The 12th-annual Fall Festival at Grant Township Center in Ingleside on Sunday drew strong crowds of people looking for an early taste of autumn.
The event was sponsored by Grant Township and the villages of Fox Lake and Volo.
People could play games, take a tractor hayride through spooky, family-friendly woods, ride ponies, visit the petting zoo, support local artisans, and purchase food.
There were huge colorful inflatables for children to romp upon, and a bungee cord activity where jumpers did back somersaults. Fall-themed photo backdrops were popular with patrons.
“We are having the best time and making memories,” said Kelly Cannella of Round Lake, who was in attendance with sons Finn, 6, Levi, 4, and Archer, 1.
“I love being a mom of three crazy boys,” she said. “We go outside as much as we can, and we just love to play, and they love Halloween. I love the whole season … just the weather and pumpkins.”
Children could choose free pumpkins to decorate.
Grant Township Supervisor Nancy Rogers said the festival “is very visual and fun and a way to give back to our community. We partner with the Fire Department next door and the Highway Department.
“Lake County is the best place to live,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful area and so much to offer.”
Games included a bubble gum blowing contest, where the largest bubbles were visually sized before they popped. Contestants could cup the bubble if they needed to in case of wind.
Two winners popped up: Jessica Perez of Libertyville and Sophia Roldan of Round Lake Beach.
More Top Picks Best Hands Free Magnifiers For Reading
“It wasn’t hard because I enjoy chewing bubble gum a lot,” Sophia said.
Giving out packaged gummy candy while representing Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingleside was Gayle Harrop of Johnsburg.
“We have a lot of October activities,” Harrop said about the church. The candy bags containing gummy smiles had a schedule taped to each fun-size package. Church activities promoted included a fish fry and craft fair.
Miss Fox Lake Area 2026 Amelia Foy, 17, of Lake Villa, was in attendance with fellow members of local royalty who were conversing with visitors and decorating pumpkins.
“It’s important (to engage with the public) so we can get to know the community and get to know the people … so we can help out wherever we can,” she said. “Lake County and Fox Lake have great, amazing people … and I feel like the communities are very strongly knit.”