BeachFest ready to roll this weekend in Round Lake Beach
A 10-year-old blues guitarist who played with the late Les Paul, solid local bands and activities such as a hot-dog eating contest are among the offerings at this weekend's BeachFest in Round Lake Beach.
One of the highlights of Friday will be the Miss Round Lake Area Pageant kicking off about 6:30 p.m. On the music end, Southern rock band 8 Miles South is expected to be on stage at 9 p.m.
Those who are into bags will want to be at BeachFest at 3 p.m. Saturday. That's when the time for the second BeachFest bags tournament, which costs $20 for a two-person team.
Round Lake Beach Trustee Sue Butler said she's particularly excited about the inaugural "We've Got Talent" contest set for Saturday. Recently completed auditions yielded 14 contestants that include Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley impersonators.
"It's a good number for the first year," said Butler, who chaired the BeachFest organizing committee.
Performances will run from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the main outdoor stage. Audience voting will go from 5 to 6 p.m., with the winner announced at 6:45 p.m. The winner then will give a final performance.
Butler said the festival will hold its first hot-dog eating contest at 6 p.m. Saturday. She said it's expected there will be a maximum of 10 contestants who will be selected by a drawing.
Just after the "We've Got Talent" contest, 10-year-old blues guitarist Tallan Latz will hit the stage. The Elkhorn, Wis., boy has been on NBC's "America's Got Talent" and played with the late legendary guitarist Les Paul.
Butler said Chicago band Dot Dot Dot will round out the music for Saturday when the group takes the stage by 9:15 p.m. Butler said two women in Dot Dot Dot - known for blending rock elements and dance beats - were formerly with the band Catfight.
Local eateries will sell food at BeachFest. Carnival rides and popular Petey the Clown - known for his magic and balloon work - will return.
On Sunday, BeachFest will conclude with a Father's Day pancake breakfast hosted by Boy Scout Troop 275 at Hook Lake. The breakfast will go from 8 a.m. to noon.
Butler said BeachFest has been growing each of its six years. Organizers hope to top last year's Friday and Saturday total attendance of 2,500.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Round Lake Beach's Beach Fest</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 18; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 19</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> The Cultural and Civic Center of Round Lake Beach, 2007 Civic Center Way near Route 83 and Hook Drive.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> There is no admission charge. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and some activities have fees.</p>