Wow, just a few days 'til Christmas. I hope it's a wonderful time for you and yours.
Here in downtown Marengo, we've decorated the street with trees, each one sponsored by a different business or organization. This year's participants are:
Brandt's Pharmacy
Prairie Community Bank
Flatlander Market
Marengo United Methodist Church
Videotown
Marengo-Union Chamber of Commerce
Cherniak Family Chiropractic
Cub Scouts Pack 355
MCHS Thespians
Marengo Community Middle School
Locust School
Marengo Society for Historic Preservation
Thanks, everybody! You've certainly helped to make our Main Street festive this year.
In other downtown news, we have a new restaurant. Bocelli's, which offers fantastic Italian food in a beautiful atmosphere, is now open at 228 S. State Street (right on the corner of 20 & 23). They're open for dinner and their number is 568-8350.
I can personally vouch for their fettucini alfredo (because I had it last Thursday). It's fantastic!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Christmas Trees on State Street!
For the third year in a row, Marengo Main Street will be beautifying downtown with real Christmas trees in December. As always, these trees are available to any organization, school, church or business that would like to decorate one. There is no charge to sponsor a tree.
We will provide a sign on the tree with your group’s name on it. The trees will be set up by the City of Marengo on Monday, Dec 1, and we ask that you have yours decorated by Sunday, Dec 7. If this is your first time, your ornaments need to be weatherproof and unbreakable.
These 15 trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so call our office to reserve your tree TODAY!!!!! 568-8440
We will provide a sign on the tree with your group’s name on it. The trees will be set up by the City of Marengo on Monday, Dec 1, and we ask that you have yours decorated by Sunday, Dec 7. If this is your first time, your ornaments need to be weatherproof and unbreakable.
These 15 trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so call our office to reserve your tree TODAY!!!!! 568-8440
Friday, November 7, 2008
Downtown Doings
I hope you got to join us downtown on Halloween for "Trick or Treat on State Street."
We had a great crowd, and many clever costumes. My favorite was big sister as Little Bo Peep, and two younger brothers as her sheep.
The weather cooperated as well, and it was nice to have daylight a little later than we're used to, since Congress moved back the end of daylight savings time.
Right now, the brick dust and paintbrushes are flying, as building owners and their contractors race the coming winter to spruce up our downtown buildings. Things are really looking good. If you haven't been down here in a few weeks, you should swing by. You'll see some pretty amazing changes.
We had a great crowd, and many clever costumes. My favorite was big sister as Little Bo Peep, and two younger brothers as her sheep.
The weather cooperated as well, and it was nice to have daylight a little later than we're used to, since Congress moved back the end of daylight savings time.
Right now, the brick dust and paintbrushes are flying, as building owners and their contractors race the coming winter to spruce up our downtown buildings. Things are really looking good. If you haven't been down here in a few weeks, you should swing by. You'll see some pretty amazing changes.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Saturday Night on Main Street- calling all volunteers!
This is where we'll be tracking our list of volunteers for Saturday Night on Main Street. Just call or email me with the times you're available to help, and I'll plug your name in here. Thanks!!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 5-10pm
Booth
4-5pm (Set-up)
Ryan Varney
Peter Gitta
5-6pm
Amy Thiede
Kelly Hall
6-7pm
Carolyn Saar
7-8pm
8-9pm
9-10pm
Gene Carroccia
10-11pm (Tear-down)
Ryan Varney
Peter Gitta
Pam Gitta
Street
5-10pm
John Wyrostek
Pam Gitta
Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 5-10pm
Booth
4-5pm (Set-up)
Ryan Varney
Peter Gitta
5-6pm
Amy Thiede
Kelly Hall
6-7pm
Carolyn Saar
7-8pm
8-9pm
9-10pm
Gene Carroccia
10-11pm (Tear-down)
Ryan Varney
Peter Gitta
Pam Gitta
Street
5-10pm
John Wyrostek
Pam Gitta
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Throwdown is history...in more ways than one
Well, our first-ever Sweet Corn Throwdown is over. Despite the cloudy and insanely humid weather, about 150 folks turned out for a day of corn, corn, and....corn!
We had corn roasted, pureed, baked, boiled and buttered. We had it out of a copper kettle. We even had it turned into ice cream!
And yes, all of it was delicious. Just ask our judges. I think they had the most fun of everyone.
