Lyons:
Lakeside Fest gives Fourth a try
After 22 years, the absence of a Crystal Lake Gala Festival this weekend will sadden some, although there’s no doubt that others were happy to see it go.
Many neighbors who lived near the Dole Mansion didn’t appreciate the festival, which seemed to become a victim of its own success, forcing it to a one-year trial run at Lippold Park last summer. Serious budget problems and issues with the relocation brought down one of McHenry County’s biggest festivals.
The Lakeside Legacy Foundation, with cooperation from the city of Crystal Lake and the Crystal Lake Park District, has taken over the responsibility of hosting Fourth of July festivities this weekend. I wish them luck.
It takes countless hours from volunteers to put these events together, whether it’s Gala, Lakeside, Fiesta Days, the McHenry County Fair or the many others. Those who enjoy them owe their gratitude to all of these volunteers and organizers. I hope this weekend will be a memorable one for Crystal Lake.
Let it ride
What do you think about video poker in Illinois? I understand why state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, is troubled by the notion of expanding gambling to help pay for transportation improvements, but I’m ready to go all in.
Illinois’ hypocrisy on gambling always has befuddled me. You aren’t supposed to plunk down $5 for the office NCAA tournament pool, but you can buy all the scratch-off lottery tickets you want. Or you can sit at a $100 blackjack table in Elgin, Aurora or Joliet and blow through a grand in 20 minutes, if you’re so inclined.
Poker is among my favorite pastimes. Mostly, I enjoy the social part of it – telling stories, cracking jokes, mocking your buddy’s play.
Do that with a video poker game, and you’ve got bigger problems than gambling.
I’ve got no real problem with laying an occasional wager. Maybe that’s because I don’t have a real gambling problem. But if you want 2-1 odds on that ...
But there is something that gnaws at your conscience about funding state programs on the backs of people who do have serious gambling problems. Others just enjoy a few hours hovering over the felt or basking in the glow of a video poker or slot machine.
It beats lousy TV shows.
We don’t seem to have a problem taxing the heck out of cigarettes or booze – both of which have killed many more than any pair of rolling dice.
Stay safe for Fourth
Whether you’re boating, driving or hang gliding this weekend, please make sure not to do it under the influence – and not just because the police will be out in force, which they will be.
It looks like a great holiday weekend coming up. Let’s keep it that way for everyone.
• Kevin Lyons is news editor
of the Northwest Herald. Reach him at 815-526-4505 or at
kelyons@nwherald.com.
