When organizers of the annual Old Mill Fall Fest in Peotone said it would be even bigger and better this year, they meant business.
The fest returned for the 23rd time, on the grounds of the 153-year-old wind-powered grist mill on Corning Avenue, with new vendors, games, reptiles on display, and $20,000 to start repairs on the structure.
It also marked its inauguration as a two-day event, “and it was very successful,” according to Peotone Historical Society President Ed Nelson.
The fest also served as a fundraiser to help a family whose home adjacent to the mill property was destroyed in a fire the week before.
“The McNeill family, our next door neighbor to the mill, had a major fire at their home just five days before the fest,” Nelson said.
“They lost pretty much everything, including their three dogs who perished that day. There are already 2 GoFundMe pages setup https://gofund.me/ec1b02214 and https://gofund.me/6540018fb. We knew right away we wanted to have a way to help the family.
“Matt Hess, a friend of the family and friend of the Mill, got the bucket and laminated pictures for donations. It was placed at the Old Mill Fall Fest all weekend. People were very generous. As soon as a time can be arranged with the family, they’ll be presented with the bucket. People also can donate to the family by leaving an envelope in the drop box on the steps of the mill.”
Nelson said the PHS was thrilled with the response for the McNeill family, and equally happy with the funds raised for repairs to “Millie.”
“The Historical Society, after this event, now has raised more than $20,000 in just the past year,” he said.
“With this amount we can now at least start doing some big maintenance projects to help better-weatherize the mill. The windows need replacing, the foundation is in need of tuck-pointing, and many shingles need to be replaced as soon as possible. The cost to fully renovate it is estimated to be near $950,000.
“The biggest thing to happen this year was the addition of Saturday night.
“At 4 p.m., we had an historic group picture taken of everyone there for the first Pour of “OLD MILLIE” craft beer, brewed by Rt. 66 Old School Brewing in Wilmington.
“The crowd was big by the time the band Rockaholics took the stage underneath the big tent. There were people dancing, playing bags, hanging with new and old friends.
“Everyone really seemed to have a great time, considering the weather forecast, other than a light mist at one point, which basically had no effect. It was a perfect evening.”
Nelson noted visitor turnout was great all weekend.
“We had big crowds both days, better than we expected. Saturday could have been somewhat bigger, but families whose kids play football were delayed in Coal City due to lightning strikes. And on Sunday, the forecast was for rain most of the day. I heard other towns around us experienced high winds and torrential rains, but the people who attended our fest miraculously had blue skies until 3 pm. No vendors or reenactors cancelled, and we really appreciate that.
“Highlights of the event included Rhiannon, who served as a face-painter, as well as performing the ‘National Anthem’ at noon on Sunday. That was followed by the firing of the cannon by the Civil War Reenactment group.
“This year we had more kids show up than in past years. We really made an effort to find a way to bring them to the fest, and I believe we succeeded with some games and new vendors and exhibitors,” Nelson pointed out.
“We had an old airplane on display, as well as an antique firetruck. There were some pretty competitive games of water balloon toss, and everyone received a gift card provided by Peotone Bowl.
“But even more popular than that was the booth that had the bearded dragons, ball pythons, along with other reptiles, all harmless of course. LiJo Dragon Balz seemed to be a hit with all the kids, and some parents, too.
“This year we utilized a PA system, which was provided by Main Street Dance Academy of Peotone. Besides providing some light background music, it was really helpful when Lee from Lee’s Bees misplaced his cane. It was located shortly after and returned to Lee!
“Our quilt raffle winner was Diana Burkart of Grant Park.”
The Peotone Historical Society noted that “the list of people to thank this year is large.”
First, President Ed Nelson “for all of his effort in organizing this year’s event. His wife, Tracy, also spent many hours helping to plan, keeping Ed on track, and ran the merchandise tent on Sunday”
Also, Gary Hudson and Ann Nagel, Historical Society board members, also contributed in a big way.
“Mill sponsors, who helped make this all possible, really came through for us, and it’s greatly appreciated. It made everyone work even harder to ensure success.
“Next are the Peotone Public Works guys, who helped set up the tent, install the fencing, and clean up afterwards. Next is the Village of Peotone, plus the ladies from the Peotone National Honor Society from Mrs Rietman’s class, who volunteered their time to help clean inside Millie and help outside to be able to show her off this weekend.
“Bailey and Isabella worked tirelessly at our infamous bake sale. A huge thank you is in order to all of the ladies that baked for us. We couldn’t do it with you!!
“And without Steve, Roger, Tina, Debbie J., Shaun, Debbie W., Carri, Mike J., Carter, Joan, Jenny, Mark, Wes, Rick, Ray, and the Fire Pit Bar & Grill, all of the reenactors, and our vendors – we couldn’t have done it without all of you. Thanks!”
The Peotone Mill is open on Sundays, from 1 to 3 p.m., from May – October. Admission is free, although a donation is appreciated. It is operated by all volunteers.
The GoFundMe page for the Millie Restoration Fund is at https://gofund.me/9f4413aeb.
If you’re interested in Peotone History, in helping out in any way, or in becoming a member, the Peotone Historical Society always is looking for you. Email PeotoneHistoricalsociety@gmail.com to get more information. Also, check their Facebook page at Peotone Historical Society-Peotone Mill.
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month.