And the Summer Rolls On . . .

Hope you are all enjoying this wonderful summer we're having. If you are bummed by the rain, remember how dry last year was! Then look at the rest of the country's heat and downpours and consider how lucky we have been! 

Anyway, as the summer barrels on through, I hope you are all remembering to mark your calendars for August 24, and the Fourth Annual North Shore Wine, Beer, Cigar and Food Festival on the Brainerd grounds. It's always a highlight of the summer, and even more so this year as Save Brainerd joins forces with the Sunrise Rotary to blend their popular "Goose is Loose" raffle, offering more than $30,000 in prizes! Watch for added surprises and extra events at the festival, and, of course, there'll be the popular Besley's Homebrew competition, with the chance to taste some excellent home brews. As an added bonus, this year's festival is offering wine aficionados the chance to enter the festival an hour early with a commitment to spend $100 in wine, beer, and/or cigar purchases. 

The festival is the major fundraiser for the Save Brainerd organization, dedicated to turning the historic Brainerd Building into a functional, multipurpose Brainerd Community Center, which would be a jewel in the Libertyville crown, offering arts and education opportunities for everyone in the area. Tickets this year are $30 in advance and $40 at the door, with a designated driver ticket for $10. Raffle tickets are $25 or five for $100, and a combination ticket covering both entrance to the festival and the raffle goes for $50. Get your tickets early at the Festival Web site: http://www.northshorewinebeerfest.com 

See ya at the festival, a great way to close out a memorable summer!