Community Corner

Summer Celebration to Feature Live Entertainment, Fireworks

Vernon Hills Summer Celebration is slated for July 19-22.

A musician who played with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and Michael Jackson will headline the annual Vernon Hills Summer Celebration, which runs July 19-22.

Dave Mason, founding member of Traffic and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will take the stage at 9 p.m. July 21. Some of his hits include "We Just Disagree" and "Feeling Alright."

"I saw him at Viper Alley and he was great," said Mayor Roger Byrne. "This guy played with Clapton, Jimi Hendrix. He played with McCartney. He played with everybody. It should be a great event. And it's free."

Vernon Hills Summer Celebration will feature live entertainment, a carnival, food, celebrity appearances and activities for children — including a petting zoo and a visit from Radio Disney.

"There will be a lot of activities for the whole family," said Village Manager Mike Allison. "It'll be a great time."

There are a few new things to take note of this year, said Joe Hoffman, food vendor and advertising director for the Vernon Hills Summer Celebration Committee.

Hoffman said people can purchase Mega Pass wristbands for the carnival. The passes, good for unlimited rides throughout this year's Summer Celebration, can be purchased at a discount online before July 18 at midnight for $62 per person. Mega Passes will also be on sale at the event for $70 per person.

. Jamie Lono, who competed on "The Voice", will sign autographs from 5-5:30 p.m. July 21. On July 22, White Sox slugger Frank Thomas will sign cans of his "Big Hurt Beer" from 6-8 p.m.

"There are a lot of Sox fans up north here," said Hoffman.

Chicago Bears great Dan Hampton will sign autographs from 3-5 p.m. July 22.

Hoffman said there will be 18 food vendors this year from all over Chicagoland, including one that sells turkey legs.

The fireworks show is slated for 9:15 p.m. July 19. Hoffman said public works crews have already been out at Century Park watering the hill so there are no problems. The July 4 fireworks show was cut short, ending without the grand finale, because of a small grass fire.

Allison said because that July 4 show was shorter than planned, there will be even more fireworks at the July 19 show.

Here's a look at some of the events planned for Summer Celebration. The full schedule can be found on the village website.

July 19:

  • Carnival, 6-10 p.m.
  • Tropixplosion, performing tropical music, 7 p.m.
  • Fireworks, 9:15 p.m.

July 20:

  • Carnival, 6 p.m. to midnight
  • Mike & Joe, cover band, 7 p.m.
  • Freddy Jones Band, 9 p.m.

July 21:

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  • Carnival, 1 p.m. to midnight
  • Petting zoo, 1-4 p.m.
  • Free "Kids Krafts," 1-4 p.m.
  • Radio Disney Road Crew appearance, 2-3 p.m.
  • Jamie Lono, Vernon Hills resident who competed on season two of "The Voice," 6 p.m.
  • Heartsfield, 7 p.m.
  • Dave Mason, 9 p.m.

July 22:

  • "Run From the Cops" 5K, 8 a.m.
  • Free "Kids Krafts," 1-4 p.m.
  • Carnival, 1 to 10 p.m.
  • Mr. Slate, 6 p.m.

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