Memorial Day 2023 events: Suburbs gear up for holiday with Barrington art fest, Lake Co. food trucks
GRAYSLAKE, Ill. (WLS) -- Memorial Day weekend fun isn't limited to the city.
They were setting up the food trucks on the Lake County fairgrounds Friday afternoon.
Most every type of food you might want is represented at the inaugural Lake County Food Truck Festival.
They expect several thousand hungry people to come out and sample the eats.
"We were just hungry one day and thought what can we do? We thought it would be a great way to kick off the weekend and invite people to the fairgrounds for something fun to do," said Chey Pribel, with the Lake County Fairgrounds.
The Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the unofficial start of summer activities, and, for many, that means the water.
SEE ALSO: Chicago prepares for big lakefront crowds for Memorial Day weekend
At the Chain O' Lakes marina, they were putting boats in the water Friday to get them ready to spend the next couple days floating around.
"It's a great summer starter, no question. And most people will be out for the first time this year. We'll sell a lot of gas, and people will have a lot of fun," said Steve Moulis, with Chain O' Lakes Marina.
Caleb Herr was getting his boat ready for the family.
He's planning on spending all weekend in the north suburbs, boating during the day and sleeping on the boat in the marina at night.
"Yeah, not gonna miss anything," Herr said.
While Monday is the day, for many, of traditional Memorial Day observances, in many communities there are parades to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, the rest of the weekend is for fun and relaxation.
In Barrington, they are expecting big crowds for the 14th annual Art Festival, which takes over the streets of downtown with various pieces of art, jewelry, music, lots of people and beautiful weather.
"It's a good kickoff to summer, Memorial Day weekend, people are like 'yes, it's finally summer,'" said Caitlyn Pfleger, with Amdur Productions.
And should you decide to head into the city, the Mole de Mayo festival is going on in Pilsen. There's music, dancing, and of course great food.
"Great mole here to try, and a great experience," said attendee Joshua Garcia.
In its 15th year, the festival brings together local chefs to compete in a mole cookoff, putting the vibrant Mexican American culture of the Chicago neighborhood to the forefront.
"This community has been coming together, bringing like all the culture together with the mole. Everybody comes in and joins, eats. It's a three-day festival on the weekend," said attendee Crystal Lopez.
