Alpine Fest parade in Lake Zurich lives up to billing

What's billed as Lake County's biggest parade stepped off Sunday as part of the 74th Alpine Fest celebration in Lake Zurich.

The parade featured more than 50 entrants, including local businesses, community organizations, various bands, the volunteer fire department pumper fire truck, and Medinah Shriner magic carpets.

It's one of the highlights of the three-day festival that's been a community tradition in Lake Zurich since 1942.

Alpine Fest, which is sponsored by the Lake Zurich Lions Club and held at Lion Fred Blau Park, is a fundraiser that raises money to to keep the lake clean and stocked with fish, help people who are blind or hearing-impaired, maintain the park and provide other services to Lake Zurich and surrounding towns, organizers say.

The festival includes a fire department water battle on Main Street, and continues with the customary carnival rides, youth entertainment, food, beer, and live music from area bands.