Lisle rain barrels ready for auction
The blasé, carefree life of the Lisle rain barrels is over. Each needs to be put to work.
Their months of standing around all summer with little to do but beautify the village will come to an end during Depot Days.
What began five months ago with participating artists decorating 30, 55-gallon plastic rain barrels concludes in a live auction beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
High bidders on each barrel will gain a practical one-of-a-kind art piece. Each is an environmentally friendly way to collect and conserve rainwater.
On an average 2,000-square-foot home, as much as 36,000 gallons of rainwater falls on its roof and passes through its downspouts. According to the village of Lisle's Web site, villageoflisle.org, a barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. The site offers specific directions on how to set up and use a rain barrel.
"Old Glory" is the rain barrel designed by Naperville artist Alanna Barbone that has a current online bid of $300. Barbone designed the barrel in Americana colors using crackle paint to give an antique touch. She worked on the project over a span of three weeks.
Artist Marcy Taylor designed a barrel in Prairie Style with soft tones that resembles stained glass and named it "Tree of Life." The barrels have themes that range from an intricate Chinese vase and detailed ceramic tile pattern to a fanciful holder for giant pencils and a playful barrel of monkeys.
"Singing in the Rain" is the theme artist Elizabeth Hladly chose for the barrel she designed for the College Square Tenants Association. With a background in theater, the artist sought a touch of drama within a musical blues theme.
The Lisle Chamber of Commerce hopes the art auction will raise more than $13,000, the previous record set a few years ago by the auction of decorated benches. Proceeds go to local charities. See all the designs at lislechamber.com.
The barrel auction is at the end of a fun-filled Saturday that starts with the Lisle French Market, open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the commuter station parking lot just west of Lisle Village Hall, 925 Burlington Ave. Vendors have an eclectic display of wares for sale including fresh flowers and produce.
After a spin though the market, you'll want to move on to the jam-packed display and demonstrations planned for Safety Day by the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District.
The event is located between the Lisle Village Hall and district's Fire Station One on School Street. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District will join the Lisle Police Department, FBI, U.S. Army, DuPage County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad and DuPage Arson Task Force for Safety Day.
Safety activities include displays, raffles, demonstrations, prizes and handouts.
The Lisle Police canine team will be on hand to greet participants along with DARE and the bicycle patrol. The hazmat and dive squad and technical rescue will demonstrate their services.
Leave the high-tech to step back in time at the Lisle Depot Days at the Museums of Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., from noon to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20 and 21.
Lisle circa 1832 is a cooperative effort of the Lisle Heritage Society and the Lisle Park District. History reigns as dozens of crafters demonstrate art forms such as corn grinding, wood turning, rug hooking, bee keeping and other historic crafts.
Listen to the buzz of a telegraph demonstration, be mesmerized by the multilevel model railroad layout in action and watch sparks fly as blacksmiths ply their trade hammering hot metal. Vintage vehicles, old time games and kid crafts offer something of interest for all ages.
Follow the aroma of freshly baked apple pies into the Netzley-Yender House and straight to the summer kitchen. Enjoy a piece of pie or a square of warm cornbread.
While in the house, check out the varied train items for sale at the society's gift shop. On the grounds, the Friends of the Lisle Library will have a book sale.
Saturday's schedule includes a bike and buggy parade at noon starting at the North commuter lot. At 1 p.m., Cardinal Gear Inc. sponsors a family pie-eating contest. The Penny-in-a-Haystack free-for-all is at 1:30 p.m.
At 2 p.m., you will want to find a comfortable spot to enjoy an entertaining performance by the Chorus of DuPage Men's Barbershop singers.
The rain barrel live auction begins at 3 p.m.
Old-fashioned fun and games continue at Depot Days on Sunday, Sept. 21, with a 12:30 p.m. seed-spitting contest; 1 p.m. water and spoon race, tug-o-war and sack races; and 2 p.m. Penny-in-a-Haystack. The Lisle Cemetery Tour is at 2:30 p.m. It is a short walk to the historic graveyard where many of the first settlers of Lisle are buried.
Two fun-packed days should provide plenty to enjoy and loads to learn. With enough free parking and no admission fee, who could ask for more?
Goodbye summer; bring on autumn.
• Joan Broz writes about Lisle on Mondays in Neighbor. E-mail her at jgbroz@yahoo.com.