Friday, November 13, 2015

Festival of Lights Work in Progress


Mr. Bill Bly and his crew continually make the Festival of Lights a great Event

 

Many of you know about the Festival of Lights in Shelbyville at Forest Park.  However, you may not understand all of the work that goes into making this event run successfully.  Mr. Bill Bly and his crew of dedicated volunteers have been working diligently to provide this Winter Wonderland for Shelby County.

The following pictures will give you an idea of what these individuals have been doing to make this event possible.  Some of the responsibilities include checking each individual bulb and replacing them as needed, painting the light fixtures, and once dried, carefully placing them in their viewing locations, attaching yellow ribbons to supporting wires to warn passersby’s of their presence, making sure all cords and plugs are working each night of the display, contacting sponsors for support of this event, displaying sponsor signs in appreciation of donations, recruitment of volunteers to do various tasks, making arrangements for the annual soup supper to raise funds for the festival of lights, getting the word out about this great event, and many other tasks, including the taking down and arranging of items back in storage once the event is over.

This team is made up completely of volunteers, and it is to them we give our gratitude in doing their part in making Shelby County a better place to live! 

This truly is a community project that could not be done without the support of all of the sponsors, organizations, volunteers, and the city playing their roles in this festive event!

A big thanks to Mr. Bill Bly and his crew for all that you do! 

If you would like to help out with this event in any way, feel free to contact Mr. Bly at 217-259-2361. 

Mr. Bill Bly, graciously teaching me about the intricacies of the Festival of the Lights.

Just a fraction of the lights that are now displayed outside. (And notice how nicely arranged the fixtures are stored. I was impressed by the organization of this shop!)

Ms. Gail Depew diligently adding color to the fixtures.

Bulbs ready to be used for the opening night if needed.

Mrs. Norma Anderson and Mr. Bob Thomas making sure replacement bulbs are in working condition.

Mr. Ken Ward, Mr. Thomas, and Mrs.  Anderson replacing bulbs.

Mr. Thomas, Mr. Dakoda, and Mr. Bly making sure each bulb is lit while Mr. Ward and Mrs.  Anderson insert bulbs on another fixture.

Mr. Ward and Mr. Dakoda putting together the light fixtures.

Mr. Thomas and Mr. Ward attaching the supporting posts so the fixtures can stand firm in Illinois winds.

While many of the fixtures are now up, there is still much to be done!

Don’t forget, opening night is on November 20th! 

There will be a soup supper at the Senior Center in Forest Park with plenty of food offered at only $5 per person (children 12 and under are free).  Proceeds go towards maintaining the light displays.

 We appreciate your support!
 
Thanks again to all of those involved with the Festival of Lights!  You make this wonderful winter event possible!

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Halloween Ball at the Chautauqua


Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets:          2015 Halloween Ball at the Chautauqua!

Halloween night brought with it great fun provided by Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets inside the beautiful Chautauqua building in Forest Park!  Members of the band interacted with the crowd, and after all of these years of performing, they can still kick their legs at impressive heights!

The dance floor was occupied by happy feet during each song, and costumes kept the night decorated with all sorts of creatures feeling the beat of the music.  Thanks to everyone who joined us for this awesome night! 

Stay tuned for more exciting events that will help support the Chautauqua building!

 Captain Rat and the Blind Rivets performing in the Chautauqua


Attendees dancing the night away to some great tunes

Great costumes for the Halloween Ball

 More great costumes

Fun to be had by all, including Shelbyville’s Mayor, Jeff Johnson

 

A Big Thanks to all of the volunteers that made this event possible!