A combination of summertime community events brought out to Paulus Park music fans, culinary lovers and those appreciating art and local artists at one of its recent installments, and also supported local entrepreneurs.
The “Food Truck Socials” and “Groove Grove” was combined July 26 at the park in Lake Zurich. The village holds regular food truck social opportunities on Wednesday during the summer, depending on weather and food truck availability.
The Groove Grove series takes place once a month and includes a lineup of local artisans along with live music.
“This is a wonderful event that provides the opportunity for people to come to get to not only spend time in our signature lakeside park, but to also enjoy and support their local talented artisans, all the while sampling great food truck eats from the area,” said Bonnie Caputo, recreation director for the village of Lake Zurich.
On July 26, several food trucks were parked in the lot. Music was provided by the band Greener In Person. Musician David Tan, of Burr Ridge, performed on bass guitar.
“All these guys are like, really close friends of mine,” Tan said about his bandmates. “It’s just a great time to play together, we always have a good time no matter where we play.”
Adam Mayster, owner of The Absurd Art Gallery Gift Shop in Lake Zurich, his 9-year-old son, and wife, Sunny Hommeland, manned an artist table under shady mature trees.
“I love being out with the other artists and then being able to interact and hang out with people,” Adam Mayster said about the day’s events. “We’re just having a great time.”
Patron Daniel Drescher, of Wauconda, stopped to check out Mayster’s artwork and to find fellowship among creativity.
“It’s wonderful,” Drescher said of the event. “I can’t think of a better time, I’ve got my family here with me. We’re just here to have a good time and hang out.”
Also exhibiting in the artisan section were extended family members Belen LiBoy, of Puerto Rico, with Belen Ashley, Julie Ashley and Richard Ashley, all latter three from Fox River Grove.
“This is my first time selling or having anything displayed like this, so it’s really exciting,” said artist Julie Ashley. “I love that we have the music and the water [Lake Zurich] right there,” said Julie Ashley.
The food truck Aunt Tina’s Sound Bites offered fare such as macaroni and cheese, sandwiches and desserts plus more.
“We just love that it’s a community gathering and there’s artists here, and food vendors and brings the community together,” said Abbey Cannon. of Roselle, who co-owns Aunt Tina’s Sound Bites food truck with husband, Tony Cannon.
Kona Ice food truck customers included Jolene Uscicki, 8, of Lake Zurich, who was accompanied by parents Jennifer and Adam Uscicki.
Adam Uscicki and his family moved to Lake Zurich from Cook County, “and it feels like we’re on vacation when we come home.”
The last Groove Grove event, in combination with Food Truck Socials, is Aug. 30.
