Lakemoor Fest rolls along with more space on Lily Lake

Organizers hope for a few more hungry hot dog-eaters, but otherwise the long running Lakemoor Fest on the shore of Lily Lake will feature the tried and true formula of carnival rides, food, music and games.

Of course, the fireworks, which are among the best at any venue, again will be the highlight of the festivities this weekend.

Lakemoor Fest runs 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10; 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 11; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at Morrison Park on Lily Lake, just south of Route 120 between Darrell and Lily Lake roads.

Visit www.lakemoor.net/ for a schedule of events.

“The word has gotten around. People plan their family reunions around our fireworks,” said Terry Gaylord, a utility clerk and liaison to the village’s Lakemoor Fest committee.

The $23,000 display, scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Saturday, is several minutes longer than many local displays, in part, because they are shot from an island in the lake.

“It’s by design, and location plays into it. It’s about 30 minutes and the shells are a little bit bigger because of the buffer area between the crowd and the staging area,” said Village Administrator David Alarcon.

Route 120 between Darrell and Lily Lake roads will be closed from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. during the show.

Festival goers will have more room to spread out this year. Several weeks ago, the village demolished two homes and an old garage it owned fronting the park.

“It opened up the park quite a bit,” Gaylord said. A double-wide trailer on the lake shore that used to serve as Lakemoor police headquarters also was removed earlier this year.

Organizers hope to double the participation in the hot dog-eating contest at 7 p.m. Friday, which drew 11 contestants last year.

“We’re hoping it will be another big hit this year,” Gaylord said.

Also new this year is the band Selective Recall, which plays Friday evening. Centerfold and Jaktripper play Saturday, and The Original Rockin’ Fenderskirts take the stage Sunday.

Twelve food vendors will be on hand. Other activities include a fishing derby and horseshoes Saturday and a tug of war, treasure hunt and carnival wristband special Sunday.

Lakemoor Fest has been held for about 19 years. It is funded by donations and proceeds from the concession stands and booth rentals.

“Our goal is to get Lakemoor Fest to break even,” Alarcon said.