Hampshire fights pancreatic cancer Aug. 2 with '70s Disco Night

In tribute to a longtime Hampshire resident who passed away from pancreatic cancer, The Shagadelics, a 1970s disco tribute cover band, will take to the stage during Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the festival grounds on State Street near Allen Road in downtown Hampshire.

Festivalgoers who dress in their 1970s threads will get into the beer tent free.

Rose Bihun, former committee member and lover of 1970s and Motown music, lost her short battle with the disease this past fall. Her husband, Mike, along with the committee, went on to successfully host Candy Days in April and May, selling Fannie May candy at businesses throughout the village to offset 50 percent of the cost of hiring the band.

"Our goal to sell 24 boxes of candy was overshadowed by an outpouring of support from both businesses and townspeople," Bihun said. "We ended up selling 40 boxes. That, plus other generous cash donations, has provided enough funds to pay for the band in full.

"Rose would be speechless to know that so many people supported this event through Candy Days. And that together the whole town can celebrate Coon Creek Country Days in a way she would have loved," he continued.

During The Shagadelics' performance, volunteers will sell tickets for a 50/50 drawing with proceeds going to PurpleStride, a fundraising walk to end pancreatic cancer that takes place in over 50 U.S. cities.

Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 organization formed to host Hampshire's annual festival which raises money for community service organizations in Hampshire and in the counties of Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage and Kane.

Hampshire Coon Creek Country Days runs from Aug. 2 to 5. For more information about the 2018 festival, visit www.hcccd.com.