Save Septemberfest in honor of mom

The memory of my mother, trail blazer Viola Morrisroe, has made me determined to proceed with Septemberfest this year in Bloomingdale. (Morrisroe was profiled in the Daily Herald last October after her death. She was Bloomingdale's first and only female village president so far.)

The week before my mom passed away I attended my first Septemberfest meeting, I was so excited to continue a great tradition and I was devastated last week when the village announced that they had canceled Septemberfest. The Septemberfest Commission cut the budget for 2010 by a third in an attempt to keep our event on for 2010. The village budget has a $1.7 million dollar shortfall and the $20,000 the village will save is somehow worth ending a 37-year tradition.

This event had been a staple of my childhood and, after speaking to many current residents in Bloomingdale, it still is. Septemberfest gives children the opportunity to march in a parade and to perform for the public. Septemberfest is an opportunity for the Lions Club and VFW to raise funds for their charities. Septemberfest is the chance for the park district to show off their gymnastic teams and for the local dance troupes to perform and recruit new members. Many kids today are growing up to love Septemberfest just as I did.

I would love to continue this tradition and I am looking for other members of this community to help me. I have spoken to the Bloomingdale Historical society, the Bloomingdale Park District, and several private companies who are ready to help. If you are ready to help, please email me at susan@saveseptemberfest.com. Will you stand up with me and help by volunteering your time, talent or funds?

Susan Lancaster

Bloomingdale