By Karen Haave

When organizers of the annual Old Mill Fall Fest in Peotone said it would be even bigger and better this year, they meant business.

The fest returned for the 23rd, on the grounds of the 153-year-old, wind-powered grist mill on Corning Avenue, with new vendors, games, reptiles on display, and $20,000 to start repairs on the structure.

It also marked its inauguration as a two-day event, “ and it was very successful,” according to Peotone Historical Society President Ed Nelson.

The fest also served as a fundraiser to help a family whose home adjacent to the mill property was destroyed in a fire the week before.

“The McNeill family, our next door neighbor to the mill, had a major fire at their home just five days before fest,” Nelson said.

“They lost pretty much everything, including their 3 dogs who perished that day. There are already 2 GoFundMe pages setup https://gofund.me/ec1b02214 and https://gofund.me/6540018fb .

“We knew right away that we wanted to have a way to help the family.

“Matt Hess, a friend of the family and friend of the Mill got the bucket and laminated pic for donations. It was placed at the Old Mill Fall Fest all weekend. People were very generous. As soon as a time can be arranged with the family, they’ll be presented with the bucket.

People can also donate to the family by leaving an envelope in the Dropbox on the steps of the mill.”

Nelson said the PHS was thrilled with the response for the McNeill family, and equally happy with the funds raised for repairs to “Millie.”

“The Historical Society, after this event, has now raised more than $20,000 in just the past year,” he said.

“With this amount we can now at least start doing some big maintenance projects to help better weatherize the mill. The windows need replacing, the foundation is in need of tuck-pointing, and many shingles need to be replaced as soon as possible.

“The cost to fully renovate it is estimated to be near $950,000.”

Nelson and the group gambled that a second day of the Fest would pay off with more visitors. Despite the weather forecast, they were right.

“We had big crowds both days, better than we expected. Saturday could have been
somewhat bigger, but families whose kids play football were delayed in Coal City due to
lightning strikes.

“And on Sunday, the forecast was for rain most of the day. I heard other towns around us experienced high winds and torrential rains, but the people who attended our fest miraculously had blue skies until 3 p.m. No vendors or reenactors cancelled and we really appreciate that.

“The biggest thing to happen this year was the addition of Saturday night,” he continued. “At 4 p.m., we had an historic group picture taken of everyone there for the first pour of ‘OLD MILLIE’ craft beer, brewed by Rt. 66 Old School Brewing in Wilmington.

“The crowd was big by the time the band Rockaholics took the stage underneath the big tent. There were people dancing, playing bags, hanging with new and old friends. Everyone really seemed to have a great time. Considering the weather forecast, other than a light mist at one point which basically had no effect.

“It was a perfect evening.”

Highlights of the event included Rhiannon, who served as a face-painter as well as performing the National Anthem at noon on Sunday. That was followed by the firing of the cannon by the Civil War Reenactment group.

“This year, we had more kids show up than past years. We really made an effort to find a way to bring them to the fest, and I believe we succeeded with some games and new vendors and exhibitors,” Nelson pointed out.

“We had an old airplane on display, as well as an antique firetruck. There were some pretty competitive games of Water Balloon Toss, and everyone received a gift card provided by Peotone Bowl.

“But even more popular than that was the booth that had the bearded dragons, ball pythons, along with other reptiles, all harmless of course. LiJo Dragon Balz seemed to be a hit with all the kids, and some parents, too.

The Peotone Historical Society noted the list of people to thank this year is large and includes Nelson and his wife, Tracy; Gary Hudson and Ann Nagel, Historical Society board members who also contributed big; mill sponsors; the Peotone Public Works guys who helped set up the tent, install the fencing, and clean up afterwards; the Village of Peotone; and the the ladies from the Peotone National Honor Society from Mrs. Rietman’s class, who volunteered their time to help clean inside Millie and help outside to be able to show her off this weekend.

“Bailey and Isabella worked tirelessly at our infamous bake sale. A huge thank you is in order to all of the ladies that baked for us. We couldn’t do it with you!!

“And without Steve, Roger, Tina, Debbie J, Shaun, Debbie W, Carri, Mike J, Carter, Joan, Jenny, Mark, Wes, Rick, Ray and Fire Pit Bar & Grill, all of the reenactors, and our vendors. We couldn’t have done it without all of you. Thanks!”

The Peotone Mill is open on Sundays, 1-3 p.m. from May – October. Admission is free, a donation is appreciated. It is operated by all volunteers.

There is a GoFundMe page for the Millie Restoration Fund which is https://gofund.me/9f4413aeb.

If you’re interested in Peotone History, or in helping out in any way, or becoming a member, The Peotone Historical Society is always looking for either.

You can mail them at [email protected] to get more information.

Check their Facebook page at Peotone Historical Society-Peotone Mill.

Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month.

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.

For the first time, the festival was extended to Saturday. And that allowed a historic picture showing the group hoisting the first batch of ‘OLD MILLIE’ craft beer, brewed by Rt. 66 Old School Brewing in Wilmington. (Photo courtesy of the Peotone Historical Society)

The two-day event raised a good amount of money toward “Millie’s” restoration, the Peotone Historical Society also set up a collection to help neighbors of the mill whose home was damaged in a fire just five days before. GoFundMe accounts also have been set up. (Photo courtesy of the Peotone Historical Society)

The threat of rain didn’t scare any of the vendors or re-enactors who helped make the event a success.
(Photo by Karen Haave)

Peotone Mayor Chris Vieaux, left, and Peotone Historical Society President Ed Nelson are both big supporters of the Mill. (Photo by Karen Haave)