More entertainment featured at Long Grove Strawberry Festival

Posted June 24, 2009 11:00 pm

James Kane

This year's Long Grove Strawberry Festival will feature more entertainment than past events, with musicians performing pretty much continuously on three stages and a Saturday evening act added.

The three-day food, shopping and entertainment festival, which begins Friday, June 26, will draw about 30,000 people if the weather is favorable and is one of the historic villages biggest events, said John Maguire, community development director.

"This year, we've really gone to a full-blown entertainment schedule," he said, adding that bringing in an events management company to help put on the festival has been key to upgrading the breadth and quality of the music. "We're booking music every hour to hour and a half. We've got really good talent coming."

Saturday entertainment hours have been extended to 8 p.m. from 6 p.m. to encourage people to stay for dinner. "It's the peak of summer. It's still light out."

One goal of the added entertainment is to draw in a broader clientele, including more families. While the town is known for its historic character, in recent years its also become a hot spot for clothing boutiques, art and gourmet foods that appeal to a younger audience, Maguire said.

"We wanted to freshen it up and showcase what Long Grove offers now," he said of the 27-year-old festival.

Some traditions endure, however. Besides the chance to eat most anything made of strawberries, the festival features the Little Miss Strawberry pageants on Sunday afternoon to choose queen, prince, princess and baby winners.

For a complete schedule of activities, go to longgroveonline.com.

The festival will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with extra music from 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday. Following is a list of acts on the Main Stage in Fountain Square. For details on performers on the other two stages and other activities at the festival, call (847) 634-0888 or visit longgroveonline.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Noon: Typhanie Monique

2 p.m.: Scott Burns Quartet

4 p.m.: Planet Groove

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

10 a.m.: Radio Disney

Noon: Downhome Sophisticates

2 p.m.: Dave Hiltebrand Band

4 p.m.: Hooked on Sonics

6:30 p.m.: Ted Wulfers

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Noon: Red Riding Hood

2 p.m.: Alison Ruble

4 p.m.: 7th Heaven Unplugged

Julie Adams and Ray Sanna of Saco Foods, Middleton, Wis., prepare a batch of chocolate-dipped strawberries, one of many strawberry items that will be for sale at the festival. Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

What: Long Grove Strawberry Festival When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28 Where: Robert Parker Coffin and Old McHenry roads Cost: Free admission and free parking, free shuttle Friday and Saturday from remote parking at Geimer Greenhouses, 2727 Route 53, or Apachi Day Camp, just north of Route 22 on Old McHenry Road More information: (847) 634-0888 or <a href="http://longgroveonline.com" target="new">longgroveonline.com</a>

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