Vernon Hills Daily Briefing

Busy weekend of food, fun, and community

Vernon Hills heads into the weekend with a full slate of activities, from special dining deals to family-friendly gatherings around town.

All month long, a countywide flavor festival is highlighting local restaurants, and several Vernon Hills spots are taking part with specials and events that run through February. It is a good chance to try somewhere new or revisit a neighborhood favorite while supporting local businesses.

This weekend also brings a cluster of events in and around Hawthorn Mall, including a pet-themed storytime and adoption showcase that pairs kids’ activities with chances to meet rescue animals. Outdoor and fishing enthusiasts can stop by a nearby retailer’s in-store celebration of a new product line, featuring visiting guides and vendors. (allevents.in)

For something simple, a local breakfast spot is hosting morning bingo, and Glacier Ice Arena has extended public skate, rat hockey, and training sessions on both Friday and Saturday, giving skaters of all ages time on the ice.

Water projects boost capacity and reliability

Lake County public works officials continue work on upgrades at the Vernon Hills water reclamation facility south of Vernon Hills High School. The project, backed by federal relief funding, includes new covers for secondary clarifiers designed to increase efficiency, add capacity, and make long-term maintenance easier.

County engineers note that construction is underway through the 2025–2026 period, allowing the work to move forward without delaying other projects in the regional capital plan.

Residents are also now benefiting from the recently completed White Deer Run water reservoir on Gregg’s Parkway. The new two‑million‑gallon tank adds backup storage for the Vernon Hills water system, which serves roughly 25,000 people in and around the village, providing an extra buffer during peak demand or emergencies.

Village updates and dates to watch

The village’s 2026 meeting calendar calls for regular board sessions on the first and third Tuesdays of most months, including an upcoming meeting on February 17 at Village Hall. Agendas, packets, and minutes are posted online for residents who want to follow discussions on development, infrastructure, and local services.

Community groups are also staying active. American Legion Vernon Post 1247 has shifted its monthly bingo night to the second Thursday, with the next games scheduled for the evening of February 12 at the Vernon Hills Municipal Golf Course.

Together, these events and projects add up to a weekend that mixes fun around town with steady investment in the systems that keep Vernon Hills running.

Sources

• https://vernonhills.org/1055/Community-Voice
• https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4839/Vernon-Hills-NCT-Water-Reclamation-Facil
• https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4452/Vernon-Hills-Water-System-White-Deer-Run
• https://glacierskate.com/events-calendar
• https://allevents.in/vernon-hills/this-weekend
• https://www.vernonhills.org/152/Meeting-Schedules