Barrington fest rebounds from early rain
Despite getting rained out one night for first time ever, organizers of Barrington's annual Fourth of July festival say the event was another hit.
Event chairman Brian Cecola said thunderstorms led to a festival shutdown on opening night, but after that people turned out in droves to celebrate the Independence Day weekend.
He estimated about 10,000 people attended July 3-5, in large part because of the beautiful weather all weekend.
"It was picture-perfect," Cecola said. "Our day crowds were really crowded."
New this year was a mechanical bull, which Cecola said was very popular.
"There definitely was a line for that one," he said.
The Fourth of July fireworks show was also hugely popular.
"It was a packed front lawn at the high school," Cecola said of people camped out watching the show.
Among this year's musical acts were I-Road, the Wind Gypsys and Sixteen Candles.
The festival atmosphere continues this weekend in downtown Barrington with the annual Uncork Barrington wine-tasting tonight and Barrington Brew Fest Saturday.
For more information, visituncorkbarrington.com and barringtonbrewfest.com.
New firefighter: The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District as a new tool in its arsenal.
The fire district recently unveiled a new aerial pumper. Known as a "Quint," or quintuple combination pumper, the vehicle's 75-foot high aerial ladder and 500-gallon onboard water tank give firefighters versatility in providing fire suppression and rescue operations.
The term "Quint" refers to its five functions: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device and ground ladders.
Because of the vehicle's sheer size - it's more than 11 feet tall, nearly 8 feet wide and almost 37 feet long - the district encourages property owners to make sure firefighters have clear access to a property when responding to an emergency call. Trees and other landscaping should be trimmed back accordingly.
The $600,000 vehicle, purchased in conjunction with the village of Barrington, is housed at the district's Algonquin Road station.
Deputy Chief John Feit said the fire district offers a free, on-site safety evaluation for property owners to ensure firetrucks enough clearance.
To schedule an evaluation, call the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District at (847) 304-3600.
The 56-square-mile district serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness. It also serves portions of unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.
Chad Brooks covers the Barrington area. Contact him at (847) 427-4476 or cbrooks@dailyherald.com with feedback and story ideas.