History History News Yes They Said That General Reach For The Heights
Reach For The Heights
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- Published on Tuesday, 01 May 2012 16:19
- Written by Paul Gordon
Peoria Heights has Duryea Days and other events each summer
Peoria Heights has long been known for its quaint shops along its main drag of Prospect Road, a favorite spot for walkers to spend a quiet afternoon.
But its main event each summer has to do with an automobile, the only one ever designed and made in the region, called the Duryea.
The Duryea originally came out of Peoria Heights and each year the village celebrates it with Duryea Days. The 8th Annual celebration is set for June 22 and 23, with most of the event happening at Tower Park, the village's top public venue.
"It is certainly our biggest and most comprehensive event each year. It's just a lot of fun for the whole family," said Pat Drake, president of the Peoria Heights Chamber of Commerce.
The top events are the Thunder in the Heights Car Show starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 and the Little Miss Duryea contest that same night. But there is more to the event than those things, Drake said.
On Friday there is live country music, food and beer from several vendors and a Kiss The Pig contest, which raises money for charity. This year's proceeds are earmarked for Wildlife Prairie Park.
"We feel there is a connection of sorts to Wildlife Prairie Park because its founder Bill Rutherford was closely associated to the Heights," she said of the former Peoria Heights resident. As part of the event this year, officials from Wildlife Prairie Park will bring some animals for people to see on Saturday, she added.
Prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m. Saturday for the various classes in the Car Show, including a Best of Show.
The Little Miss Duryea contest has three age classes — 3 and 4, 5 through 7 and 8 through 10 — and there will be one winner per group. From there one group winner is chosen to be the official Little Miss Duryea. The 2011 winner was 8-year-old Rachel Kocher.
Judging in the Little Miss Duryea contest is based on costuming (this year's theme is country), stage presence and an interview with judges, Drake said.
A book fair featuring local authors is also scheduled during the event.
The Chamber's partner for this year's event is the Gen. Wayne A. Downing American Legion Post 1111, Drake said.
The Art Fair is scheduled for May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., also in Tower Park. Drake said it is a "juried art show," meaning participants had to apply for admission. "This is not a craft show. We accept only original art," she said. "We had 70 artists last year."
On Aug. 3 and 4 the village hosts a Music Fest at Tower Park. Sponsored by the village, it will offer various types of music over the course of the weekend, Drake said.
