Hooray for Labor Day weekend in Lake County: everyone’s favorite Monday of the year! Here’s a little bit of history behind the national "take it easy" day.
The inception of the Labor Day idea was in 1885. The first state to introduce the bill was New York, but Oregon passed it first on February 21, 1887. The emphasis of this holiday was strongly insisted on by labor unions. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Co-founder Peter J. McGuire is the father of the effort.
To end the Pullman Strike in 1894 (which was a nationwide strike against the Pullman Palace railroad car manufacturers and a turning point in labor law that initially started in Chicago), President Grover Cleveland made it official and made designated Labor Day as everyone’s favorite Monday off of the year.
We’re in this rat race spinning and spinning, trying to grab that hunk of cheese. Let’s all kick back and relax on this extended time off and see what’s going on for Labor Day weekend in Lake County.
Fifteen ninety-five. London, England. “Welcome to the Renaissance” where the writers write, and the brothers hate Shakespeare with so much spite. Nick and Nigel Bottom are brothers attempting to write the play of the ages, but their style is old news compared that of “The Bard.” A fortune teller foresees the centerstage future and predicts the Bottom duo will create something for centerstage unheard of at this point; a production that includes song, dance and acting done simultaneously. The Bottoms get their eureka moment and set out to write the first musical in the history of the world. Fame isn’t as fantastic as it looks as the Bottoms create a musical about our favorite brunch treat: omelets. Nominated for nine Tony Awards when on Broadway (winning one award), this musical comedy is sure to take the egg.
The Chain O’Lakes is far from placid on Thursday nights during the summer. Unfortunately, the rumble on the chain is coming to a close this month. Thunder on the Chain features the unique world of drag boat racing from June-late August hosted by Blarney Island on Grass Lake. If you have the need for speed on a ‘school night,’ witness these fearless racers competing in nine different classes from the Northern Illinois Drag Boat Association as they sprint for the gold. The Thursday melée is the final race of the season.
This event delights the famished of Lake and Cook County at this scrumptious spectacle. Journey to Highland Park’s Food Truck Thursday for fun in the sun with inspired dishes. Ravinia Brewing Co. and Abigails American Bistro will provide the libations for the event. The city along the Great Lake hosts a food truck lineup that includes Edens Garden, Culinary Gangster, Aztec Dave’s Food Truck, The Happy Lobster, Royal Ice Cream Co., My Funnel Cake, Swirl Café, The Fat Shallot, Chicago Lunch Box, Da Pizza Dude, Louie Be. Fresh Mobile Kitchen & Catering, Yum Dum Truck, Loop Juice, La Cocinita and the Popcorn Jester. Visitors can also enjoy live music, family arts & crafts, kiddie activities bags and more. Swish a fadeaway cornhole in the second session of the Thursday Night Bags League running alongside the food frenzy. The winning team receives a cash prize (pending on registration), two $500 Razny Jewelers’ gift cards and a celebration at Ravinia Brewing Co. The live entertainment for the evening is a band called Bowmanville. The HP event occurs every Thursday through September 12.
“There is a-splishin’ and a-splashin,’ reelin’ with the feelin,’ movin’ and a-groovin,’ rockin’ and a-rollin’” at Hurricane Harbor water park at Six Flags Great America. This Gurnee water park offers 17 refreshing attractions to help you beat the summer heat. Take a dip in the drink, recline, relax and experience all the thrills of your adventure at Hurricane Harbor. Hurricane Harbor is open through September 2. Besides the water park, you have to take a ride on one of 17 roller coasters before they transform the entire park into Fright Fest!
Shopping for produce at a farmers market is not only a great way to support Lake County, but it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beautiful summer weather with the family. Lake County farmers markets offer locally-grown produce, prepared bites, spices, meats, pastries, bread and so much more. Click the info button for a full list of Lake County’s Farmers Markets.
Summer’s marquee event is nearing its end. North America’s longest-running outdoor festival is featuring a plethora of humongous acts. Pack some snacks and sun hats and head out to Ravinia Festival. The Highland Park staple feature an array of fantastic acts for "lazy day" weekend. Click the info button for the entire month’s lineup.
Jory Vinikour plays Bach on harpsichord (Aug. 30) INFO»
The Mighty O.A.R and American Authors (Aug. 30) INFO»
"Hey DJ, play a record by my favorite band." Musician and actor Macy Gray makes her way just north of the Lake County Border. The raspy songstress is a five-time Grammy-nominated performer and has one Grammy for "Best Female Pop Performance." This show is a must-see, because "our world crumbles when she's not near."
The lake village invites one and all to a performance by Chance and the Arrow. The indie quartet rock band has a new album on the horizon. Bring your lawn chairs, snacks and blankets and view an exceptional one-hour free performance to start your Labor Day weekend!
The Gurnee outdoor store has the party just for you. The event includes free funnel cakes, apple cobbler and hot dogs, face painting, bags, photos, fish ring toss and more. Get your gear ready as we approach fall!
Jurassic Quest at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake
The land of the lost is now found. The Lake County Fairgrounds host Jurassic Quest through Labor Day. The Grayslake exhibit features over 80 realistic, life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Visitors can learn, interact and even ride some of these giant life-like lizards. The event is highlighted by, lifelike scenes, cute baby dinosaurs, fossil digs for your young paleontologists, the ‘Dino Bounce area,’ that includes dino-themed inflatable mazes, face painting and much more. Jurassic Quest is the largest exhibition of life-sized, moving museum-quality dinosaurs in North America.
Lords and maidens have must travel back in time to the Bristol Renaissance Faire just over the Wisconsin border. Explore a handful of 16th-century marketplaces, thrilling pub crawls, mouthwatering food, live entertainment and an abundance of fun with fellow fantasy fanatics. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite Renaissance-era attire while enjoying the sights and sounds of old-timey England. This is the final weekend of Olde English fest.
On Labor Day weekend, the City of Zion rejoices in unison as they host the Annual Jubilee Days Festival. The festivities kick off with the annual 5K run Saturday morning and the fun continues until Monday night. This event also includes a Miss Zion pageant, ice cream social, arts & crafts festival, live music, delectable eats, the Mayors Breakfast, the largest Labor Day parade in Lake County: the Jubilee Parade and fireworks.
