Community Invited to Celebrate YMCA’s “50Fest” on August 25

The North Suburban YMCA will kick off a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary with a one-of-a-kind community party, 50Fest, on Saturday, August 25. From 3:00 to 10:00pm, one-and-a-half acres of the Y’s newly renovated parking lot and grounds will be filled with food, music, and family fun for all ages.

“This is an event beyond anything we’ve ever hosted,” notes Howard Schultz, NSYMCA Executive Director and CEO. “50 years as a center for the community is a very big deal, so we wanted to create an event that will appeal to everyone who grew up at our Y along with our current young families and members. We are going all out to make it memorable, rain or shine!”

To accommodate activities for all ages and interests, the Y’s campus will feature a variety of designated activity areas. Kids will enjoy a magic show, bounce houses, game trucks, a DJ show from Bach to Rock, hair and makeup styling from Teddie Kossof, balloon animals, facepainting, and more. Young adults ages 10-18 will have the opportunity to display and sell their own art creations in a Young Artists gallery.

There will also be a Bingo tent with fun and valuable prizes, featuring local celebrity Bingo callers. Major Sponsor Waterway Car Wash will present a spin-the-wheel game with the opportunity to win wash packages and more.

Delicious food will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors in a “Taste of the North Shore” food tent, including special menu options from Granite City Food & Brewery, Pinstripes, Viccino’s Pizza, McAlister’s Deli, City BBQ, Gail’s Brownies, Dairy Queen and more. Adults may also purchase beer, wine, or Prosecco to enjoy throughout the grounds all day. A portion of sales will benefit the Y’s Strong Kids Financial Assistance Fund.

In the evening, the party will become a music festival with live performances by noted local bands. The stage will be rocking with appearances by soul/rock/R&B band Say So Six, followed by an acoustic set by Ryan See, lead singer of South of 80. Closing the night will be Northside, a tribute band covering classic rock from the 70s as well as today’s hits, including their unique 30-songs-in-30-minutes performance at 8:00pm.

50Fest is open to the public at the North Suburban YMCA, 2750 Techny Road in Northbrook. Guests are invited to make a minimum donation of $5 per person. Proceeds benefit the North Suburban YMCA and its Strong Kids Fund. The event opens to the general public at 3:00pm, with early access at 2:30 for individuals with special needs and their families. In case of rain, the event will be moved into the facility and gym. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Nyren, NSYMCA Director of Community Investments, at knyren@nsymca.org or 847 272 7250.

Photo Caption: Northside will be one of the bands appearing at the North Suburban YMCA’s 50Fest on August 25.

About the North Suburban YMCA

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018/19, the North Suburban YMCA provides individuals in Northbrook and 15 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help them become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.