For many families in Lake County, Wauconda Fest has become an annual tradition. For the 43-year-old festival, which features carnival rides, a car show, an art fair, a huge variety of food vendors and four days of live music, it’s easy to see how it appeals to a wide demographic.
“Our festival attracts people from all different age groups,” said Tim Staton, executive director of the Wauconda Park District. “A lot of people come to the fest to meet up with old friends and take in the diverse bands that we offer every season. I think most of all it is the pride that people from Wauconda have in their community. They look forward to the fest every year and come back generation after generation.”
The four-day festival, held June 23-26 at Cook Park in Wauconda, expects to draw more than 25,000 people. The music takes center stage here, with nine different bands performing over the course of the festival.
Headlining the Thursday night show at 7 p.m. will be 7th Heaven, a well-known Chicago-area rock band that’s perhaps best known for its medley of tunes from the ’70s and ’80s called “30 songs in 30 minutes.”
Hours are 5-10 p.m. June 23; 5 p.m.-midnight June 24; noon to midnight June 25; and noon-9 p.m. June 26.
Friday night’s show includes the high-energy country of the Feudin’ Hillbillies at 7:30 p.m., followed by Hi Infidelity, an ’80s rock cover band.
On Saturday, the music starts at 4 p.m. with two punk rock/garage rock bands, Jabronis and 3 Oh Go. At 7 p.m. the Nashville Electric Company brings its Nashville pop sound to the stage, and at 9 p.m. you can start moving to the sound of Hello Weekend, which will bring the high-energy dance music.
Finally, on Sunday, get started with the punk/alternative rock of the band Glory Days at 3 p.m. The Beatles tribute band Kaleidoscope Eyes follows them at 5 p.m., and the Modern Day Romeos, a rock cover band, closes the festival at 7 p.m.
Gear heads will want to check out the car show, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26.
“It attracts enthusiasts from all over Lake County and southern Wisconsin,” Staton said. “This is a judged event, and trophies are awarded in several categories.”
For the kids, the carnival rides are the biggest draw, particularly on the weekend.
“We have a lot of families that come out in the afternoon to take advantage of the ride specials,” Staton said. “For $25, kids and adults can ride unlimited rides from 1 to 5 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday.”
The festival also features an art fair, with more than 25 vendors selling homemade goods and locally made products. The beer tent will include offerings from local breweries Onion Pub and Crystal Lake Brewing, as well as staples from the big distributors, and Glunz Wine will be providing red, white, and sangria.
Food options run the gamut, including barbecue, Mexican, sandwiches, pizza, and Asian food. There is a $4 admission fee, and with every paid admission festivalgoers receive a button that allows them to enter on other days at no cost.
“There really is something for everyone,” Staton said. “I think people like the family feel of the fest. It has something that they look forward to every year.”
Wauconda Fest
When: June 23-26
Where: Cook Park, 600 N. Main St, Wauconda
Tickets: $4 for a ticket that allows entry all four days
Information: 847-526-3610; waucondaparks.com
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
