CL Jaycees Collecting School Supplies for Kids in Need at 'Blast on the Beach'

The BMO Harris Bank "Blast on the Beach" is shaping up to be a super end-of-summer festival.

In addition to an incredible line-up of fun and entertainment, "Blast on the Beach" is offering an easy way for attendees to join the spirit of giving back to the community.

Because of the generosity of BMO Harris Bank, admission to this year's "Blast on the Beach" is free - for everyone!

The Blast is scheduled from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr., Crystal Lake.

Festival organizers hope attendees will 'pay forward' this generosity by participating in the School Supply Collection Drive.

The timing of the "Blast" is ideal as area families prepare to send children back to school. Crystal Lake Jaycee representatives are encouraging back-to-school shoppers to review the list of needed items and add a few to their shopping list.

The Jaycees will have a collection table set up from 3-7 p.m. at the "Blast."

School Supply Drive for Wraparound Program

Attendees can drop off school supply donations as they enter the festival. All supplies will be donated to the Wraparound Program serving at-risk youth with emotional/behavioral disorders in McHenry County, as well as their families.

The goal of the "Blast on the Beach" school supply collection drive is to collect school supplies to assist at least 25 children in the Wraparound Program. 

"The Jaycees believe that service to humanity is the best work of life," said Kate Wade, Crystal Lake Jaycees 2012 Community Vice President. "We're thrilled the park district and BMO Harris Bank contacted us to assist with this project that will help a number of families in the McHenry County area as their children head back to school."

The list of school supplies needed is available on the Crystal Lake Park District website.

"Blast on the Beach" offers a beach-full of fun and entertainment in Crystal Lake's beautiful lakeside setting.

The lineup includes: Arts & craft fair, beer and wine garden, bags tournament, kids fun fair and treasure hunt in the sand (for gold coins and prizes!).

What's a festival without food? Local vendors will be serving up delicious eats, and renown Sycamore-based Carribean Rock band, Mr. Myers, will pump out surfside tunes. A water ski show by the Crystal Lake Water Ski Assoc. also is scheduled.