Our lucky winners were:
A big THANKS to our judges for their time and the careful consideration they gave to their decisions: Mario Pizzoferrato of Purdom Farms; Dist. 165 Superintendent Lea Damisch; Locust School Principal Suellen Lopez; Chris Krug of the Northwest Herald; and Marengo’s mayor, Don Lockhart.
Another big hit of the day was our cookbooks, featuring all the entered recipes. We still have some available in our office and at Flatlander Market for only $10 each. We also have t-shirts! They're quite snazzy...bright red with our Throwdown logo on the back. A few select sizes are available, also for $10. If you'd like more info, give our office a call. 568-8440
We had corn roasted, pureed, baked, boiled and buttered. We had it out of a copper kettle. We even had it turned into ice cream!
And yes, all of it was delicious. Just ask our judges. I think they had the most fun of everyone.
Our lucky winners were:
- Appetizer: 1st place, Ryan Varney. 2nd place, Shirley Kitchen
- Main dish: 1st place, Wilma Buchanan. 2nd place, Molly Wyrostek
- Side Dish: 1st place, Jeanne Spear. 2nd place, Colleen Helfers
- Dessert: 1st place, John & Kaylee Wyrostek. 2nd place, Rocco Gailloreto
- Miscellaneous: 1st place, Rocco Gailloreto. 2nd place, Alice Mijanovich.
A big THANKS to our judges for their time and the careful consideration they gave to their decisions: Mario Pizzoferrato of Purdom Farms; Dist. 165 Superintendent Lea Damisch; Locust School Principal Suellen Lopez; Chris Krug of the Northwest Herald; and Marengo’s mayor, Don Lockhart.
Another big hit of the day was our cookbooks, featuring all the entered recipes. We still have some available in our office and at Flatlander Market for only $10 each. We also have t-shirts! They're quite snazzy...bright red with our Throwdown logo on the back. A few select sizes are available, also for $10. If you'd like more info, give our office a call. 568-8440
Thursday, August 21, 2008
It's time to Throw Down
The Sweet Corn Throwdown is only two days away!
In a shocking turn of events, Harvard pulled out of the competition only last Friday. But the show is going on. We have plenty of fun planned for the day, which will be capped off by the announcement of the winners in the MARENGO VS. MARENGO SWEET CORN THROWDOWN!!!!
Competition will be stiff, for sure, with multiple entries in all five categories. I hope our judges come to the table good and hungry.
If anyone else is hungry, I'm pleased to report that Cody's Farm Fresh Vegetables will be selling roasted sweet corn and hot dogs. All of this will happen to the accompaniment of live music by Cassandra Vohs-Demann. We're also holding a book signing with local author Hilda Creasy, plus plenty of other fun & games, so there's lots to see and do (even if Harvard did CHICKEN OUT).
See you there this Saturday, August 23. "Gates open" at 11am, music and judging begin at noon.
In a shocking turn of events, Harvard pulled out of the competition only last Friday. But the show is going on. We have plenty of fun planned for the day, which will be capped off by the announcement of the winners in the MARENGO VS. MARENGO SWEET CORN THROWDOWN!!!!
Competition will be stiff, for sure, with multiple entries in all five categories. I hope our judges come to the table good and hungry.
If anyone else is hungry, I'm pleased to report that Cody's Farm Fresh Vegetables will be selling roasted sweet corn and hot dogs. All of this will happen to the accompaniment of live music by Cassandra Vohs-Demann. We're also holding a book signing with local author Hilda Creasy, plus plenty of other fun & games, so there's lots to see and do (even if Harvard did CHICKEN OUT).
See you there this Saturday, August 23. "Gates open" at 11am, music and judging begin at noon.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Throwdown deadline extended
You now have until August 15 to get your entry in for the Throwdown!
All the other rules still apply: entry form & recipe, plus entry fee of $20, turned into this office by 4:00pm on August 15, 2008.
Forms are available on our website: www.marengomainstreet.org
As always, call us with any questions: 568-8440
All the other rules still apply: entry form & recipe, plus entry fee of $20, turned into this office by 4:00pm on August 15, 2008.
Forms are available on our website: www.marengomainstreet.org
As always, call us with any questions: 568-8440
Sunday, July 27, 2008
This is it, folks...
.
Only one week left to get your entry in for the Marengo vs. Harvard Sweet Corn Throwdown!
Fame and fortune await YOU, but only if you get your entry in on time. Download an entry form at our website: www.marengomainstreet.org
All entrants must have their entry form, recipe and fee ($20 per entry) in our office by 4:00pm on Monday, August 4. Don't miss out on all the fun!
