Glen Ellyn Lions Present Decades-old Festival of Sight and Sound This Weekend

The 44th annual Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 and 25, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road. The weather is expected to be perfect, with plenty of sun and highs in the upper 80s.

The event, sponsored by the Glen Ellyn Lions Club, has been a local tradition since 1969. Held beneath the canopy of century-old oaks alongside Lake Ellyn, is one of the longest-running juried art shows in the Midwest and a favorite of fine artists, who hail from DuPage County to as far as Portland, Ore.

In addition to being a showcase of art in all media, the festival also features choral, big band, jazz, folk and classical music, as well as dance and theater professionals. A variety of activities to enhance children's love of art, as well as food vendors, will be available.

Here is the musical lineup:

Saturday, Aug. 24

• 10-10:30 a.m., Steve Langford, bagpiper
• 10:30-11:30 a.m., Dean Milano & Friends
• 12-12:30 p.m., Karamels Ensemble of Village Vocal Chords
• 1-2 p.m., Jack Cassidy & Symbia
• 2:30-3 p.m., Artists Awards presentation with Village President Alex Demos
• 3-4 p.m. Lisa Baker
• 4:30-6:30 p.m., Special Saturday Barefoot Dance on the Lawn with On Your Marx

Sunday, Aug. 25

• 10-11 a.m., Ryan Mumby and the 100 Year Rain
• 11:30-12:30 p.m. Bill Acuña & The Despotic Hall of Fame
• 1-2 p.m., Anima Singers (formerly Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus)
• 2-3 p.m., The Rhythm Rockets
• 3:30-5 p.m., Fareed Haque & Tony Monaco Trio

From the Festival of the Arts Facebook page,

"In 2004, the Glen Ellyn Lions club stepped in to organize and manage this event to keep it non-profit and independent. Recently, Community Bank of Wheaton/Glen Ellyn stepped in to become a partner in its success and growth as a charitable event.

"While the Festival of the Arts has remained one of the lowest cost shows to produce due to its independence, it has never been possible to mount without the generous help and cooperation of the businesses and art patrons of Glen Ellyn and the surrounding communities."

Drivers can park in the train station lot or at Ackerman Park (off of St. Charles Road) and a free shuttle will take them to the Fest.

For a look at many of the performers and artists participating in this year's show, check out the Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts Facebook page.