Lake Forest and Lake Bluff know how to party. With more than 40 not-for-profits within our city limits, there’s much to celebrate. And for the past 10 years, Forest & Bluff has been there with you every step of the way, to document the fun, the frivolity, and, most importantly, the philanthropy.
Continue to reach out and let us know about the important work you do. It’s so much fun to commemorate what’s near and dear to our hearts. Here, we take a look back at some our favorite events, past and present.
- Lake Forest Open Lands Association Bagpipes & Bonfire
A giant brush pile of fire! Stoic bagpipers! Kilted Scots falling from the sky! This family-friendly tradition brought to us by Lake Forest Open Lands is a time-honored tradition for many area families. It simply wouldn’t be fall without it.
- The Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade
Now this is a party! For 101 years, Foresters and Bluffians build their July 4 plans around its 10 a.m. “step off” time. From the Lawn Mower Precision Drill Team to other tongue-in-cheek antics, it’s a morning to showcase our finest creativity and raise a glass to our freedom. And, hey, I call dibs on that curb spot!
- The Friends of Gorton Gala
This small dance for a big cause has taken many forms over the years (it’s been hosted waterfront and, one year, actually on the water!), but one thing remains the same: This hardworking Board raises the funds necessary for operating costs at the Gorton Community Center. We hope to see you next year, Gala…
- Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation Festival & Fireworks
After a morning spent in Lake Bluff, the party moves down to the grounds of Deer Path Middle School, where musical acts like The Village People and Eddie Money keep it rockin’ well into the night. There’s nothing like fireworks over Lake Forest to say “Happy Birthday” to America.
- Lake Bluff PTOAnnual Fund-raiser
Those Lake Bluff parents and teachers sure know how to organize some fun. Each year this event grows in number and hilarious stories. The best part? It’s all in the name of creating a better environment for their kids to learn and grow.
- NorthwesternLake Forest HospitalWomen’s Auxiliary Board Benefit
Support a place that keeps our community healthy, guides us through a cancer journey, and delivers our babies? Sign us up. Whether summer or fall, the NFLH Women’s Auxiliary Board Benefit is a high-class, high-energy highlight of philanthropic couples’ social calendars each year.
- The Gorton Drop-In Center Fund-raiser
Parents need a break, too. The supporters of the Gorton Drop-In Center drop everything each year to champion a place that lends a hand when there are no other hands available. From wine tastings to Oktoberfests, these parents show their appreciation in as many ways possible. But if the parents are partying at the Drop-In, who’s watching the kids?
- The Lake Bluff Firemen’s Ball
Turn on the sirens and pull over! Always kicking off the Fourth festivities is the Firemen’s Ball, a raucous party held at Blair Park, under a pulsating tent. All that dancing keeps us safe—the funds raised go directly toward purchasing new firefighting equipment and department training.
- The Polo Ball and Match
The Lake Forest Historical Society’s event was Tom and Daisy Buchanan-approved. The night before the match, sports fans the North Shore over attended to the infamous Polo Ball, which raised funds for preserving Lake Forest’s rich history. The next day was spent in the sun stomping divots and taking in world-class polo. Sadly, we said good-bye to this tradition in 2006.
- The Lake Forest Lake Bluff Junior Women’s Club Scavenger Hunt
Watching grown men and women in their sport coats and cocktail dresses race around the North Shore in search of clues was always a treat. Stretch Hummers took members of the Lake Forest Lake Bluff Junior Women’s Club and their spouses around town, solving riddles and raising money for the Lake County Haven.
—Stacy Flannery