Only one week left to get your entry in for the Marengo vs. Harvard Sweet Corn Throwdown!
Fame and fortune await YOU, but only if you get your entry in on time. Download an entry form at our website: www.marengomainstreet.org
All entrants must have their entry form, recipe and fee ($20 per entry) in our office by 4:00pm on Monday, August 4. Don't miss out on all the fun!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
We're about to make history: the Marengo vs. Harvard Sweet Corn Throwdown
We’ve all heard of Chili Cookoffs. We’ve seen the pies and pickles competing at the county fair. But to the best of our knowledge, this kind of contest has never been attempted anywhere.
For one day only, August 23, 2008, the finest cooks in Harvard and Marengo will put their reputations on the line, showing their best recipes, with every dish featuring sweet corn from one of our town’s local farms.
For Marengo, the sweet corn provider will be Cody’s Farm Fresh Vegetables. Harvard will be using the world-famous (so they tell us) Mirai Sweet Corn.
What’s at stake? FAME AND FORTUNE!!
To the winner in each category (there are five) goes glory and a hundred bucks! Our 2nd Place finisher in each category wins $50. We’re also in talks to get the winning recipes possibly featured at one or more of our local restaurants.
And, there will be a cookbook featuring all entered recipes. Entrants receive the cookbook free, and it will also be on sale to the public both during and after the event.
The five categories are:
· Appetizers
· Salad/ Side dish
· Main Course
· Baked goods/ Dessert
· Miscellaneous
Entries will be judged for presentation, creativity, taste, and use of sweet corn.
There is an entry fee of $20 per entry. You may enter up to three categories, but only once in each category.
Here’s the important part: if you want to enter the contest, we must have your entry form, recipe and fee in our office by Monday, August 4. (We gotta have a few weeks to put that snazzy cookbook together.)
On the big day itself, we’re planning to have games galore, crazy contests, and of course, sweet corn "on the cob." All the fun will be happening on E. Washington & State St. from 11am-5pm, August 23.
Entry forms are at our website, www.marengomainstreet.org or you can call our office at 568-8440 and we’ll get you one.
Let’s kick some Harvard hiney!!!
For one day only, August 23, 2008, the finest cooks in Harvard and Marengo will put their reputations on the line, showing their best recipes, with every dish featuring sweet corn from one of our town’s local farms.
For Marengo, the sweet corn provider will be Cody’s Farm Fresh Vegetables. Harvard will be using the world-famous (so they tell us) Mirai Sweet Corn.
What’s at stake? FAME AND FORTUNE!!
To the winner in each category (there are five) goes glory and a hundred bucks! Our 2nd Place finisher in each category wins $50. We’re also in talks to get the winning recipes possibly featured at one or more of our local restaurants.
And, there will be a cookbook featuring all entered recipes. Entrants receive the cookbook free, and it will also be on sale to the public both during and after the event.
The five categories are:
· Appetizers
· Salad/ Side dish
· Main Course
· Baked goods/ Dessert
· Miscellaneous
Entries will be judged for presentation, creativity, taste, and use of sweet corn.
There is an entry fee of $20 per entry. You may enter up to three categories, but only once in each category.
Here’s the important part: if you want to enter the contest, we must have your entry form, recipe and fee in our office by Monday, August 4. (We gotta have a few weeks to put that snazzy cookbook together.)
On the big day itself, we’re planning to have games galore, crazy contests, and of course, sweet corn "on the cob." All the fun will be happening on E. Washington & State St. from 11am-5pm, August 23.
Entry forms are at our website, www.marengomainstreet.org or you can call our office at 568-8440 and we’ll get you one.
Let’s kick some Harvard hiney!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Putt-Putt 2008 People's Choice Award
The votes are in and the trophy is on display. Let's hear it for the Marengo Fire Department!
They collected over 20% of all votes cast. That's quite an accomplishment. And they've assured me they're going to be bigger and better next year, so let that be a challenge to all our participants.
Congrats to the winners:
1st Place: Marengo Fire Protection District
2nd Place: Westlake Community Church
3rd Place: Cambridge Dental
Watch our website http://www.marengomainstreet.org/--we'll have photos of Putt-Putt 2008 up soon.
They collected over 20% of all votes cast. That's quite an accomplishment. And they've assured me they're going to be bigger and better next year, so let that be a challenge to all our participants.
