The Lake Forest Day Foundation: Carrying a Legacy Forward

By Helena Kavanagh

At the beginning of each August, generations of Lake Forest residents gather for a celebration that feels as timeless as the oak-lined streets themselves: Lake Forest Day. From the patriotic parade and classic carnival rides to the smell of funnel cakes in West Park and the familiar sound of cheers while veterans round the corner, the celebration feels as enduring as the City itself. But behind the scenes, it takes far more than good weather and community spirit to keep the tradition alive.

In 2007, recognizing that the American Legion might not always lead the event as it had for decades, civic leaders Art Wood and Howard Adams joined former Mayor Jack Preschlack to create the Lake Forest Day Foundation. Preschlack (who sadly passed away on June 26) was a driving force behind the Foundation’s creation, committed to preserving the spirit of Lake Forest Day for generations to come.

The Lake Forest Day Foundation helps ensure that traditions like the carnival in West Park continue year after year. “The purpose was to create an endowment for Lake Forest Day to perpetuate the event in case the American Legion Post members were no longer able to run it,” Wood said. Though the concern was that the Legion’s aging membership might eventually step back, nearly two decades later, they’re still leading. Debbie Saran, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the Foundation, emphasized how crucial the partnership remains today. “Without the Foundation, the Legion would have to cut back on some of the fun things they have provided for many years,” she said. “Each year, the Foundation supplements the costs the Legion incurs, and we offset some of them.” To prepare for the future, the Foundation raised $1 million by appealing to friends, community leaders, and businesses, investing the funds to ensure long-term support. A major moment came in 2008 with the 100th anniversary celebration at Forest Park Beach, an event that united the City, the Foundation, and residents. “Over 5,000 Lake Foresters came to celebrate Lake Forest Day, listening to great music and celebrating with the community,” recalled Saran. “It was one of the best Lake Forest Days we ever had.”

Today, the Foundation helps fund parade costs, permits, entertainment, and other expenses. Each year, it donates 5 percent of its endowment to maintain tax-exempt status and directs funds to cover Lake Forest Day expenses for the Legion and local veterans’ causes. “Because we are a private foundation, we have to keep our investments very conservative, so we do have a concern about the future,” Saran noted. “However, we are holding our own right now, which is the good news.” Although things may seem to run smoothly in the public's eye, behind-the-scenes work continues year-round, and there have been challenges. Recruiting new board members who understand and care about the event has become increasingly difficult. While they have started to be “able to find some dynamic younger board members,” Wood said, it’s not always easy to find people who truly understand the tradition. Another ongoing challenge is community awareness, and disseminating information has been an uphill battle. Marketing has been a consistent issue, but the Board is working with the City to enhance it, building a pipeline of passionate volunteers and boosting outreach, as that remains key to keeping the tradition alive.

Wood’s connection to the event spans generations. Having lived near West Park for most of his life, he remembers watching the carnival trucks arrive as a child, and now brings his grandchildren to enjoy the same traditions. “I remember winning goldfish by throwing ping pong balls into little fishbowls," he noted. "Now I go with my grandchildren and watch them have a wonderful time.” He also knows how much behind-the-scenes work makes it all possible, from Windy City Productions handling the carnival to Legion members selling raffle tickets at grocery stores, the event relies on dedication that often goes unseen.

Lake Forest Day continues to be more than a summer festival. As Saran put it, it’s a reunion. “Each Lake Forest Day brings its own special stories. I love hearing about the class reunions and the people who come back home to reconnect with friends and family.” That spirit of homecoming and shared tradition is exactly what inspires the people behind the scenes to keep it going, year after year. Though not a veteran himself, Wood said it has been a privilege to work alongside those who serve, calling his time as Parade Grand Marshal one of his proudest memories. If the Legion ever steps away, he believes the Foundation and City will carry the torch, rooted in the same values of community, fun, and honoring veterans that he hopes will inspire future generations to keep Lake Forest Day alive. This year’s 117th Annual Lake Forest Day will spotlight local businesses with the theme, “Celebrate Our Vibrant Local Businesses.” The festivities begin Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 6-10 pm at West Park, featuring an enhanced carnival and redesigned beer garden. Wednesday, Aug. 6 offers a full day of activities, including a 5K run at 7 am, the parade at 10 am, and carnival from 11 am-10 pm. A notable change this year allows guests to enjoy beer and wine purchased at West Park throughout the entire park area during carnival hours, rather than being confined to the beer garden. This modification creates a more family-friendly environment, enabling parents to accompany their children to various activities while maintaining access to adult beverages.