Sky Lantern Festival:
On March 3rd, 2012, a spectacular display of lit-up lanterns will be released into the sky to celebrate Highwood’s 125th Anniversary! As seen in hit movies such as The Hangover 2 and Tangled, the sky lanterns are truly a sight to see. Originally an ancient Asian tradition, many cultures participate in this custom including Thai, Taiwanese, and Chinese. The Sky Lantern Fest will also feature a Tough Man Barbecue Challenge that will begin the evening before, continue all through the night, and conclude the following day. Participants will bring their own barbecue equipment and cook into the night, with the last man or woman named the challenge winner! In addition, there will be a “Battle Buddy” 5k obstacle course, where pairs of racers will have to take on and conquer a variety of surprise challenges to claim the title of obstacle winner!
Beginning at 11 am, participating Highwood bars and restaurants will open up to live music ranging from smooth blues to classic jazz all day, in addition to tasty Bloody Marys and mimosas for sample!
As the festivities progress, visitors can stop in to any participating Highwood business and make their very own paper lantern using the materials provided for the evening launch. All lanterns made will be launched between 6-6:30 pm, and all main streets in Highwood will close for the hour as the lanterns ascend into the air.
Highwood Farmer’s Market & North Shore Flea Market:
All summer long, from June 20th-September 12th, the Highwood Farmer's Market and the North Shore Flea Market will hit the streets every Wednesday from 4-8pm. Highwood Avenue will close down and local restaurants and vendors will set up booths displaying food, drinks, and goods!
Highwood's Third Annual Bloody Mary Fest:
Bloody Mary Fest this year will be held on June 24th, which will be the third annual festival, back by popular demand! Taste a plethora of unique Bloody Mary concoctions, and even join the competition to make the best Bloody Mary in town - professionals and amateurs welcome! Live music and lots of fun family activities will line the streets as well.
Highwood Days
It’s back! This summer, Highwood Days will return from July 19th-22nd, for a 3-day long festival complete with rides, food, drinks, and more!
The Second Annual Garlic Fest Stinks Up Highwood:
After last year's first annual Garlic Fest, the festival is coming back August 15th to stink up the town again with some new garlic concoctions and crown a new Garlic Queen! This year will have even more competition for the best Savory Garlic Creation and the best Sweet Garlic Creation, so bring your best recipes, appetite, and some breathmints!
Highwood’s First Annual Inferno Fest:
On September 12th, Highwood will introduce a new “Fest”: The First Annual Inferno Fest! Who doesn't love a little heat? Hot sauce is the ultimate condiment, and everyone has their favorites. This festival will bring together an array of spicy foods and drinks, and the City of Highwood is inviting you to come try some of the hottest dishes. If you can stand the heat, get fired up for Inferno Fest!
Highwood’s Third Annual Record-Breaking Pumpkin Fest:
The famous Guinness World Record-Breaker festival is coming back from October 18th-20th! Highwood beat the record of must pumpkins carved and lit with 30,919 pumpkins! After 2011's turnout and amazing community participation, why not put themselves to the test again and try to beat their own record this year?
About the City of Highwood
Highwood was founded in 1868 by William Wallace Everts, a Chicago civic leader and world-renowned educator. His concept of a family-based community has endured for more than a century. The beautiful Everts Park, in the heart of downtown Highwood, has been named in the founder's honor. Benches and trees in the park celebrate and remember people who, through turbulent times and peaceful ones, built and sustained the community. Many of Highwood's street names recall Everts' family and friends whom the founder encouraged to build homes here. Residents of Swedish, Irish, Italian, Latino and other heritages have since populated the community, each enriching the community through their cultural traditions.
The Village of Highwood was incorporated in 1887. The name briefly became Village of Fort Sheridan and then City of Fort Sheridan. In 1904, the community officially became known as the City of Highwood. Fort Sheridan, a former army base northeast of the City, has had a profound influence on Highwood's development, and it continues to do so today as part of its land, incorporated into the City, nearly doubled Highwood in size. Today, Highwood is blending the past and present with exciting new plans for its future.
The City of Highwood, IL administrative offices are located at 17 Highwood Avenue
Highwood, Illinois 60040. For more information, please visit http://www.celebratehighwood.com or http://www.cityofhighwood.com Tel: 847.432.1924.
