Weekender: Crystal Lake Centennial Kick-Off Festival, Big Cross-Town Football Game, Apple Picking

T.G.I.F. Crystal Lake and Cary!

This is going to be one busy weekend! Whether you're in the mood for a festival atmosphere or Friday night football fare, it's all going on this weekend.

On perhaps a more tranquil level, check out our very expansive guide to area apple orchards. The pickin' this year is supposed to be great following the dismal season last year due to drought conditions.

Crystal Lake Centennial Festival 

Crystal Lake is preparing to host its first big-time festival at Three Oaks Recreation Area, 5517 Route 14. The Centennial Kick-Off Festival marks the beginning of a yearlong celebration for the city, which turns 100 on Sept. 23, 2014.

The three-day party starts at 4 p.m. today (Friday) and is packed with live entertainment, carnival rides, hot air balloon rides, food and beverages. Entertainment line-up includes "Pirates Over 40," "Modern Day Romeos," and "Libido Funk Circus" performing on the Main Stage.

More information on the Crystal Lake Centennial Festival here. 

Cross-Town Football Game: PR vs. CL South

In Friday Night Football action, excitement has been brewing all week over the Prairie Ridge vs. Crystal Lake South football game, scheduled for 7:15 p.m. tonight at Ken Bruhn Field at CL South High School, 1200 S. McHenry Ave.

Both teams are 1-2 for the season, each are hungry for that second win. If you can't make the game, you can watch it here on Patch, LIVE, starting at 7:15 p.m.

More Friday Night Football Match-ups include: Crystal Lake Central traveling to Huntley to take on the Red Raiders, and Cary-Grove High School hosting Dundee-Crown.
 
To watch the PR- Crystal Lake South game live, click here. 

'Tis the Season for Granny Smiths, Red Delicious, and All Things Apple

Farmers say they have a great apple crop this year following a dismal season last fall due to the drought conditions. Don't know where to go? Check out the 2013 Patch Guide to Apple Picking, which provides details about apple farms throughout the Chicago region and even into Wisconsin and Indiana. 

Find Apple Orchards Near Crystal Lake and Cary

Flutag, Tacos and More in the City

Feeling like getting away to Chicago? There's plenty happening there, too, this weekend. The infamous Redbull Flutag flying spectacular will be held Saturday at Burnham Park. In this crazy, but comical competition, participants build their own, human-powered flying machines.

For more fun in the city, check out "3 Things to do Downtown"