Taste of Grayslake and Fireworks Set Saturday

The heart of Grayslake will be jam-packed Saturday for the 14th annual Family Picnic and Fireworks Display at Central Park. Rides, games, music, food and shopping are all set to begin at 3 p.m.

“This is a great family event that is perfect for all ages,” says Tracy Putkonen of the . “A large focus of the event is geared towards kids.”

Rides and activities are scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m. Face painters will begin at 4 p.m. and a magic show is slated for 5 p.m. These activities will take place at the kid stage located near the rides. Tickets for the rides will be available for purchase.

Other events include a football toss, trackless train, climbing wall and obstacle course.

Ten area restaurants will offer their tasty fare along with 12 to 15 business and craft booths for shopping. Only cash will be accepted at the festival.

Music will be broadcast across the grounds – first by Memory Makers from 3:30 to 6 p.m., then by headliner Chasing the Day from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m.

Fireworks are scheduled for dusk.

A crowd of 8,000 is anticipated at the festival. Visitors can park at the Central Park lot, Grayslake Middle School, Grayslake Central High School and the adjoining lot there.

The library and skate park lot also will be open for parking; however, organizers want to remind visitors that the bike path along the south side of Central Park will be closed from 9 to 10:15 p.m. for the fireworks.

“If you park in these lots, you may have to wait to get back to your vehicle until given the all-clear following the fireworks display.” Putkonen said. “Every year there are many people who want to leave right away but have to wait because they are parked in those lots.”

The pavilion, splash pad, playground, shelter, disc golf holes 6 to 9 and the softball field will be closed all day Saturday for the festival.

Entry to the grounds is free and open to the public. It is organized by the , Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce and the .