Wonderful Pictures

A Summer of Music in Lake Forest

By Kristin Elliott From Market Square to our neighborhood parks, Lake Forest has been filled with free concerts, great music, and plenty of summer fun. Families, friends, and neighbors came together to enjoy everything from local favorites to lively cover bands, making the most of warm summer evenings in our community. A couple of concerts had to be postponed due to wet weather, but that extended our season, and we have one more summer night of music to enjoy! Join us Thursda

Kristin Elliott

Aug 24

The Train Station and Lake Forest Preservation Foundation: A Connection to the Past

By Carol Summerfield In looking at the photos of Lake Forest’s 1800s business district, it is hard to see any hint of the picturesque city that we know today. The East Lake Forest train station and the business district looked as much like a rugged Western town as anything in a John Wayne Western film. Dirt roads, clapboard buildings, and the telltale evidence of horses in the roadways definitely gave little indication of the elegant city that was to come. Western Avenue loo

Carol Summerfield

Aug 20

A Picture-Perfect Lake Forest Day

By Ashley Love Photography by Jack Frede For 118 years, Lake Forest Day has been a cherished tradition, bringing neighbors, families, and friends together to celebrate our community. From the 5K Fun Run and the beloved parade to the carnival and the new Pre-Parade Family Party in Market Square, this year's festivities were filled with smiles, laughter, and hometown spirit. We loved capturing these special moments along the way. Take a look through the photo gallery and relive

Ashley Love

Aug 10

Plenty to Sing About During Citadel's Mama Mia! Sing-Along

By Bailey Angel Citadel Theatre recently welcomed the community to its first Mamma Mia! Sing-Along, an outdoor fundraiser on the lawn of the Gloria Dei Center at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart. Over one unforgettable July weekend, about 500 audience members packed elaborate picnic baskets, donned feathered boas and enjoyed music, laughter and community. The fundraiser brought together an all-star cast made up of familiar faces from throughout the Citadel family, incl

Bailey Angel

Aug 3

Gorton Kicks Off Singing Series

By David A. F. Sweet For the first time recently, Gorton Center welcomed members of the community to Sing at Gorton, where guitarist Dave Hiltebrand played well-known songs from the 1980s and 1990s, and visitors to the Stuart Room sang heartily. “Sing at Gorton is about creating space for people to connect,” said Amy Wagliardo, Gorton’s executive director, about the free gatherings. “Singing together is deeply human. It breaks down barriers, brings people into the moment, an

David A.F. Sweet

Jul 13

Lake Forest Celebrates a Historic Independence Day Weekend

By Kristin Elliott What a weekend! While the forecast kept us guessing, the weather came through just in time, allowing thousands of residents and visitors to come together to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. From great food and live music to fireworks and sweet treats, the holiday weekend was filled with hometown pride, patriotic spirit, and unforgettable memories. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, sponsored, and helped make this Independence

Kristin Elliott

Jul 6

Large Trucks, Big Smiles, and Family Fun at Meet the Fleet

By Kristin Elliott Have you ever wondered what it's like to sit behind the wheel of a snowplow, climb aboard a dump truck, or get an up-close look at the equipment that helps keep Lake Forest running every day? Now's your chance! The City of Lake Forest Public Works Department invites families, truck enthusiasts, and curious community members of all ages to Meet the Fleet on Friday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Municipal Services, 800 N. Field Drive. This free community

Kristin Elliott

Jun 8

Award-Winning Civic Orchestra Ends Season on a High Note

By a Lake Forest Love Writer The Lake Forest Civic Orchestra (LFCO) performed its final concert of the 2025-2026 season on May 3 at the John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton Center. Guest conductor Nicholas Wallin led the orchestra and appreciative audience on a journey of mostly American music focused on the Appalachian region of the United States. Midwest Young Artists Conservatory competition winner Andrew Schinler performed the Rimsky-Korsakov trombone concerto on this

By a Lake Forest Love Writer

May 11

Eggstravaganza Delivers a Hoppin’ Good Time

By Kristin Elliott Smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of eggs highlighted Lake Forest Parks & Recreation’s 2026 Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza at Deerpath Community Park on Saturday. Kids took off in a flash, racing across the fields to collect colorful eggs, stopping only for bunny hugs and photo ops along the way. From giggles to golden eggs, the morning was packed with excitement and springtime magic. There’s nothing better than seeing families come together to celebrate the seaso

Kristin Elliott

Apr 9

Twirl, Spin, Repeat: Daddy Daughter Dance Creates Unforgettable Memories

By Kristin Elliott Dickinson Hall was packed with energy as dads and daughters took over the dance floor for Lake Forest Parks & Recreation's annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Feb. 28. The evening was filled with dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories as dads and daughters celebrated a special night together. The hula hoop contest brought out the competitive side, and the dance floor stayed busy all evening with daughters pulling their dads out for “just one more song.”

Kristin Elliott

Mar 5