Elburn Days works to accommodate everyone
The Elburn Lions Club continually works to improve its annual Elburn Days festival, and this year is no different. New this year will be a petting zoo as well as an event for children with disabilities.
The 87th annual Elburn Days festival is Friday through Saturday, Aug. 19-21, at Elburn Lions Club Park, 500 S. Filmore St., Elburn.
Before the parade at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, children with disabilities have the opportunity to get into the festival early and enjoy carnival rides.
"We are trying a free fair event for children with disabilities so we can get them in and work with them one-on-one so they can try out the rides," Elburn Lions Club President Kevin Poust said. "We are just looking to help people who have needs and generally don't have the opportunity. We will do what we can to accommodate them and show them a good time as well." Parents of special needs kids can call (630) 365-6315 for details on the event.
National FFA Organization and 4H are teaming up to provide a petting zoo at the festival that will include a lamb, rabbit and a chicken.
"People will like it because they will actually be able to touch the animals," said Elburn resident Stephen Haas, who is in charge of the livestock show and auction.
Representatives from FFA and 4H will field questions from people about the animals.
"I know when my kids showed animals at 4H, there were always a lot of questions asked," Poust said. "It's a great addition for people that don't grow up around that or know about that to educate them."
Elburn Days combines agriculture-related activities such as 4H judging and a tractor pull with traditional festival offerings such as carnival rides and live entertainment.
"As Elburn grows, the festival grows. We try to accommodate everybody and put on a good weekend," Poust said.
4H has been a part of the festival since its inception 87 years ago bringing sheep, cattle, pigs and other livestock for judging and community viewing.
"This is what we all live off. If it wasn't for agriculture, you wouldn't have food on your table, vegetables and livestock. I think it's important for people to see where their food came from," Haas said.
For the Elburn community, the festival has become a way to bring people back together.
"Growing up in Elburn, Elburn Days is always like homecoming. If people moved out of town they knew if they came back for Elburn Days, they would be able to see people they wouldn't typically see," Poust said.
Thousands of people come out to the festival each year to enjoy the carnival rides, live music, craft show, 4H judging, tractor pull, Bingo, pie baking contest and mud volleyball tournament. But the ultimate goal of the festival is to help the Lions Club raise money for different charities.
"It's our number one fundraiser for the year and allows us to do what we do throughout the year," Poust said. "When they come down with their families, they are helping the Lions and the community."
This year's theme is "working with you to make the community great."
"Elburn Lions Club is all about giving back to the community and helping people in need. We thought it would be very appropriate," Poust said. "Lions International slogan is "We Serve." That is what we strive for at the Elburn Lions Club."
Elburn Days runs from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21. Admission is free. For information visit elburnlions.com.