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?

A. Brats; hamburgers; cheeseburgers; fries; corn dogs; hot dogs; funnel cakes; nachos; deep-fried items like Oreos, candy bars and Twinkies; deep-fried battered corn; roasted corn; various soda and lemonade; and new to our fest, Starbucks will provide a selection of coffees and drinks.

Q. Tell us about the volunteers who pull this together.

A. Our village staff, residents and my family help quite a lot behind the scenes with the majority done by myself making phone calls to reserve tents, tables, chairs, finding and inviting vendors and participants. Researching new ideas and attractions is done throughout the year. For the last three years I have been lucky enough to have great support from Grayslake Central High School's National Honor Society group, who have come through this year again with about 50 student volunteers. They have helped out since I was placed as chairman three years ago and they have increased their volunteers each year. Of course we also have volunteers from in and around the village of different age groups that do a great job.

Q. Is there anything else we need to know?

A. Bring a lawn chair or use the picnic tables. A day of games, food, music and FUN is planned at this year's Hainesville Fest.

<p class="factboxheadblack">Hainesville Fest</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29</p> <p class="News"><b>Where: </b>Union Square Park, located at the corner of Patriot and Haines drives. Take Hainesville Road to Patriot Drive and head east. Follow to Union Square Park. </p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Admission is free</p> <p class="News"><b>More info:</b> Visit the village Web site at <a href="http://hainesville.org" target="new">hainesville.org</a> or call the village hall at (847) 223-2032. </p>