Craft beer festival coming to Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich trustees Monday night agreed to expand the village's fun portfolio.

By a 4-0 vote, the village board approved a contract with a company to stage a craft beer festival for Paulus Park. It'll run over Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 10 and 11.

Trustee Jim Beaudoin said while there are many craft beer gatherings across the Chicago area in the summer, Paulus Park is what will separate Lake Zurich from the pack. The park is on the village's namesake lake.

"I don't think any other beer fest has the backdrop we have for that," Beaudoin said.

Officials said the beer fest is part of an effort to satisfy residents who have expressed a desire for more community gatherings and to draw out-of-towners. The need to provide more special events is addressed in Lake Zurich's five-year strategic plan.

Last year, a farmers market at Paulus Park and the Rock the Block street party were initiated by the village. Both returned to the village's calendar this year.

Although not sponsored by village government, Lake Zurich has other annual events such as Alpine Fest and the Alpine Races.

Chicago-based Special Events Management will receive a $10,000 retainer to handle the craft beer festival at Paulus Park. Company projections are for about 50 craft brewers to participate, with 2,500 patrons over the two days.

In addition to beer samples, the celebration may have food tastings, seminars from craft brewery owners and live music. Admission is expected to be $30 to $45.

Lake Zurich Recreation Manager Bonnie Caputo said the craft beer fest will be spread across Paulus Park. She said guests must be 21 and older.

"It's really an opportunity for people to come out and taste something that they couldn't get at a Jewel or a Binny's," Caputo said.

Officials said the village likely will break even or a little better. Special Events Management projects $101,750 in revenue, with expenses of $98,879, including the $10,000 fee for administrative services. Special Events Management will perform duties such as securing entertainment and creating a marketing and media plan.

Special Events Management is known for several productions in Chicago and the suburbs, including the Wells Street Art Festival, the Taste of Lincoln Avenue, the Roscoe Village Burger Fest and the Des Plaines Summer Fling.