Ninety-degree heat before a late afternoon storm cold front did not keep people from attending this year’s Family Fest in Barrington on Aug. 16.
Approximately 800 to 900 local families were expected to participate based on previous years’ attendance.
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) offered the free four-hour community event starting at noon at Citizens Park, 511 Lake Zurich Road.
More Top Picks Best Monitor Arms For Desks
The afternoon’s schedule included live entertainment, music, giveaways, refreshments and free family-friendly activities such as face painting and challenge games.
“We started our Family Fest event at Citizens Park in 2021,” said BACC President/CEO Suzanne Corr. “It’s a fantastic day for local businesses and community resources to connect with local families face-to-face and educate them on what’s available here in our own backyard.
“Vendors offer games, kids’ activities, giveaways, and information on important local resources that add to the quality of life here in the Barrington area,” Corr said.
“Families often come and spend the day enjoying live music, entertainment, a magic show, face painting, food and so much more.”
Costumed superheroes like Captain America with a shield walked the event premises to inspire photo opportunities.
Barrington Police had a visible presence with local first responders also bringing out “their vehicles for kids to explore and chat with our local heroes,” Corr said.
“We have over 50 vendors, including local businesses and a variety of community organizations that provide important services and opportunities for local families.”
Saturday’s schedule included youth fitness and gymnastics demonstrations, SOUL Harbour Ranch miniature therapy horses, a 2 p.m. pet parade with 10 dogs, plus an appearance by the Barrington Children’s Choir.
Grace Buettner, 14, a high school freshman from Island Lake, performed with the choir. Grace’s family members were in the audience.
“We’re here enjoying all the local businesses, the cool things for the kids and my daughter performing in the a capella group,” said Grace’s father Michael Buettner.
Visiting with Sunshine, a SOUL Harbour of Barrington miniature therapy horse, was Leo Francescatti, 11 months, of Deer Park.
Leo was seen briefly reaching out to touch the horse’s mane while seated in a stroller. Adults in the vicinity reacted with delight to the visual.
“I’m not surprised,” said Leo’s mother, Debra Sparr. “We have cats at home and a dog that he’s very interested in.”
Broker/real estate agent Melissa Carlson of Barrington, and of the Barrington High School Class of 1989, helped to staff a children’s bucket toss game on behalf of HSH, Home Sweet Home,
Ryan Realty of Barrington/Inverness.
HSH also offered a back-to-school photo opportunity frame for youngsters. School starts this month for many children in Lake County.
About Barrington, “It is my home, I grew up here, I’m still here, I bought a house in the village, I raised my kids here,” Carlson said.
At HSH, “Our motto is to help people build relationships,” Carlson added. “That’s what we do.”
Visit https://barringtonchamber.com/
Karie Angell Luc is a .freelancer for Pioneer Press
More Top Picks Concussion In Kids Vision Warning Signs