Thanks in part to ideal summer weather, an estimated 20,000 people attended Vernon Hills Days from July 18-21 at Century Park.
Toni Pastorino, the festival’s director of communications, said organizers pivoted at the last minute this year to place larger Windy City Amusements carnival rides on parking lot surfaces due to the heavy rains shortly before the event.
“We are very grateful for the (Vernon Hills) Park District and Rust-Oleum for letting us use the parking lots,” Pastorino said. “The grounds were so saturated that the carnival wasn’t going to be able to set up safely and successfully in time. Everyone pulled together.”
Placing heavier rides to the south of Century Park and Little Bear Lake is being considered for a new carnival location as impervious asphalt surfaces help to ensure ground stability for amusement attractions. Lighter, kiddie rides like the Windy City Express Train Station were placed on a dry lawn next to the parking lot.
“That’s one of the conversations we’re going to have after,” Pastorino said.
Andy Styx of Libertyville and daughter Grace, 8, a rising third grader, rode the popular Pharaoh’s Fury.
“We love coming here every year,” he said.
Main stage entertainment included The Gingers Redheads that Rock.
“The Gingers are thrilled to be here and we’re grateful for all the volunteers,” said Kerri Jane, vocalist and bass player with the band.
Also in attendance were Robert and Breanna Nelson of Lake Bluff, the parents of Wyatt, 10, a rising fifth-grader, and Lucas, 4 months.
Wyatt rode the Ferris wheel with best buddy Colin O’Rourke, 10, a rising fifth-grader also from Lake Bluff. Colin’s father Tim O’Rourke chaperoned the two friends, and reported that at the top of the Ferris wheel, “It’s a nice view.”
Also going on Pharaoh’s Fury was Liz Fuentes of Norridge, who rode with a Mundelein friend.
Of Vernon Hills Days, she said, “This is really wonderful, something to do during the summer and I enjoy it very much since I spend most of my time in the city (of Chicago). It’s a wonderful opportunity to visit my friends who live here in the suburbs.”
Matthew Tucker of Morton Grove held son Caspian, 4, on his shoulders.
“I’ve come here since I was a little kid, so it’s just really great to show the next generation Vernon Hills,” he said. “This festival’s very nice.”
