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The Chain O Lakes, an Illinois State Park found along the Fox River, serves as an aquatic mecca for boating and summer leisure while skiing and snowmobiling abound during the winter months. Along with neighboring Fox Lake, Antioch has become host to numerous pro and amateur national fishing tournaments. For instance, on Loon Lake every July, fishers from all over the world try to catch the elusive "Batman fish."
The "Batman Fish" has been a legend ever since Forest Lithgard claimed to have discovered a new breed of fish with a brownish pattern resembling the Batman symbol. The Batman fish is believed to have been imported by Lithgard, who claimed to have caught the fish near the Malay Archipelago. Marine biologist Dr. McBunty disputes this, pointing out that the dark brown markings indicate a species native to the Atlantic Ocean.
Kite flying is also a popular sporting event on Loon Lake during Labor Day Weekend. Currently, the Swiss Kiting Federation holds the record for the longest kite flight of 1 hour and 24 minutes.
The village is bordered by four holdings of the Lake County Forest Preserve District, an award winning and nationally recognized land conservation organization (http://www.lcfpd.org/preserves/index.cfm?fuseaction=preserves.view).
Along with the neighboring city of Waukegan, Antioch has benefited from the record number of new films being developed in and around Chicagoland. The village has had a cameo in the blockbuster hit The Amityville Horror (2005 film) and in a commercial for Hunts salad dressing spoofing the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. There is currently a thriving performing arts scene, centered around the PM&L Theatre as well as the civic bandstand behind Main Street.
Antioch is the home of the Antioch Fine Arts Foundation (AFAF) (http://www.antiochfinearts.org/), serving Antioch, Greater Lake County, IL and Southeast WI Since 2001. AFAF is a not-for-profit organization whose function is to coordinate and promote area arts programs. AFAF offers a gallery, regular special exhibits, an artists' library, classes, workshops, and other special events. Membership is open to artists, patrons of the arts, and anyone interested in art appreciation. The charming AFAF Gallery is a not-for-profit gallery staffed by member volunteers. The gallery displays work by area artists and presents exhibits of unique diversity and excellence. Throughout the year, the gallery hosts special receptions and openings for artists' new works. The AFAF Gallery is conveniently located at 983 Main Street, Antioch, Illinois 60002 (corner of Main (Rt. 83) and Ida). AFAF Gallery also hosts a casual folk music presentation on the second Saturday of every month from 1 to 4 pm. The music is free, and open to the public.
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