Sugar Grove hits 50
Seven-year-old Taylor Parrott and her sister Reagan, 5, were so excited about the dance contest at Sugar Grove's 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday that they had laid out their costumes, complete with poodle skirts, the day before.
"They love to dance," said their mother, Kristi Parrot. "They practiced a lot."
The Parrott family spent the whole day at the celebration at Volunteer Park.
Taylor and Kristi also took part in the pie-eating contest.
"They enjoyed the pie-eating contest, and of course, the rides. I couldn't get them off of that," Parrott said.
The event -- Celebrating our Past, Creating our Future -- commemorated the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Sugar Grove.
Festivities included a mock drive-in movie Friday night, which featured the film "October Sky," children's games, crafts, a farmers market, dance lessons and contests and an ice cream social.
Saturday morning kicked off with an Old Timers Breakfast for residents who had lived in Sugar Grove for a long period of time, or those who had once lived in the village, but had since moved away.
"It was a really nice opportunity to visit and catch up with people they may not have seen in a while," village Trustee Mari Johnson said, adding more than 140 people showed up for the breakfast.
The celebration was enjoyable for those who had lived in Sugar Grove for many years or even just a few.
"We came for the jumping, but the face painting and Tootsie Rolls were a bonus," said resident Amy Luetgert, who came with her 4-year-old daughter Kaitlyn.
Luetgert moved to Sugar Grove with her family six years ago and loves the small-town atmosphere.
"We moved here to get away from the crowds. We just love it out here," she said. "It's a cute little town, and we're so excited to see it grow."
Eric Schaaf, who has lived with his family in Sugar Grove for three years, agrees.
"There's not much traffic in a smaller town," he said. "You can breathe out here."