Hometown Fest finished strong
Palatine's Hometown Fest bounced back from a slow start to go down as one of the more memorable Independence Day celebrations in recent years.
The Palatine Jaycees estimate about 180,000 people made their way to Community Park over the five days, including a whopping 100,000 at Thursday's fireworks show.
"The place was packed," said Jaycees spokesman Bill Pohlman. "All in all, it was a big success."
Only about 5,000 attended Wednesday's events, which he attributes to people working.
New this year was the corn hole beanbag competition, which drew 32 teams. The festival's musical highlight was the performance by Think Floyd USA, who put on a light show that would make even the original English rock band proud.
"They came days in advance to set up," said Pohlman. "We have a smaller bandshell and don't shoot for the big bands the way (Arlington Heights') Frontier Days does, but they were phenomenal."
Pohlman said people have suggested moving the festival south to Harper College for years. More space, bigger party. But the Jaycees say the homey feel is more important than the size.
"Our concept is community," he said. "We want to keep everything downtown so people can walk."
The Jaycees turned a profit, but it'll be months before anyone knows just how much. Money netted after chapter and event expenses is pooled for end-of-the-year disbursement. Funds are typically split between 20 to 25 organizations that request donations.
No excuses: Jane Addams is the most recent school in Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 to be named a No Excuses University.
Seven other district schools are part of the nationwide network, dedicated to aggressively promoting college readiness for all students.
Under the program, schools create goals that support high academic expectations. They also develop core systems in the areas of collaboration, curriculum aligned to academic standards, assessment, data management and academic-social interventions.
My personal favorite approach is to prominently display university and college clothing, banners, flags, sports teams and other items.
The No Excuses University designation requires an extensive application, including a video, that documents the school's emphasis on student achievement. Several other District 15 schools are in the process.
Art in the Garden: Knupper's Nursery in Palatine will put on Art in the Garden from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature works by more than 40 Chicago-area artists, who will be on hand to meet the public. The nursery, 1801 N. Rand Road, will also have live music, refreshments and face painting. Call (847) 359-1080.
Kimberly Pohl covers Palatine. Contact her with your feedback and story ideas at (847) 427-4472 or kpohl@dailyherald.com.