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Music, pageant, pig roast and more at BeachFest 2011

Round Lake Beach’s Cultural and Civic Center soon will be humming with activity inside and on the grounds.

It’s time for BeachFest 2011. The festival will run 6-11 p.m. Friday, June 18, and 2-11 p.m. Saturday, June 19, on Civic Center Way, off Hook Drive, behind Regal Cinemas in Round Lake Beach.

Mayor Richard Hill hopes residents and visitors from all areas come out to enjoy BeachFest.

“This type of event is important to bring people out to enjoy the community in a fun environment with their neighbors,” Hill said.

Food, beverages, entertainment, pony rides and a petting zoo will be part of the free scene.

Highlights for Friday include the Jimmy Buffett tribute band Peaches Beach at 6 p.m., with Almost Joe’s Carlos Santana-like sounds coming at 8 p.m.

Also on Friday’s slate is the Miss Round Lake Pageant at 6 p.m. in the Cultural and Civic Center’s banquet room.

Saturday will feature two new offerings to BeachFest visitors. One is the inaugural motorcycle show, which will run from 4-8 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee.

Motorcycle show participants have a chance to win the Mayor’s Choice plaque.

On the food end, the inaugural pig roast will begin at 4 p.m. The pig will be cooked on-site and will be sold until there is no more pork, said Monica Marr, facility manager of the Cultural and Civic Center.

Also on Saturday, a flag ceremony will occur at 3 p.m. recognizing the different military branches. The BeachFest bags tournament will kick off at 6 p.m., with registration required by 5 p.m.

Main stage music will include acoustic guitar band Bar Stool Soldiers at 6 p.m., then Infinity at 8 p.m. Infinity is known for its tributes to Journey and REO Speedwagon.

More than 45 vendors are expected to be in the fifth annual BeachFest Crafters Market from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday inside and outside the Cultural and Civic Center.

Round Lake Beach Trustee Susan Butler, who again served as the festival’s chair. said BeachFest will have something for all ages.

“The (BeachFest) committee has worked hard at organizing a wonderful community event that is free,” Butler said. “And we have kept the cost of the children’s inflatables, petting zoo and pony rides nice and low so families can have a great time, too.”

James Kennedy of Grayslake plays with a snake balloon he won at the 2008 festival. STEVE LUNDY/DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO 2008