Event plans moving ahead
By JEFF LAMPE
For The Weekly Post
News of a “bridge phase” for reopening Illinois from COVID restrictions could come next week, according to Gov. JB Pritzker, who framed his comments in the context of the return of the Chicago Auto Show in July.
But the same news has played out at board and council meetings across the area of late. Life as we once knew it is slowly returning to normal, as indicated by approval of festivals and events that one year ago were cancelled by COVID.
Some events are weeks away, as in Elmwood, where plans are moving ahead for the June 5 Strawberry Festival, June 11 Farmers Market and Cruise-Ins.
Also just around the corner is Princeville’s Heritage Days, June 24-28. Meeting Monday, the Princeville Village Board donated $3,000 to the Princeville Civic Association for the annual event.
“Heritage Days is going, the Fire Department beer tent is not,” Princeville Village President Jeff Troutman said. “As I understand it, [Illinois] is still not issuing non-retail liquor licenses.”
Troutman said that could change in July – in line with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot claiming her city will be “fully open” on July 4.
Pritzker would not provide specific dates, but said he remained “optimistic” about lifting some restrictions in the weeks ahead.
In Brimfield, the Village Board on Monday approved closing Illinois Route 150 for a pair of August gatherings: a Cruise-In to benefit diabetes and the annual Old Settlers Day event, which last year consisted only of a parade.
Williamsfield is meeting again this week to plan for establishment of a Farmers and Craft Market.
And Farmington’s City Council on Monday approved tusing Reed Park for two weekends of the Spoon River Drive in October.
