It’s the local lawyers’ turn to vie for the dubious distinction of kissing a pig at Grayslake Summer Days.
The object is to collect money for charity and whoever collects the most gets to kiss the pig, said Karen Christian Smith, executive director of the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which hosts the annual Summer Days.
The event runs 5 p.m. to midnight Aug. 19 with music, food and carnival rides 11 a.m. to midnight Aug. 20, with more music and food plus a host of novelty events including swine smooching, go-kart races and a parade in the evening, not in the morning, plus another parade just for pets.
“We call it the last hurrah of summer,” Smith said. “The younger kids haven’t started school yet. It’s a good time for families to get together to play some games, listen to music and have a good time.”
Part of that good time is watching community members kiss a pig.
The Rotary Club sponsors the kissing at 4 p.m. Aug. 20. “This year, it’s for the attorneys,” said Smith, adding in fun, if they are averse to kissing a pig, they can “stuff the boxes of other lawyers.”
Funds raised support Grayslake Center High School scholarships, the Oasis Youth Center, and local charities and food pantries.
Afterward, a parade with about 50 units, including two high school marching bands, begins at Grayslake Central High School and ends at the festival site.
“We used to have the parade on Sunday at noon,” Smith said.
But not a lot of people came, so they changed it to 6:30 p.m. The parade ends just when it’s time for the live music. Smith said festival committee members take to heart the feedback they get about the bands they hire for the event.
That’s why the bands Mike and Joe and 7th Heaven will be back this year, she said. In addition, Blush, a cover band headed by a Grayslake dentist, will perform. “He brings in a lot of people,” Smith said.
Vendors include all her favorites, she said. Selling beverages and food will be Glunz Winery and Dog n Suds from Grayslake, Luke’s from Mundelein, the Brat Shop from Zion and Tres Flores Funnel Cakes from Waukegan. The Grayslake Exchange Club will run a beer tent.
New this year is a bags tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday, which will benefit the two Grayslake high schools, she said.
Grayslake School District 46 Foundation will sponsor its annual go-kart races Saturday as well.
Those who want to ride bikes and lead their pets in a parade can register Saturday. That parade starts at Slusser Street and ends at the festival site, where judges will give awards for the best-decorated bicycles and animals.
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Though Smith loves the two-day event, she said her favorite time is about 10 p.m Saturday when she can relax after all the hard work of helping run the show.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
Grayslake Summer Days
When: Aug. 19-20
Where: Whitney Street, downtown Grayslake
Tickets: Free
Information: 847-223-6888; grayslakechamber.com/