CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Plans are in the works for the first-ever Ice Cream Fest in McHenry County as organizers work their magic with the hopes of transforming Main Beach into a kids paradise this August.
Erin Byrne McElory, who is working with Pete Wisniewski of Julie Ann’s Custard, say the idea for ice cream fest has been months in the works and will be made a reality on Aug. 18 when Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, will be transformed into a “fantastical and whimsical place,” with a Candyland theme.
Those stopping out will wind through an enchanted forest, blue moon bay and Kong cove, where activities, a scavenger hunt, entertainment, crafts and, of course, ice cream, will be available for sale.
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The purpose of the fest is to draw ice cream lovers from near and far out to Main Beach to showcase the local attraction and also highlight local ice cream makers.
“We hope everyone will stop out and eat a lot of delicious desserts and leave with a sugar high,” McElory said.
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So far, eight ice cream vendors and treat makers have signed up to sell their ice cream, shaved ice, frozen custard, doughnuts, coffee and root beer. Those vendors include: Bad Humor Ice Cream Sandwiches, Heady Coffee, Inside Scoop Shaved Ice, Joe and Dough, Julie Ann’s Frozen Custard, Milk House Ice Cream, Point Rootbeer and River Bottom Ice Cream.
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The event will also feature ice-cream eating contests for children ages 6 years old and younger and for those ages 7 years old and older. You must register for the contest, the cost is $15 for the youngest participants and $20 for those over 7 years old — those signing up will get a t-shirt and the winners will get a trophy.
Tickets can also be purchased prior to the event for an ice cream sampler, which will include three 2.5-ounce scoops of ice cream or frozen custard from Julie Ann’s, The Milk House and River Bottom Ice Cream. The cost is $10 for sampler tickets.
Ice Cream Fest will run from 5 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 18, and general admission tickets — currently priced at $5 per person — can be bought online.
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