Celebrate Highwood Media/News
Celebrate Highwood's Grads & Grease 2022 Carnival Draws Huge Crowds
Highwood, IL (June 2022)
CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD ANNOUNCES 3rd ANNUAL ELF INVASION PUB CRAWL
Saturday, December 4th, 7pm to Bar Close, Downtown Highwood
INAUGURAL ELF INVASION 5K FUN RUN, WALK & STROLL!
Saturday, December 4th at 9am
HIGHWOOD, IL (DECEMBER 4, 2021) – Calling all Elves! Celebrate Highwood, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, is kicking off the holiday season with their 3rd Annual Elf Invasion Pub Crawl (21 and older) and Inaugural Elf Invasion 5K Fun Run, Walk & Stroll on Saturday, December 4th. The public is invited to channel their inner elf, dress the part, and join the pack of elves at two entertaining Elfing fun events.
Get “Elfed Up” at the 3rd Annual Elf Invasion Pub Crawl as attendees visit five of the City of Highwood's most popular establishments to enjoy live music, food & drink specials, and raffle prizes at each participating venue. On-site registration and packet pick for the Elf Invasion Pub Crawl will be at 28 Mile Distilling Company from 7-8 PM followed by three stops between from 8-11PM at Pazzo di Vino, The Toadstool Pub and La Casa de Isaac, with the Elf Invasion Grand Finale at The Wooden Nickel at 11PM.
A $20 Pub Crawl registration fee includes a commemorative “Elf Invasion Pub Crawl” cup, five raffle tickets and an Elfing good time! Space is limited. Visit www.CelebrateHighwood.org to register today!
For those who love to channel their inner elf, but are too young or not able to participate in the Annual Elf Invasion Pub Crawl, Celebrate Highwood is welcoming all-ages of elves to grab their best elf wear and running shoes and come out for its Inaugural Elf Invasion 5K Fun Run, Walk & Stroll. Starting at 9AM from Enjoy Highwood Park at the southeast corner of Walker and Waukegan Avenues (just north of The Bent Fork Bakery), this festive cold weather Fun Run course starts in Downtown Highwood and goes through Historic Fort Sheridan.
HIGHWOOD ONCE AGAIN TRANSFORMS INTO NASHVILLE’S HONKY TONK ROW
FOR FOURTH ANNUAL NASHWOOD MUSIC AND FOOD FEST
Over 100 free music acts • 25 venues • 10 outdoor performance spaces
Southern-inspired food & drink specials
Labor Day Weekend, September 3-5, Downtown Highwood
HIGHWOOD, IL (SEPTEMBER 3-5, 2021) – Celebrate Highwood will transform its Downtown into Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row for the 4th Annual Nashwood (Nashville+Highwood) Music Fest. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to don their cowboy boots and hats over Labor Day Weekend, September 3-5, for three days of FREE live country, bluegrass, blues and Southern rock music, as well as Southern inspired food and drink specials.
The sounds of Nashville will permeate the air as music lovers stroll the streets of Downtown Highwood enjoying over 100 FREE performances throughout 25 venues including 10 outdoor performance spaces, all within a 48-hour time frame. There are no cover charges, but in true Nashville style, tips are always welcome to support the musicians!
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HIGHWOOD’S ANNUAL GARLIC FEST DECLARED A STINKING GOOD TIME
Winners Announced
in the Best Tastes of Garlic in the Sweet and Savory Categories
HIGHWOOD, IL (AUGUST 18, 2021) — On Wednesday, August 18th, the intoxicating scent of garlic and the promise of a stinking good time beckoned record-breaking crowds back to the newly renovated Everts Park for Highwood’s Annual Garlic Fest! Celebrate Highwood’s smelliest event showcased the beloved flavor of garlic, known for its culinary and medicinal purposes, while attendees sampled a variety of garlic creations from out-of-the-ordinary garlic-infused chocolate, cookies, ice cream and cocktails, to the classic, savory options like pastas, sandwiches, sauces and spreads.
