Celebrating Community: Thousands Attend Grayslake’s Wine, Art, and Performance Extravaganza

Approximately 2,500 attendees enjoyed a vibrant blend of visual and performance art during the Arts Festival and Wine Tasting in downtown Grayslake this past Saturday.

The event, held on a perfect weather day, offered adults an opportunity to sample various wines while listening to live music. Judith Mason, a wine enthusiast visiting from Niles, expressed her love for Lake County, mentioning she frequents the area monthly as a mini getaway.

Hosted by the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce, the festival featured 34 booths where local food was available, alongside an array of artistic displays. Chamber executive director Maribeth Hamm highlighted the event’s purpose: to attract visitors and showcase the businesses in the Village Center.

Families like the Keiths from Grayslake stumbled upon the festival while biking, describing the atmosphere as magical. They admired the diverse art, ranging from framed photographs to handmade jewelry and crochet plushies.

Local artist Kelsie Morway and her father, Bill, showcased their creative works, including vibrant masks that Bill started making as a therapeutic hobby. Kelsie shared her art and her father’s creations at their booth, which drew many eager visitors.

The dance performances by the Spotlight Company, connected to the Dance Connection Grayslake school, captivated the audience. Bridget Blake, the studio’s owner, noted the strong community ties within Grayslake and the dancers’ regular involvement in local events such as this festival.

Attendees from various nearby neighborhoods, organized by meetup coordinator Sue Weller, enjoyed wine tasting as well as shopping for local art. The event was also a pleasant outing for some, including Ellen Russell, who sought unique gifts reflective of the area prior to a trip back East.

Wine consultant Jeff Trager from Louis Glunz Wines, representing various vineyards from places like South Africa and Provence, emphasized that wine enhances meal experiences and brings joy to gatherings.

Overall, the event successfully highlighted local talent and fostered community connections, with participants leaving inspired and pleased by their experience.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!