The Huntley Compass All Stars 4H Club ride their float in the
Homesteader Days parade with a big sign on the side that says
Wash your hands. (Jonathan McNiven Photo)
The annual Homesteader Days held out near Huntley drew extra attention this year. While many events have been cancelled this year thanks to the Coronavirus, Homesteader Days pushed forward, and it was a success.
“We had an attendance of around 1,500 people on Friday night for the concert,” said the Event Coordinator, Bethany J Hein. “It was a great show from Copper Mountain Band, Darryl Worley and The Bucky Beaver Groundgrippers. We have heard positive feedback about the addition of aisles to and from the stage as well as people appreciating the seating being laid out. We feel blessed that we were able to safely host and execute our event.” The entertainment continued till past midnight and “our bars closed at 12:30 am each night and folks were quickly escorted out at that point.” Despite the first night’s late hours, the festivities began again early the next day with the Homesteader Run at 8:15 AM and continued throughout the day.
Worden Fire fighter and parade clown Brenda Hanson engages in water war with parade bystander at Saturday mornings annual Homesteader Days Parade.
(Jonathan McNiven Photo)
The parade, other activities, and games went well and provided much needed amusement for participants of all ages. The health and safety of everyone attending the event was of the utmost importance with sanitization stations scattered about for frequent use and social distancing being encouraged in all areas possible. “The handwashing stations and sanitizing stations spread throughout the park were also well utilized,” added Hein. “Overall we had lighter attendance, but people were elated that we were able to host it under the current environment and it appeared to be a great morale booster for people.”
“On Saturday, fireworks were great as always and the live auction and the band in the beer garden were awesome!” she commented. “No real hiccups this year as our two-day event went as smooth as it ever has, hopefully credit to the massive amount of planning that we did this year. Big thanks to all of our Lions Club members who have worked tirelessly to make it all happen throughout the year! Also, thanks to our volunteers and our supporters! We our blessed to have your support!” Many people have been hit hard by the restrictions of the virus, so the conviviality of the Homesteader Days came as a welcome relief.
Andy Pickens, far right, putting the last touches of BBQ sauce on the chicken before grilling it at Homesteader park while Virgil Rasmussen, left, and Tim Crowley, middle, hold the grill plates. A line of mouthwatering recipients line up behind them to buy their homesteader days meal. About 180 chickens were prepared this year in anticipation for the lower amount of attendees at Homesteader Days due to Covid-19 concerns.
(Jonathan McNiven Photo)
