Children enjoy a ride on the dragon kiddie coaster during Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival at Sunset Park.
Lake in the Hills’ Summer Sunset Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Sept. 3-5, as the event marks its 20th year in the village after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
“This year marks the festival’s 20th anniversary,” said Village Trustee Diane Murphy, the festival’s chairwoman. “We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this momentous milestone by coming together as a community after a difficult year.”
A full slate of activities for kids, families and adults is planned in Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, starting 3 p.m. Friday, when carnival rides, food and beer tents open up. They will conclude after Sunday night’s fireworks show, which blasts off at 9:30 p.m., according to the event’s website.
Anthony Sarcinelli, 9, left, of Lake in the Hills and Frankie Scarpelli, 10, of Lakewood enjoy the swings at a previous Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival. – Brian Hill | Staff Photographer, 2015
In between, there will also be a classic and custom car show from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, a wine tasting tent from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, and family bingo at 6:30 p.m.
Friday’s live music is being headlined by the This End Up Band from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the Flood Brothers Main Stage.
Festival grounds will open at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, and a parade will step off at 10 a.m. from the corner of Grafton Farm and Miller roads, travel east down Miller for 1 mile and conclude at the corner of Albrecht and Miller roads.
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Food and beer tents will open at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the Doggie Derby Dash at 11:30 a.m. You can register your pooch to race online at summersunsetfest.com/doggie-derby-dash.
The Instinct, a young blues-influenced band, will perform Saturday, Sept. 4, at Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival. – Courtesy of The Instinct
Carnival rides open at noon Saturday, with live music starting up at 2:30 p.m. with Istvan and His Imaginary Band, followed by The Instinct at 4:30 p.m. Shining Start, a tribute band to Earth, Wind & Fire, will play from 6:30 to 8 p.m., followed by headliner Too Hype Crew from 9 to 10:30 p.m.
Sunday’s events include a bags tournament, live music starting at 1 p.m., and the Fireworks 5K at 6:30 p.m. Run registration is available online at summersunsetfest.com/fireworks-5k/.
“The Summer Sunset Fest Committee is eager to welcome back our beloved end-of-summer celebration,” said Village President Ray Bogdanowski, who also serves on the festival committee.
“We are planning to bring the community a festival to remember in celebration of both the event’s return and its 20th anniversary. We can’t wait to see everyone.”
