Celebrating the past, present in Winfield
By Kitty Conley kconley@post-trib.com August 28, 2012 1:50PM
Children eat during a picnic celebrating the last day of school, at Winfield in the 1900s. | Photo Provided~Sun-Times Media
Updated: August 29, 2012 12:58PM
Winfield Township Trustee Rollie Brauer is like a child with a new toy. He is very excited about the community’s inaugural CommunityFest scheduled Saturday, Sept. 1.
A parade starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of 109th Avenue and Randolph Street. It will travel up Randolph to 104th.
The book “Winfield Township” published by Verna Yeager McMichael in 1988, inspired Brauer. The book documents the history of the township and includes more than 40 photos of the old schoolrooms, former picnics, and students from the early and mid-1900s.
This nostalgic man was inspired by the pictures of “the way it was,” and he wants to re-create that close-knit community.
“Our fest committee wanted to create an event to bring neighbors together as they did in the early 1800s,” he said.
The Four Seasons Fire Force is doing its part by hosting its annual Brewfest and Hog Roast, and combining that with the Winfield Community Foundation’s 2K walk-5K run that will take place the same day.
Brauer added: “We’ve combined these community favorites in one annual event. Our residents can plan for it every September.”
Like the barkers of the past, Brauer is out there with the call of: “Come one, come all, join the fun for young and old. Celebrate community with us.”
The festival also includes a classic car show, arts and crafts fair, food and a beer tent, live music and games. There will be a rock climbing wall, obstacle course and a bounce house. There will also be games and prizes for the children.
It all occurs at the Winfield Government Center at 10645 Randolph St. CommunityFest runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with fun for all ages.
With the list still growing there will be 15 arts and crafts booths, over 12 food venders, and around 14 organizations with informational booths. The folks in the trustee’s office said that they are also looking for more silent auction items.
This is the third annual Winfield Community Foundation-sponsored walk and run, which will start at 4 p.m. Runners and walkers will meet at the CommunityFest grounds, where the course information will be available.
Brauer asked, “Who doesn’t like a good pulled-pork sandwich with chips or pork dinners? A nice, hot, just-off-the-grill ear of corn goes great on a late-summer day. Be sure to visit the booth for the Fire Department’s annual hog-roast sandwiches and the Lions Club booth for a great, buttery ear of corn.”
Everyone is also encouraged to help build the John Curley Memorial Park. Information on buying a brick that will be engraved will be available.
Curley served Winfield for nearly 30 years as assessor and trustee. He was the moving force that gathered the group that formed the town of Winfield. Since he also owned Curley Masonry, it is fitting that he be remembered with engraved bricks.
For more information, call the trustee’s office at 663-7027, or visit the website www.winfieldtwp.com/special.html.
