Download or read book Lake Forest Day written by Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society and published by Arcadia Publishing. This book was released on 2008-07-28 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first Lake Forest Day in 1908 included a hot air balloon ascension, a cutest baby contest, a mind-reading dog, and a vaudeville show. Proceeds from this event, organized by the Lake Forest Womans Club, funded the Contagious Hospital, which eventually merged into Lake Forest Hospital. American Legion Post 264 took over in 1921 and has maintained this extraordinary tradition ever since. This annual celebration has changed over the years to reflect local interests, national events, and even cultural shifts. With the advent of World War II, the themes became patriotic, such as Home Defense, Prelude to Victory, and On to Tokyo. Lake Forest Day, held on the first Wednesday of August, continues to inspire civic pride. This book represents a fascinating look at Lake Forest in 1908 and the century thereafter, as parades, carnivals, and contests energized community spirit.