MILK DAYS
Harvard, May 31-June 2
Miles from Chicago: 74
Why: Back in 1942, Harvard was home to seven dairy companies that teamed up to increase milk production for the WWII effort. Their success sparked a celebration of Harvard’s bounty. Must see: Harmilda the fiberglass cow and the milk-drinking contest. contact: 815-943-4614.
SUPERMAN CELEBRATION
Metropolis, June 6-9
Miles from Chicago: 365
Why: Superman was born in Metropolis. The comic books say so. The movies do too. Still, this southern Illinois town had no affiliation with the legendary comic book character until 1972, when the Illinois House officially declared Metropolis the home of the Man of Steel. The first Superman Celebration was in 1979, shortly after the first “Superman” movie debuted. Must see: The 7-foot fiberglass Superman statue and the mock bank robbery in which Superman saves the day. contact: 800-949-5740 or metropolischamber.com.
BUBBLEFEST
Elgin, June 8
Miles from Chicago: 41
Why: Looking for a fun way to introduce children to physics, educators at the Elgin Public Museum seized upon the science of soap. For 10 years, participants have seen the basic concepts of space and matter through bubbles. Must see: Exhibits that let you stand inside a bubble, shake hands through a bubble or make bubble windows. contact: 847-741-6655 or elginpublicmuseum.org.
TURTLE RACES
Decatur, June 22
Miles from Chicago: 180
Why: The first Turtle Races were held in 1982 as a fundraiser for the Scovill Zoo’s effort to buy a pair of Galapagos tortoises. Featured are events for land and sea turtles looking for a workout. must see: The crowning of King or Queen Turtle, in which the turtles take a victory lap dressed in red felt capes. contact: 217-421-7435.
GREAT CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA
Glen Ellyn, June 29
Miles from Chicago: 27
Why: Building human-sized boats out of cardboard may seem a bit illogical, but the roots of the regatta are actually quite academic. Richard Archer, an SIU professor, thought of the idea in 1974 as a final exam for his freshman design class. Must see: There are plenty of prizes for contestants who complete at least three trips around a 200-yard course, but the “competition” for the Titanic Award is a real spectacle. It’s the prize given for the most spectacular sinking.
contact: 630-858-2462, ext. 22, or gcbr.com/events/ ge.html.
WORLD’S LARGEST CATSUP BOTTLE SUMMERFEST BIRTHDAY PARTY
Collinsville, July 7
Miles from Chicago: 281
Why: A celebration of Collinsville’s landmark, a 170-foot water tower built in 1949 for the bottlers of Brooks Old Original Rich & Tangy Catsup. The company is now headquartered in Canada, but Collinsville folks started the event four years ago as a way to celebrate their enormous roadside attraction. Must see: The guest of honor, the birthday bottle. There’s also a catsup tasting contest in which contestants try to pick the Brooks blend from several other varieties. contact: 618-345-5598 or www.catsupbottle.com.
ANTIQUE TRACTOR AND THRESHERMEN’S REUNION
Wilmington, July 18-21
Miles from Chicago: 57
Why: The mission of the Will County Threshermen’s Association is to honor and preserve America’s agricultural legacy. One way to accomplish that goal is to round up old farming equipment and party like it’s 1899. must see: The antique tractor pull. contact: 815-467-6303 or www.steamshow.org.
BAGELFEST
Mattoon, July 25-27
Miles from Chicago: 182
Why: The festival was born 18 years ago when Mattoon-based Lender’s Bagels decided to introduce their central Illinois neighbors to the East Coast treat. Must see: The world’s biggest bagel breakfast, featuring all-you-can-eat bagels. contact: 217-258-6286 or www.mattoonillinois. org.
BRATWURST DAYS
Sheboygan, Wis., Aug. 1-3
Miles from Chicago: 146
Why: It’s a brat lover’s nirvana, held in the Wisconsin town that takes sausage-making extremely seriously. The local Jaycees Club sponsors the event to celebrate the area’s German heritage and promote their town as the Bratwurst Capital of the World. Must see: The assortment of wacky brats and gourmet buns. Previous festivals have featured the likes of “bratzas” (mini-pizzas), bratwurst Reuben sandwiches and “bratsagne.” contact: 920-208-0852 or sheboyganjaycees.com.
WISCONSIN STATE COW CHIP THROW
Prairie du Sac, Wis., Aug. 30-31
Miles from Chicago: 175
Why: A local farmer and his wife started the contest in 1975 after they saw a similar competition advertised in an agriculture magazine. The event has grown with the passions of people looking for something to do with the stuff they step in. Now, whoever throws his chip the farthest wins a trip to a national competition in Beaver, Okla. Must see: In the kids’ competition, witness the amused or confused look of children who suddenly get to play with something their parents have long forbade. contact: 800-683-2453 or saukprairie.com.
BROOM CORN FESTIVAL
Arcola, Sept. 6-8
Miles from Chicago: 167
Why: It takes a special kind of corn to make a broom, and folks in this central Illinois town proudly say they’ve got the best. Now in its third decade, the festival is a celebration of sweepers big and small. Must see: The broom-making demonstrations and the parade with the Lawn Rangers, a drill team that walks through town pushing lawnmowers and throwing brooms. contact: 800-336-5456.
CROWFEST
Danville, Sept. 28
Miles from Chicago: 167
Why: Thousands of crows call Danville home-marking their territory on windshields and rooftops everywhere-so why not celebrate? The event was started last year as a way to turn the poop problem into a party. Must see: The 4-foot crow sculptures that line the streets of downtown. There’s also a crow-calling contest. contact: 217-443-3886.
