The blowing of the conch shell horn announced the beginning of the 4th annual End of Summer Luau hosted by the Winnetka Park District on Friday evening at Lloyd Beach in Winnetka. The family-friendly celebration featured Polynesian musical entertainment, a kids’ craft table, a luau dinner, family time and a way to honor Lake Michigan in the Hawaiian luau tradition. Matt Barton, lakefront manager at the Winnetka Park District, said Lloyd Beach was the perfect spot for a beachfront farewell to summer — especially after renovations to Lloyd Park and Stepan Family Boat Launch at Lloyd Beach, which were completed in 2021, enhanced the space.
“Offering an event like this is really a way for us to thank the Winnetka community for a great summer beach season,” Barton said. Entertainment by the troupe The Barefoot Hawaiian provided an ode to Hawaiian, Māori, and Tahitian traditional music and dancing, and a pig roast dinner was made available by Hofherr Meat Company, for purchase. Families also had an opportunity to experience a traditional fire dance, learn about ancient Polynesian musical instruments, and take part in a hula lesson, all part of the $20 per-person price.
Monika Reusch of Winnetka attended Friday’s event. “We decided on a whim to come to the luau, thought it would be something fun to do together, especially since my son just loves the beach,” Reusch said. The Winnetka Park District’s End of Summer Luau featured Polynesian musical entertainment, a kids’ craft table, luau dinner, quality family time and a way to honor Lake Michigan inthe Hawaiian luau tradition.
Entertainment by The Barefoot Hawaiian provided an ode to Hawaiian, Māori, and Tahitian traditional music and dancing, and a pig roast dinnerwas available from Hofherr Meat Company, for purchase.(Gina Grillo/for the Pioneer Press) Friday’s master of ceremonies, Steve Nauth, of The Barefoot Hawaiian, says their organization has been spreading Aloha and Polynesian culture to the mainland for over 50 years. “Part of our purpose tonight is to share a bit of the sacred history of hula, hula which always tells a story, a story that is told with the hands,” Nauth said.
Kim Mikhelson of Winnetka attended with family. “We just moved to Winnetka from the city and we like to enjoy some of the loveliness of the beach and the natural resources the North Shore has to offer,” Mikhelson said. At the Winnetka Park District’s End of Summer Luau, entertainment by The Barefoot Hawaiian provided an ode to Hawaiian, Māori, and Tahitian traditional music and dancing, and a pig roast dinner was available.
(Gina Grillo/for the Pioneer Press) Trudie Davies of Winnetka attended with her family. “We just moved here and so this is exciting for us. We’re enchanted by the beauty and feel blessed to have this wonderful shoreline close by,” Davies said.
“This is a program that allows us to highlight our beautiful lakefront, something that we love to do,” Barton said. “The Luau gives families an opportunity to spend time together on the beach, and our hope is that it can become one of their most cherished memories of summer,” Barton added..
