Milk-drinking contest a big draw

HARVARD – Christine Brooks knew the weather forecast for Saturday: rain. But it would take more than drizzles to keep her and her daughter, Jessica, from enjoying Harvard Milk Days.

“We’re not going to go on the rides, but we’re planning on doing the milk-drinking contest,” Brooks, of McHenry, said as she donned a blue poncho.

This weekend marked the 68th Harvard Milk Days parade and regionally renowned festival.

The excitement picks up again at 10 a.m. this morning with a community church service. The festival grounds at Milky Way Park on Route 173 will reopen at noon. Activities end at 10 p.m. with fireworks.

Saturday’s festivities kicked off with a two-hour parade of 96 different displays, including 17 bands.

“The attendance at the parade was fantastic considering weather conditions,” said Mike Bannwolf, grounds chairman.

Scattered showers meant light crowds at the festival grounds during the afternoon, but as soon as skies cleared, festival-goers flocked to the park, he said.

Among the chief attractions was the milk-chugging contest that the Brooks family wanted to attend. Participants split into different age groups and competed to drink the most milk as fast as they could.

“The milk-drinking contest has been a big part of the festival for a number of years,” Bannwolf said.

Also popular was the event’s first Banana Derby, in which monkeys dressed as jockeys raced on dogs. The monkeys raced Friday and Saturday and will face off again at 1, 3, 5, 7 p.m. today.

“It’s drawing a crowd every time they have their presentation,” Bannwolf said.

Some festival veterans said they enjoyed the event’s tradition and hometown feel.

“We’re here every year,” said Jimmy Campuzano, a Marengo resident. His favorite part of the event?

“[Seeing] old friends,” he said.

Milk Days schedule

What: 68th annual Harvard festival.

Theme: “Mooooooving in Changing Times.”

When: Today.

Where: Milky Way Park, Route 173, Harvard.

Cost: Free entry, $3 daily parking.



TODAY

• 10 a.m. – Community Church Service, entertainment tent.

• Noon – Milk Day grounds open, market place, food court, petting zoo, chain saw carving, hot air balloon launch and more.

• Noon – Junior Dairy Cattle Show.

• Noon – Antique Tractor Show until 3 p.m..

• 1-3 p.m. – Living River Quartet gospel singers, entertainment tent.

• 1, 3, 5, 7 p.m. – Banana Derby – America’s favorite monkey jockeys.

• 2, 4, 6, 8 p.m. – Great Cat Adventures, preservation through education and entertainment.

• 5 p.m. – Cow Chip Lotto.

• 7 p.m. – New Odyssey entertainment.

• 10 p.m. – Ground fireworks display – grand finale.