Despite smoky conditions caused by Canadian wildfires that pushed back its start by a day, thousands attended the abbreviated, three-day Vernon Hills Days festival at Century Park over the weekend.
On the revised opening night Friday, many in attendance wore masks.
Officials said the decision to postpone the start of the event was an easy one.
Vernon Hills Days spokesman Toni Pastorino said, “It was the right decision. We were hopeful, and then we saw the (air quality) numbers were just continuing to go up, and it just wasn’t going to be safe for our community and for … everybody who puts this on.
“It’s hard when you work all year to put on a big festival like this, but at the end of the day safety is the most important,” Pastorino said.
Vernon Hills Days is sponsored by the village and organized with the assistance of a committee and as many as 100 volunteers. The festival traditionally includes music, food, games and more.
“It’s a lot of fun, ” Pastorino said. “It means a lot to us to be able to give back to the community that we grew up in. It means so much to us. We’re really grateful.”
Like Hollywood letters seen on a California hill were festive photo opportunity letters on a hill on the island along Little Bear Lake. People were seen taking cell phone selfies.
The main stage festival opener was ARRA, a classic tribute rock band, which ended up opening for the legendary Blood, Sweat & Tears.
“I’m blessed to be able to play this event today,” ARRA drummer Wolfgang Paul said. “We’re incredibly honored to be playing with Blood, Sweat & Tears.”
Going down the big slide at the carnival ride area were CJ Handy, 12, and his brother Jacob, 9, of Round Lake. Their father, Adam, said, “We come here every summer, so it’s like a tradition.”
Nearby, 17-month-old Charlotte Smolen of Long Grove played with bubbles from a wand held by her mother Lisa.
“The kids are having an absolute blast,” Lisa Smolen said. “I know this year is especially difficult with (a) the heat, and (b) the smoke we’ve had. It’s nice that (the smoke) cleared up enough to be able to come and celebrate out here today.”
