Rambling through central Illinois, pondering what plant it was that gave me the latest itchy rash all over my arms and that somehow creeped through a shirt onto my back.
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Farmington Moose Lodge 1571 is officially the hottest place to hang out on Thursday nights. No surprise there, since a ticket bought at the Moose Lodge this week could win you $107,140 (minus taxes, of course).
The lodge’s Queen of Hearts Jackpot has been steadily building over the past few months, pushing membership over 1,000 and fueling impressive ticket sales. Last week, with the pot at just over $103,255, the Moose sold more than $10,000 worth of tickets.
That’s a lot of $5 bills – the cost of a single ticket. You can also buy five for $20. Tickets are sold all week and you need not be present to win. You do have to be a member, though.
Here’s hoping the Queen of Hearts comes out of the final nine cards before the joker, otherwise the pot dips dramatically.
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After three years of sizzling in the heat, Andy Fritz has wisely opted to switch his Dahinda Days Native American gathering from June to what should be a more temperate Sept. 27. I’m still impressed that the guy dancing in the buffalo hide at last summer’s 95-degree steamfest survived. Activities are held at Dahinda General Store at 1457 Knox Highway 15 right along the scenic Spoon River. Drums and dancing will start about noon and run on and off until 4 p.m. Local vendors will have items for sale all day, including Native American crafts and food. … Speaking of Native Americans, hanging next to me at work is a map of Indian Trails in Knox County copied out of one or another history book. The map was prepared by Eva Chapin Maple of Maquon years ago. From time to time I’ll ponder those trails and imagine how cool this area must have been in the early 1800s, with huge white oaks and giant American chestnuts towering over the prairies. Sigh.
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Thank you to readers who have responded to our pleas for bigger tomatoes. And thanks to Pat Gilles of Kickapoo, who finally brought in a meaty ’mater worthy of discussion. Gilles’ Hollywood Giant weighed in at exactly 2 pounds and is the leader in the clubhouse with a few more days to go before we shut off entries on Sept. 9 at noon and mail out the $50 check. … What is it about the water in Kickapoo that makes such big vegetables? … Parting shot: Merrill Goedeke of Maquon stopped by this summer to offer up his list of the tastiest testicles: 1. turkey, 2. beef, 3. pig. “Just be careful to get rid of that membrane on turkey balls or they will explode on you when you put them in the grease.”
Contact Jeff Lampe at (309) 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com
