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Health & Fitness

Contributions Connect Community beyond Blooming Fest

The 14th Annual Blooming Fest was held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 in downtown West Chicago’s historic business district.  Although helped along by sunny skies and mild temperatures, the true success of the one-day event lies in the commitment of countless volunteers and the generous donations of time, talent and funds to worthwhile causes that live on in the community long after the conclusion of the event.

 

Each year, beautification efforts begin in the weeks prior to Blooming Fest in anticipation of the 3,000 plus visitors expected to attend the event. This year was no exception and involved the coordinated teamwork of the West Chicago Park District, Boy Scout Troop 33, Kramer Tree Specialists and staff from the West Chicago Public Works Department. 

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Initial input was provided by Jesse Felix, Superintendent of Parks for the West Chicago Park District.  “His horticultural expertise is an asset to the community and provided the City with a landscape design that will be both visually stunning and drought tolerant through the upcoming summer months,” said Krista Coltrin, Blooming Fest Event Coordinator.

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As one of their many local activities, members of Boy Scout Troop 33 volunteered to plant the annuals in the downtown flower beds, a tradition which the Troop began in 2012.  Although hampered by rain and snow during the week prior to the event, spirits were not dampened and the Troop members returned on Friday, May 23, 2014 to complete the task. 

 

The final component to complete the flower beds was made possible by a generous donation of landscape-quality mulch from Kramer Tree Specialists, a West Chicago business and winner of a Brilliance in Business Award in 2011. “The addition of mulch not only has an aesthetic value but can also assist with water conservation by reducing evaporation, which translates to less time spent watering by City staff,” said Coltrin.

 

Rite Way Automotive, located at 101 E. Washington Street, West Chicago, was bustling with activities raising awareness and donations for charitable organizations.  According to owner Vince Malina, the sale of water donated by State Bank of Illinois West Chicago and food donated by American Tire Distributors raised $250 for Special Olympics.  Additionally, his wife, Samantha, and daughter, Olivia, manned a lemonade and cookie stand, with sales generating $100 for a local food pantry.

 

Nearby, the Chicago Corvette Club participated with their annual “Wheels” exhibit on Fremont Street.  A wooden race car track, sculpted by one of their members, was a popular children’s activity and was also located on the Rite Way Automotive lot.  Families purchased a toy car to race on the track and then take home with them.  The Club will donate a combined total of $300 to the Wounded Warrior Project, with $100 of the amount having been generated by the race car activity.

 

Volunteerism is at the heart of Blooming Fest and the City of West Chicago wishes to thank the following for their time and talents in support of another successful event:  the West Chicago Garden Club, the West Chicago Park District, the West Chicago Public Library District, the West Chicago Fire Protection District, State Bank of Illinois West Chicago, Boy Scout Troop 33, the Chicago Corvette Club, Daniel and Associates Real Estate, the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission and many Community Volunteers.

 

A musical slideshow may be viewed here for the enjoyment of those who were unable to attend the event as well as those wishing to revisit the fun!

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