Consider donating auction, white elephant items for Heritage Fair
The McHenry County Historical Society needs your help or donations for its annual Heritage Fair, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 9, on the museum grounds at 6422 Main St. in Union.
Do you have a pre-1970 item in good condition that you would be willing to donate to a good cause? If so, you have the perfect item for the antique auction. Donated antique items include furniture (call first regarding large, heavy pieces of furniture) and furnishings, quilts, vintage toys, stained glass lamps, and kitchen, advertising and sports collectibles.
Why not sort through the attic or garage and see what treasures you might be ready to part with? Items donated for the auction can be eligible for a tax deduction.
Funds raised by this annual event are used to operate an award-winning countywide historical museum, provide student and adult educational programs, and encourage countywide efforts at historical preservation.
To donate antiques and collectibles by Monday, July 3, call the historical society at (815) 923-2267 or email photos to info@mchenrycountyhistory.org.
They also are seeking donations for the popular "white elephant" sale. Items range from vintage clothing, garden tools, furniture, new and vintage books, glassware, seasonal merchandise, games, sporting equipment, mint-condition slide projectors and tables of odds and ends you'll not find anywhere else.
This year's sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Schuette Building, next door to the museum. No early birds. Checks and cash only. Donations may be dropped off at the historical society museum, 6422 Main St., during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Please, no broken or soiled items, or items that have been recalled or contain hazardous materials. Also not accepted are large appliances, antiquated computers and electronic items, VHS tapes, records, medical supplies, and children's items, such as cribs, car seats and used stuffed animals.
The historical society also reserves the right to reject items because of duplication, condition or disposal costs. Your donations are tax deductible and will contribute to funding its programs and operations.
Bakers also are needed for this year's contest featuring three categories: fruit, berry and mixed fruit/other. No cream pies, please.
Interested bakers can register their pies between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. in the West Harmony School, located on the museum grounds. The entry fee is $2.
Judging will take place at 10:30 a.m. with ribbons awarded to the winners in each category, plus a special award for the grand champion. Pies will be sold by the slice immediately after the judging at the Heritage Fair's bake sale with the exception of the grand prize winning pie which will be auctioned off.
Visit mchenrycountyhistory.org or www.facebook.com/McHenryCountyHistoricalSociety/.