Highwood celebrates first Redhead Days
The city of Highwood will host the first Redhead Days Festival in the United States on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7.
In 2012, Jim Stoecker, the owner of Alex's Washington Gardens and an avid bicyclist, decided to take a trip across Europe on his bicycle. He booked a one-way ticket, brought a backpack of bare essentials, and left without a designated biking plan or hotel accommodations.
He decided to kick off his journey in Amsterdam, searching high and low to find a bicycle that could withstand his 40-plus miles each day and ultimate goal of reaching Oktoberfest.
Once he reached Utrecht, Holland, Stoecker asked the receptionist at his hostel where she recommended he ride to on the next day of his journey. She recommended the quaint town of Breda, and Stoecker immediately got online to find accommodations. A woman quickly responded to his request with apologies, explaining that she would love to host him but was fully booked from the enormous Redhead Days festival in town.
Stoecker, a natural redhead himself, immediately knew he had to be there. He found a place to stay, made the 50-mile trip and stayed for the rest of the weekend.
Stoecker was so enthralled with Redhead Days that upon his return he set his sights on bringing it to the City of Highwood. Stoecker fell in love with Highwood and he and his wife's favorite spot for date nights, Alex's Washington Gardens. He's now the proud owner of the spot.
Stoecker loved the community feel of Highwood, recalling how when he first bought the establishment people kept coming in and saying, "I don't care who you are or what you're doing, but don't change my favorite restaurant!"
Stoecker promised he wouldn't, and that's a promise he has stuck to. He has the same recipes and same staff, including a busboy that has been with Washington Gardens for more than 33 years. He even worked the door himself and is on a first-name basis with many of his customers.
"Highwood people are good people. They love to have fun, and there's this genuine love of community. Everyone here is proud to be in Highwood. Redhead Days celebrates that same sense of pride. It's a big deal that we're the first place in the United States to hold this festival, and I know we can do the Highwood and redhead community proud," Stoecker said.
The family-friendly festival will take place at Highwood's City Hall Park, 17 Highwood Ave., where participants can register to be a part of a record-breaking photo, purchase any signature "ginger" gear, drinks and goodies, vote for their favorite carrot cake, and then stroll the streets of Highwood and see how Highwood businesses are painting the town red.
Registration is free and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
To stay up to date with the latest news on Redhead Days in Highwood, like it at www.facebook.com/RHDchicago. View the Redhead Days official website at www.redheaddays.nl.