In addition to the annual People’s Choice Award for the Best Taste of Garlic in the Sweet & Savory categories, this years’ competition included a professional panel of judges including Garlic Guru dynamic duo Janet and Henry Pieracci, Mike Stark, Publisher of Highland Park Neighbors, Jon Levy, President of Highland Park Bank & Trust and Michael Goldstein, Senior Residential Lender, Wintrust Mortgage.
And the winners are Read More...
HIGHWOOD’S 10TH ANNUAL GARLIC FEST GUARANTEED TO BE
A STINKING GOOD TIME
August 18, 2021, 4:30-9:3-p.m. in the Newly Renovated Everts Park
HIGHWOOD, IL (AUGUST 18, 2021) — The intoxicating scent of garlic and the promise of a stinking good time will once again bring the crowds back to Highwood’s 10th annual Garlic Fest on Wednesday, August 18th from 4:30-9:30 pm in the newly renovated Everts Park (111 North Avenue). Held in conjunction with Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market, this foodie fest showcases a plethora of dishes with the ever-popular taste (and scent) of garlic, with live music and plenty of family-friendly activities to entertain all evening long.
Festival attendees will have the opportunity to sample various garlic creations from out-of-the-ordinary garlic-infused chocolate, cookies, ice cream funnel cakes, and garlic-infused cocktails, to the classic, savory options like pastas, sandwiches, sauces and spreads. In additional to garlic offerings, a wide range of local produce, gourmet cheeses, homemade pastas, baked fare, assortments of breads and pastries, an array of ethnic delicacies and local artisan wares will also be on-site to enjoy! Not to worry, there will be plenty of mints on hand and recipes will be available to take home!
HIGHWOOD PRIDE FEST IS BACK IN PERSON AUGUST 14, 2021
10th Annual Event to benefit HPHS Spectrum Club & Haven Youth and Family Services
HIGHWOOD, IL (AUGUST 14, 2021) – Celebrate Highwood is pleased to announce it’s 10th annual Highwood Pride Fest, benefitting Haven Family & Youth Services and the Highland Park High School Spectrum Club, will be held in person again on Saturday, August 14 from noon to midnight. Recognized as one of the first communities on Chicago’s North Shore to host a Pride Fest, Highwood Pride Fest brings together families and friends from all over to celebrate diversity.
This years Highwood Pride Fest will feature:
PRIDE ROCKS PICNIC
- Noon-3 p.m. - Family friendly “Pride Rocks Picnic” in Everts Park (111 North Avenue, Highwood) with activities including rock painting, sidewalk chalk, a visit from the Lolli Bus mobile candy shop,
- Noon–1 p.m. - “Werk the Runway” celebration where LGBTQ+ youth ages 2-18 looking to feel seen and supported will strut their stuff on the runway (sign up on site for with DJ Versage beginning at 11:30 a.m.),
- 1–3 p.m. – Pride Rocks musical performance by School of Rock,
- Families are encouraged to bring picnic food, blankets and chairs.
DRAG SHOW (18+)
- 6-7:30 p.m. – Enjoy the interactive Drag Show with five drag queens and a king at 28 Mile Distilling Company (454 Sheridan Road, Highwood). Pick up your goodie bag at the Windy City Dispensary registration table. Pre Registration suggested. On site registration available.
TASTE THE RAINBOW PUB CRAWL
- 7:30-9 p.m. – Pazzo di Vino
- 9-10:30 p.m. – The Toadstool Pub
- 10:30-midnight – The Legendary Wooden Nickel
END OF THE RAINBOW DJ & DANCE PARTY WITH DJ VERSAGE
- 10:30-midnight – The Legendary Wooden Nickel
CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD ANNOUNCES RETURN OF ITS ACCLAIMED
WEDNESDAY EVENING GOURMET MARKET
KICKING OFF THE SEASON WITH A SPECIAL MARGARITA NIGHT AUGUST 4
Season Runs August 4th through October 6th, 4:30-9:30 p.m., in the Newly Renovated Everts Park
HIGHWOOD, IL (August 4, 2021) – Celebrate Highwood is proud to announce the return of its acclaimed Wednesday Evening Gourmet Market kicking off the season August 4th from 4:30-9:30 p.m. with a special Margarita Night theme. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite Jimmy Buffet-style, Parrothead and Hawaiian gear and party in the newly renovated Everts Park to the sounds of Jimmy Buffet tribute band South of Disorder. There will be plenty of Cuervo Tradicional Margaritas, Mexican food and key lime pie to enjoy with family and friends.
