Winfield Good Old Days celebrates 40th anniversary
Winfield Good Old Days 2008, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday in downtown Winfield. Chamber Executive Director Rich Bysina talked to Daily Herald Staff Writer Catherine Edman about the event.
Q. Are you doing anything special this year for the 40th Anniversary?
A. We've just broadened the range of activities for people and tried to encourage the 1968 theme. We'll be playing music from that year.
Q. Is there anything new residents can expect this year?
A. We have a few things. Ultra Foods is conducting shopping cart races - it's a race against the clock. There's an adult division and one for the kids. They have to fill up their carts at various stations throughout the commuter lot and at the finish line they have to bag them. The winner gets a new barbecue grill. Then there's the armchair quarterback contest. Participants sit in a sofa and from 10 yards they have to try to throw the football through the (emptied) television console.
Q. I understand you have a special guest?
A. Miss Illinois USA Shanon Lersch will be in the parade, and helping us sell our 40th anniversary Good Old Days T-shirts. She'll announce the names of those who are selected to be in the championship round of the armchair quarterback competition and get a chance to win a really nice massaging recliner and ottoman.
Q. You're actually encouraging the disposal of shoes?
A. We're bringing back the ladies shoe kicking contest. They used to just do that contest behind the flower shop but we thought it should be done out here for everyone to see. Ladies dangle the shoe of their choice on their better kicking foot and see how far it can fly. Sorry, gals, no Manolo Blahniks for first prize. But the winner does get a gift certificate to the Winfield Flower Shoppe.
Q. Who are the sponsors?
A. Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield Community Bank, Total Health & Wellness Center, Dr. Harvey Bogin DDS, Prairie Path Cycles, Village of Winfield.
Q. What is the food court vendor lineup?
A. Brian's Charhouse, Caliendo's Restaurant, Chinese Ho, Doggie Diner, Erin Harper's Kettle Corn, Winfield Fire Department, Knights of Columbus, Christ our Saviour Lutheran Church
Q. What vendor has the longest line?
A. I guess it would depend on the time of day. Because the fire department and Knights of Columbus have a lot of people they're popular, but you'd have to check it out yourself.
Q. What do carnival rides cost?
A. They are $2 and $3 each. After the parade on Sunday it's unlimited rides for a $20 wristband.
Q. Where can residents find more information?
A. (630) 682-3712 or www.winfieldchamber.biz