Farmers Weekly Review

By Stephanie Irvine

The Village of Elwood held its 34th annual Community Days parade and event on September 13 and 14, which brought plenty of sunshine and smiling faces.

The weekend event and parade, put on by the Village of Elwood, remain a long-standing tradition many in Elwood look forward to each year.

“I hope everyone that comes out enjoys themselves. It is a great way to come together and meet with your neighbors. Special thank you and appreciation to the Village staff, volunteers, sponsors, craft vendors, food vendors, and parade participants,” said Elwood Mayor Doug Jenco.

On Saturday morning, people lined Chicago Street to watch the parade, which ended at Lloyd Erickson Park, where many festivities awaited. There were 27 entries in the parade, much to the delight of the children who lined the streets with bags to gather candy.

Elwood residents Devin and Megan Lanz attended with their 9-month-old daughter Aurora, who would later participate in the baby contest. Their sister-in-law, Sarah Conover, and her two kids also attended.

Three-year-old Henry Conover said his favorite part of the parade was “CANDY!” but quickly followed up with “HONK HONK!” referring to the many honking horns in the parade.

Trenton Richmond, a 10-year-old boy who recently received the 9-1-1 Hero Award from the Elwood Fire Protection District for a lifesaving call he made for his Grandfather this past May, was the parade’s Grand Marshal. He rode in a UTV with his grandfather, Steve Friebele.

Elwood resident Steve Vaccaro watched the parade with his two children, Kaliana, age 7, and Hudsenn, age 2. Grandmother Emily Vacarro was also there for fun.

“It was exciting and awesome. My sister is in the parade!” Kaliana Vaccaro said. Her sister, Adeline, age 10, was a cheerleader in the parade.

Police Chief Fred Hayes had an essential job during the parade: feeding the parade monkey, who rode ahead of the police car in a big wheel, handing out bananas.

Resident and business owner Mike Kerrigan, who dons the monkey costume, came up with the idea a few years ago. The kids went wild for the monkey and the bananas he shared.

“This is the 14th year that I’ve been here for the parade, and I thought this year the enthusiasm, the excitement from the community was really outstanding,” said Hayes.

Elwood resident Jessica Ellis attended the parade with her two children, Jaxson, age 5, and Audrey, age 2, and several friends.

“Seeing all the kids excited — they were screaming for the candy,” Ellis said of her favorite part, although she was also looking forward to the fireworks later in the evening.

Friday’s event kicked off with face painting, stilt walkers, and the John Measner Magic Show for the kids. Elwood residents showcased their specialties at the community Talent Show, and the evening wrapped up with DJ Juan Bibian providing music for all ages with a Dance Party in the Entertainment Tent.

Vendors offered guests a variety of good eats, drinks and adult beverages throughout the two-day event. Food from local Elwood favorites, La Pasadita Mexican Restaurant and Raceway Pizza, along with BBQ from Annabell’s BBQ, treats from The Creamery, and margaritas from The Dock Margarita Truck were available. Beer options were also available.

The events at the park were free to attend on Friday, but a $5 admission for adults applied on Saturday. Kids were free both days.

Saturday’s events started bright and early at 7 a.m. with the Bob Corcoran Fishing Derby for the kids. Bob Corcoran was a well-loved community member active in the Jackson Township Sportsman’s Club. The Fishing Derby honors his passion for fishing and began in 2016.

The Crosstown Exotics reptile show brought out all the creepy crawlies, toads, frogs, and slithering serpents for the inquisitive to learn about and see up close.

Just after Crosstown’s show concluded, Sarah’s Pony Rides & Petting Zoo had animals of the furry variety, with goats and ponies ready for plenty of pets and rides.

Windy City Game Theatre and Laser Tag were present, along with bounce houses and Dan Wild, The Bash Caricaturist, to capture the moment.

The Elwood Fire Protection District also held a Touch-a-Truck on Saturday, capitalizing on the foot traffic that the community event brought.

Something was going everywhere you turned, and it was indeed an all-ages event. As the late infomercial king, Billy Mays, would say, “But Wait, There’s More!” could very much be applied to the weekend’s events.

The Elwood Baseball and Softball Association put on a car show in the afternoon with a wide variety of classic cars and muscle cars. The $10 entry fee supported the association and was fun for the whole family.

After the car show, a single-elimination bean bag tournament offered a fun challenge.

Saturday also brought out Habitat for Humanity, the Jackson Township History Club and a craft fair with 22 vendors, Twilighters BINGO, and the Ukelele Strummers offered gentle tunes.

A soap box derby brought good old-fashioned fun for Elwood’s Third Annual Elwood Public Works Soap Box Derby. There were three classes, so kids ages 5 to 14 could participate.

The entertainment tent was open until midnight on Saturday, and several bands played live music during the evening. The last band played at 8 p.m.

Saturday’s events concluded with a fireworks show from Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter. Photos by Stephanie Irvine.

People lined Chicago Street for the 34th annual Elwood Community Days Parade.

The crowd of kids and parents was mesmerized by the exotic animals during the Crosstown Exotics reptile show.

Crosstown Exotics’ Mike Levins lets Elwood resident Lucas Gonzalez, age 8, hold one of the toads during their reptile show.

Grand Marshal Trenton Richardson rides with his grandfather, Steve Freibele, in the Elwood Community Days parade.