Ever wish you could step back in time... then Paarlberg Heritage Fest at Paarlberg Park, located at 172nd and Paxton in South Holland, is the place for you to be on Labor Day, September 2, 2013... 9:30am to 4:00pm.
If you count yourself as a "history buff", you will especially enjoy Paarlberg Heritage Fest. Paarlberg Farm was settled in 1847 by the widow Antje Paarlberg, who is fictionalized in the novel "So Big" by Edna Ferber. Tours of the original farm house, buggy barn, storage barn and the grounds are presented by the South Holland Historical Society members throughout the day.
The 9th Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company E will bring the Civil War to life for history buffs and the day will also include a visit by Uncle Sam (Sterling Silver).
The Heritage Quilters of South Suburbia will fascinate you with their display of quilts... all sizes, shapes and colors for your viewing pleasure and their demonstrations of this unique art of sewing will convince you it is one of the best quilt shows in the region. A popular tradition for the quilters is their annual raffle of a traditional style hand made quilt... this quilt is sewn by many of the members and tickets will be on sale the day of the fest with a winner announced that day.
Arts and crafts booths will be set up throughout the grounds... basket weaving, jewelry, mailboxes, bird houses, pictures, drawings, wood carvers, and much more for just browsing or purchase... and we must tell you, very few visitors leave the fest with empty hands.
Family entertainment is the order of the day... safety demonstrations featuring the South Holland Fire Department are always interesting. Also, enjoy performances by the Thornwood High School Stomp Group and the Calvin School Alumni Band.
Specialty picnic foods will be available for purchase, including the ever popular "Olie bollen" Dutch dessert, along with great pies and of course the homemade ice cream from South Holland's very own Cunis Candies and Ice Cream Shop.
Kids can also enjoy a Magic Show presented by Joe Spiller and some old-fashioned games including the Penny Scramble, Bag Race and Three-Legged Race.
But the day is not over yet... the South Holland Municipal Band will set your toes "a-tapping" and provide a listening pleasure that is... we think... the perfect ending for the Paarlberg Heritage Fest presented by the South Holland Historical Society.
If you wish to participate in this year's Historical Paarlberg Heritage Fest as an Arts & Crafts vendor, call Lynn Larsen at 596-3386 for an application. Exhibit space is $25.00. Space is limited, so call early!
