Despite some rain, Lake Zurich's Alpine Fest celebrates 80th year, Lions Club organizers reflect on success
The longtime Lake Zurich festival started in 1945 as a way to celebrate the end of World War II and the community, and it's continued every year, with its small-town festival feel intact. There's funnel cakes and lemonade, beer, rides, carnival games, a parade, and, of course, a steady stream of locals coming in and out of the gates — happy to get out and celebrate the summer and the community.
This year, though dimmed a bit by rain, crowds still filled the midway and kids still tried for prizes and carried toy trumpets and balloons — trophies of carnival wins.
'It's great,' said local mom Victoria Sciame of her Saturday. 'I love the games, the food and the cotton candy.'
She wasn't alone. Generations of locals spread through Lions Park, some first timers and plenty of yearly attendees. Many grew up attending the festival, and now they're bringing their own kids. A Lions Club volunteer, Sharon Schaffer, working the gate, said she loves the joy and the memories people bring year after year. That joy is infectious.
'They're so happy,' she said. 'They're joking around and they have such a good time.'
For the community, it's fun. But for the Lions Club, the non-profit civic group that organizes the fun, it's fun with a purpose. The club helps kids get glasses and hearing aids, and they give out college scholarships—most of the money raised at the Alpine Fest goes back into the community the event is celebrating.
'It all goes back to the community,' said Rob Rosenberg, a longtime club member and the festival's Master of Ceremonies. That service is why the Lions Club holds the event, and Rosenberg is quick to give credit to the 100 or so club volunteers, some of whom aren't even in the club, who run the event all weekend.
'People from all over the community come out and volunteer,' he said. 'That's the key to making this happen.'
The good cause at the heart of the event reflects the sort of wholesome spirit of the whole weekend. Rosenberg, who has been coming to the festival since the 1980s, said to date, the festival hasn't had any violence or and safety or security incidents. As such, people know it's a safe place to relax and have a day—or night—with friends. Rosenberg that the safe, small-town vibe still has a lot of allure after 80 years.
'It provides an opportunity to socialize with friends and enjoy the music,' he said, as the band Evo did a sound check. Come late at night, he said, the music tent is packed to overflowing. The bands are usually popular tribute bands, drawing their own fans for whatever time-period and genre they specialize in (Evo is blues), and hot summer nights, good music, food and drinks are as popular now as they've ever been. It never goes out of style.
'We've always had great music,' he said.
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