Round Lake Beach's BeachFest starts Friday

Round Lake Beach's BeachFest starts today and runs through Sunday. Village Trustee and BeachFest Chairwoman Sue Bulter tells us what you need to know.

Q. What makes this such a fabulous event?

A. It is a family-oriented event at a wonderful village facility. It is great to see the residents and others from Lake County come out together and have a fun time together.

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

A. BeachFest started in 2004. It gets better every year. This year we added Skinner Amusements Carnival with clean, safe and fun rides for the kids (of all ages!). BeachFest Bags Tourney is new along with the Miss Round Lake Area Pageant on Friday night. And the second Harry Potter Movie on Friday night too!

Q. What's the highlight of the event?

A. Great bands leading up to Joe Public (great Latin beat) on Friday night and Infinity (Journey, REO tribute band) on Saturday night.

Also, the Miss Round Lake Area Pageant on Friday night 6 p.m.; after, at 9 p.m., the second Harry Potter movie will be shown free in the Center's banquet room with free popcorn provided by Regal Cinema.

To close up the festival on Sunday morning, Boy Scout Troop #275 is offering a Father's Day pancake breakfast on the festival grounds next to Hook Lake. What a fun way to celebrate Father's Day! In case of rain, the breakfast will move into the banquet room of the civic center.

Q. What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?

A. Skinner Amusements Carnival will be going the entire fest.

Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. is geared toward families with children. Activities include Bubba the Art Bus, painting, Gunnar the police dog, music by local bands, and the public works department's display of large trucks and equipment along with the helicopter.

On Sunday, there will be a Father's Day breakfast by Hook Lake.

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

A. Great music, BeachFest Bags Tournament and a beer tent by the music.

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

A. You name it we should have it! Good local food vendors!

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

A. This event is organized by the Village of Round Lake Beach BeachFest Committee. They work hard throughout the year to organize this community event. The Chairwoman is Sue Butler and the committee is Mayor Rich Hill, Steve Vaughn, Ruby Otero, Charles "Skip" Breit and Annmarie Pryde.

Q. How much does it cost to get in? If the admission costs benefit a charity, please tell us about that group.

A. The only costs are for the food and beverages purchased and the carnival rides. The funds help offset the cost of the Festival.

Q. Is there anything else we should know?

A. We invite everyone to come on out and have a fun time!

<p class="News"><b>What:</b><b> Round Lake Beach's BeachFest</b></p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 19; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20; morning of Sunday, June 21</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Cultural & Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. Off of Hook Drive behind Wal-Mart, Regal Cinemas and Home Depot</p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Admission is free</p> <p class="News"><b>More info:</b> <a href="http://villageofroundlakebeach.org" target="new">villageofroundlakebeach.org</a>, or call (847) 201-9032 </p>