Overview:
Plans are underway for Crete Township’s Grand Celebration marking its 175th birthday on September 6.
Plans are underway for Crete Township’s Grand Celebration marking its 175th birthday on September 6.
The Crete Village Board of Trustees learned during their August 11 meeting that Township Trustee Supervisor Mike Liccar will host the event.
“Mike asked me to say a few brief words representing the village, but I have an out of town commitment,” Mayor Mark Wiater said later.
“So I asked Trustee Stephen Johnson to step in, and he accepted. I believe they also are honoring area first responders at some point in the day, and Crete should have Police, Fire, and Emergency Management on hand to accept the recognitions.
“I’ve attended a few of the planning meetings, and it sounds like they have a lot of activities planned. It should be a great day.”
In addition to marking its transbicentennial, Crete Township will dedicate its new Community Center at 25930 S. Cottage Grove Avenue. The event will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Festivities include special honors of local veterans and first responders and will feature special appearances of President Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Dr. Mark Zumhagen) and Crete Township founders, Willard and Dyantha Wood, (portrayed by Tim Piepenbrink and Phyllis Monks of the Crete Historical Society).
Families can enjoy many crafts and games for the children, pony rides and petting zoo, a Pioneer Camp with demonstrations of candle making, open-fire cooking, and blacksmithing, old-fashioned games, antique cars and tractors, and much more.
Classic summer treats – including a corn roast, root beer floats, and an ice cream social – will be there along with music, including vocalist Al “Big Voice” Mack and the Rochambeau Bluegrass Band.
Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day by the Crete Township Fun Timers Club and Slacker “T” Barbeque.
Everyone is invited to join this milestone event, as Crete Township commemorates its rich history and looks ahead to the future. All ages are welcome, officials said, and fun is guaranteed for the entire family. For more information, contact Crete Township at 708-672-8279 or info@cretetownship.com.