“With our Market season delayed due to Everts Park renovations, we wanted to kick off it off with a fun theme to bring everyone together … think beach balls, flamingos, margaritas and more,” says Brad Slavin, President of Celebrate Highwood and Highwood Alderman. “Margarita Night will set the tone for our Wednesday Evening Gourmet Market season and we have a lot more fun in store from Garlic Fest to Highwood Strong Night! It doesn’t get much better than a Wednesday evening in Highwood and we’re so happy to be back.”
CALLING ALL TACO AND HOAGIE ENTHUSIASTS!
CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD ANNOUNCES TOAGIE (TACO+HOAGIE) FEST
Including Highwood Days Carnival, Live Music, Booze Tent and
Toagie 5K Fun Run, Walk & Stroll Benefitting North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic
July 15-18th, Downtown Highwood Metra Station Parking Lot
HIGHWOOD, IL (JULY 15-18, 2021) – Celebrate Highwood invites you to the new Toagie Fest, offering mouth-watering food from both taco and hoagie-centric restaurants, caterers and food trucks! Formerly known as North Shore Taco Fest, Toagie (taco+hoagie) Fest will be combined with the 54th Annual Highwood Days, the City ’s most celebrated festival in its history complete with carnival rides, live music and more! Toagie Fest will be held in the Downtown Highwood Metra Station parking lot from Thursday, July 15th through Sunday, July 18th.
“Toagie Fest is all about celebrating the eclectic taste of tacos and hoagies and the culinary diversity of Highwood. There is something for everyone with the combination of great food and drinks, live music and a carnival,” says M. Brad Slavin, President of Celebrate Highwood. “We love hosting events that both kids and adults can enjoy and are thrilled to be hosting outdoor events again throughout the year"
Celebrate Highwood’s Kick-Off to Summer ‘Grads and Grease’ Carnival
We Go Together June 10th-13th, Highwood Metra Station Parking Lot
HIGHWOOD, IL (June 1-13, 2021) - After a challenging year, Celebrate Highwood is thrilled to announce it will be hosting a Kick-Off to Summer ‘Grads and Grease’ Carnival Thursday June 10th through Sunday June 13th in the Highwood Metra Station parking lot. Taking all COVID precautions, the community is invited to come out and mark the end of another crazy school year. Graduates of all ages from 2020 and 2021 are invited to celebrate their end of the year accomplishments with discounted unlimited ride wristbands.
“The Grease theme seemed appropriate to recognize all of the graduates from 2020 and 2021 who have missed out on so much these past two end-of-school years,” says Brad Slavin, President Celebrate Highwood. “We are encouraging everyone to come out dressed in their favorite character from the movie Grease to share in the excitement.” Attendees dressed in Grease themed attire will also receive discounted unlimited ride wristbands.
Celebrate Highwood and Family Service of Lake County Food Distribution
Our festivals may be on hold this year, but we are working hard to help our neighbors. Thanks to YOU and all of your incredible donations to Family Service of Lake County – Nuestro Center, we were able to feed 600 families grocery bags filled with pork, rice, beans, masa, tortillas, potatoes, fruits, veggies and eggs. It was impactful and achieved with YOUR generosity.
Let’s keep it going! Please continue to donate so we can continue to help our community and our friends.
Special thanks to BellaRu Catering and Mis Dos Magos for the food.
Families Helping Families Chicagoland provided the Summer Fun Bags, Fill a Heart 4 Kids provided toiletries & diapers. Windy City Linen and Greco and Sons Inc, Bartlett Illinois for the trucks. Without you we wouldn’t have gotten there! Thank you Rick Roshto for the photos and Coffee Cup Productions for the video.