Lakeside Festival Preps For Picture Of Summer Fun

Crystal Lake and McHenry County residents looking for “crazy fun” this weekend, look no further. The Lakeside Festival promises to provide the largest showcase of food and family entertainment for the 32nd year running.

The annual festival, sponsored by the , runs Thursday, June 30, through Monday, July 4, at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 County Club Road. Event times vary each day.

While there are no major changes planned for this year’s festival, organizers have been working since December to make the event the best the community has ever seen, said Terry Legare, the festival’s executive director. 

“Nothing compares in area,” she said. The Lakeside Festival “has been around longer than many festivals. It’s cozy. It’s a hometown festival with a good feel to it.”

This year’s festivities include an ice cream eating contest, a children’s bike parade, a Baggo beanbag toss tournament, carnival rides, live music – both local and national bands – and a July 3 fireworks display. The Taste of the Lake will showcase food and beverages from local and national vendors, ranging from typical carnival food to traditional Chinese and Polish dishes. 

Activities will be going on inside the Dole Mansion, the Lakeside Legacy Foundation headquarters. Volunteers will be giving historical mansion tours in period costume, and local artwork will be showcased.

“The festival is seeped in great tradition,” said Erin McElroy, advancement coordinator. “It’s a great time of year, and it’s a huge community focus.”

Gate admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 65 and older and free for active military with valid IDs and children 12 and younger. Last year, the festival drew crowds of more than 50,000, McElroy said. 

All proceeds go directly toward funding the Legacy Foundations and its year of programs. One third of the foundation’s budget comes directly from admission and food tickets, and it’s the group’s largest fundraiser of the year, Legare said. 

To seamlessly execute the festival, more than 300 volunteers will work 600 to 700 shifts, McElroy said. Festival organizers are still looking for event volunteers, and volunteers get free festival admission and drink tickets for their contribution. 

“You can have a great holiday weekend stay-cation close to your home that’s really family friendly,” McElroy said. 

For a full schedule of events and more information on becoming a festival volunteer, visit www.lakesidelegacy.org/lakesidefestival2011.html.