How Sweet It Is! Heritage Festival Begins With Ice Cream Social

More than 250 people flocked to Saturday's ice cream social in to kick-start Lake Forest's Heritage Festival, which marks the end of a nearly . 

There was a mix of lifelong residents with their third generation children enjoying free ice cream provided by Campannaris, while others are new to the city.

“We’re here to celebrate the 150th anniversary,” Terri Martino said. “We came to support the community and be part of it.”

Martino and her husband, Howard Martino, grew up in Lake Forest, barely knew each other in high school and met as adults living in Chicago. 

The Martinos returned 12 years ago to raise their two children, Gianna and Isabella, in their hometown. This is not the Martino's first civic celebration.

“The tree lighting,” Isabella reminded her mother. The family was present  

Keith and Pam Mitchell arrived in Lake Forest less than a month ago from Round Lake. The Heritage Festival is another reason that has endeared them to their new community. 

“This is fantastic,” Keith said. “Everything has been fabulous; the kids are in great new schools.” 

Nancy Allond arrived in Lake Forest four years ago from Pelham, NY, a New York City suburb in Westchester County. They have been to civic celebrations in both places and give the nod to Lake Forest. 

“Lake Forest has much more of a community feel,” Allond said. “It’s bigger than Pelham but has a smaller town feel to it.” 

Not everyone was from Lake Forest. Harriet Becharas of Evanston and Julie Conte of Glencoe came looking for the annual art fair, which runs Sunday and Monday. They were happy with what they found, particularly the barbershop quartet music.

“It reminds me of all the songs my mother used to sing,” Conte said. 

Robert and Peggy Bramhall of Libertyville lived in Lake Forest for more than 40 years before moving two years ago. They came back hoping to find old friends like Katie Cordell, who has resided in Lake Forest for 45 years. 

“I saw a flyer at the (Lake Forest) library,” Robert said. “We came to celebrate the sesquicentennial. We’ve seen a lot of people we remember.” 

Catherine Harling was there with her children, Camille and Connor, visiting with Jennifer Mulloy and her daughter, Lucy Mulloy. While the children were more interested in the free ice cream, “We came for a sense of community and celebration,” Catherine Harling said. 

Activities will continue the rest of the day with music, food — including a Taste of Lake Forest featuring local restaurants—and laser light show with music.

Check here for details.