Old Campground Festival returns to New Lenox

A log cabin on the grounds of United Methodist Church of New Lenox lends atmosphere to the annual Old Campground Festival. | File photo

Updated: July 23, 2012 6:33AM

Strap on the feed bag. New this year to the Old Campground Festival is a hot dog-eating contest.

Now in its 37th year, the Old Campground Festival will take place June 23 on the wooded grounds of the United Methodist Church of New Lenox, which is located just off U.S. Route 30.

There will be more than 75 vendors selling handmade jewelry, rugs, painted glass, candles, afghans, clothes for American Girl dolls, woodcraft pieces, lawn ornaments, outdoor decorations, leather goods, hair bows, aprons, runners and baby items.

Shoppers also will find beanbags and boards, plaques, jewelry boxes, stained glass, ceramics, tie-dye, garden step stones, purses, prints and more, publicity chairwoman Bobbie Baird said.

Folks ready to prove their gastronomic mettle can enter the new hot dog-eating contest at 12:20 p.m. Following the contest will be an afternoon of free entertainment, she said.

Kenny the Clown’s magic show will be at 12:55 p.m., followed by new festival act Jamie McInerney’s Reptile Rampage at 2 p.m.

Rounding out the afternoon entertainment will be Peter Claver karate and self-defense demonstrations at 3 p.m.

Additionally, there will be games for young children with prizes and face painting until 2 p.m.

Morning entertainment will include Kids and Company preschool singers at 10:05 a.m., followed by a visit by Ken Haas, the Mayor of Storyville, at 10:30 a.m. with children’s stories on the outdoor stage.

The Sullivan School of Irish Dance will take the stage at 11:10 a.m., followed by Linda Fox’s guide dog demonstration.

Refreshments to be sold throughout the day will include hot dogs, Polish sausages, brownies, chips, coffee, lemonade, pop,
bottled water and their “famous” barbecue sandwiches, Baird said.

“People come down every year just for the barbecue,” she said.

For those craving something sweet, snow cones and kettle corn also will be sold.

Admission and parking on the grounds for the all-day festival are free. A free shuttle also will pick up fest-goers at the Lions Community Center.

“We used to be the only summer event in New Lenox 37 years ago,” she said. “It’s a beautiful site that’s been there for years and years.”

Annie Alleman is a freelance writer.

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