Peasley: Fireworks organizers accepting donations

My position on the front line of the 68th annual Harvard Milk Days last weekend was pleasant and an opportunity to see many friends at the brunch and along the parade route.

I was quite honored to be chosen parade marshal. I enjoyed my unusual ride in a white covered carriage!

My congratulations to the many dozen volunteers who keep this unique community celebration active and a tribute to this still-rural community.

Mike Bannwolf, board member for 39 years, was pleased with the large attendance and made an announcement. Orion Samuelson, WGN farm director, has agreed to be the subject of a roast in September.

This will be quite an event. Samuelson has been a longtime participant at Harvard Milk Days.

The dairy show is a big feature each year. Bill Olbrich was this year’s chairman. One of the major achievements last year was to build a 60-foot by 112-foot dairy pavilion.

Bannwolf recalled that his son Bryce became involved in Harvard Milk Days when he was 10 years old. Bryce, 30, has been working on the Harvard Milk Days committee 20 years. He was the 2009 general chairman and had the major responsibility in organizing the colorful parade of floats, drum and bugle corps, bands and a host of other participants.

• • •

Woodstock’s Fourth of July committee anticipates a great fireworks show at Emricson Park on July 4. Committee members are soliciting funds to present what committee member Cheryl Wormley said would be considered one of the best fireworks displays in northern Illinois.

Jim Campion is chairman of the committee. Margaret Grell, Dan Cooney and Wormley have been on the committee all 15 years of the celebration.

Checks may be sent to the Woodstock Fireworks Fund Committee at Amcore Bank, Woodstock. Donations also will be accepted as guests enter Emricson Park.

• • •

Disagreeable weather challenged this year’s strawberry crop at McCann Berry Farm a few miles west of Woodstock, but strawberries are now available.

Pick your own or order berries already picked. Best idea: Call 815-568-8810 to make sure berries are available on the day you want to go to the Kishwaukee Valley Road farm.

Bob McCann said they had rhubarb and a limited supply of sugar snap peas. They expect strawberries through July 4.

Blueberries will become available in mid-July.

• • •

At Wednesday’s salute to artists in the parade of horses on the Square, public appreciation of their skill and creativity was evident. Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager described the Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program’s display succinctly: “I’m honored they chose Woodstock for their 27 Horses of a Different Color.”

• Don Peasley has been editor, columnist and historian in McHenry County since October 1947. He began his association with Shaw Publications in 1950. He is a frequent contributor of articles and photographs. He can be reached at 815-338-1533.