'Smash Mouth' headlines Vernon Hills Summer Celebration entertainment

sfoster@dailyherald.com Vernon Hills Summer Celebration started as a family picnic nearly 50 years ago, but has grown into one of the largest carnivals and music festivals in Lake County.

The festival returns to Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Thursday, July 14, for four days of entertainment, crafts, carnival rides, fun and something new - for the first time, residents had a voice in selecting the music lineup.

"Over the years, we were doing the same old oldies band - bands from the '60s and '70s," said Kathy Zerillo, co-chair and finance director of the Summer Celebration committee. "It gets harder and harder for us to decide on a band. So we thought, 'Why not ask people what they want to hear?'"

The Summer Celebration committee asked residents to pick a genre and an era. Then, Zerillo said the committee put their "feelers out to find a band within that structure."

Soon, the committee booked Smash Mouth, an act from the late '90s and early 2000s. Some of their hits - "All Star" and "I'm A Believer" - were featured in the soundtrack of the animated film "Shrek." Smash Mouth will take the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 16. Kicking off the night, Wisconsin rock band Boxcar will perform at 7 p.m.

On Friday, audiences will see some familiar faces on stage. Returning to Summer Celebration, cover band Mike & Joe will perform at 9 p.m.

Zerillo said the lineup has been well received.

"People are happy with it," she said.

But there's more to the Summer Celebration than just its musical acts.

Fireworks will light up the night Thursday, July 14, and on Friday, participants can play bingo starting at 8 p.m.

Children can participate in crafts or have their face painted from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 16. They can come back for a petting zoo from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 17.

Also on Sunday, attendees can browse a car and bike show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Immediately after, adults can participate in a bags tournament.

The Summer Celebration committee plans year-round for the festival - reconvening only a month after the previous event to start planning for next year. The committee is composed entirely of volunteers.

But even though the year-round planning can be time consuming, Zerillo said it's something the entire committee feels passionate about.

"We all take pride in it. We love it. We love the event," she said. "It makes me feel like I can give back."

Admission to the grounds is free. Wristbands for carnival rides can be purchased at $25.

Visit summercel.com for more information.