Congrats to the winners:
1st Place: Marengo Fire Protection District
2nd Place: Westlake Community Church
3rd Place: Cambridge Dental
Watch our website http://www.marengomainstreet.org/--we'll have photos of Putt-Putt 2008 up soon.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The 2008 Putt-Putt Challenge is history!
What a glorious day we had for Putt-Putt. It rained, but not until the crowds had slowed to a trickle and everyone had golfed their fill. And when the rain came, it didn't stay long. So, all in all, the day was a definite success.
We had a huge pile of winners in our raffle. We'll be calling everyone, but if you see your name here before we call you, you can come pick up your prize. Our office is open M-F from 9am to noon, and we'll be open this Saturday, June 21, from 10am-2pm.
With no further ado, here are our winners:
Girl's mountain bike, donated by Illinois Alliance Insurance: Rebecca Crane
Carhartt hat, donated by Bobby's Shoe Store: Brian Maxwell
Free pizza from Joe's: Jim Roudabush and Pam Bienick
Goody bag from Marengo Coins: Joyce Danna, Diane Phillips, Jack Hoschauer, Austin Tenglin, Lily Stanley
Red Book of US Coins from Marengo Coins: George Regas, Ada Thurow, and Mary Kanaly
$25 Marengo-Union Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, donated by Centegra Health System: Patty Harms, Devin Kanaly, Elaine Beringer, Stephanie Mier, Marilyn Votava, David Van Bibber, Dustin Von Eyser, Harold Heinberg, Jessica Bindeau, and James Mier
Cookbook from Centegra Health System: Liz Christenson, Rachel Patterson, Bill Brandt, JoAnne Younger, Laura Rogers, Jerry Hinesley, Bryan Millard, Kristi Wickboldt, Curtis Voss, Mary Foster, Keenan DeBoer, Kyle Alt, Ted Schenk, Jacob Patterson, Tim Teliszizak, Kevin Barnes, Bruce Burrow, Richie Brink, Nicole Alvis, and Chad Tenglin
Tastefully Simple gift boxes, donated by A thru Z Resale & Consignment: Kaylee Wyrostek, Andrew Millard
Official Putt-Putt polo shirts, donated by Levin's Shoes and Dry Goods: Larissa Melnytschuk, Jon Heftrig, Sarah Jefferson
Goody basket from ReMax Connections II: Sarah Molbeck
"Littlest Pet Shop" from ReMax Connections II: Stephanie Egan
"Tornado" from ReMax Connections II: Mike Hopper
Webkinz from Brandt's Pharmacy: Penny Devitt, Cheyanne Hinz, Corey Pittman, Ashley Borhart, Laura Martin, Kendall Meyer, Kelsey Martin, Sara McQueeny, Lauren Marema, Molly Wyrostek
Nerf football, donated by Lindsay Auto: Mikey Hardesty, Jakob Brink, Jarrett Burno, Nicholas Barnes, Abraham Rakin, Randy Aitken, Brendan Lahey, Craig Olson, Corey Shazur, Luke Keenum
$20 gift certificate from Wisted's: Diane Olson, Nancy Anderson, Dale Anderson, Jon Brunschon, Grace Phillips, Jordon Sauceda, Michele Piske, Ryan Kengott, Brandon Vehrs, and Louise Beeck
Candles donated by The Italian Club of Marengo: Avery Fashingbauer and Hannah Olsen
Candle garden donated by The Italian Club of Marengo: Meredith Angelo
Tool set donated by The Italian Club of Marengo: Jacob Piske
Gift certificate and goody box from Country Gentleman: James Bartell
$25 gift certificate from Marengo Greenhouse & Florist: Pat Meade, Elizabeth Coffey, and Terry Nowakowski
Congratulations to all our prize winners!
We had a huge pile of winners in our raffle. We'll be calling everyone, but if you see your name here before we call you, you can come pick up your prize. Our office is open M-F from 9am to noon, and we'll be open this Saturday, June 21, from 10am-2pm.
With no further ado, here are our winners:
Girl's mountain bike, donated by Illinois Alliance Insurance: Rebecca Crane
Carhartt hat, donated by Bobby's Shoe Store: Brian Maxwell
Free pizza from Joe's: Jim Roudabush and Pam Bienick
Goody bag from Marengo Coins: Joyce Danna, Diane Phillips, Jack Hoschauer, Austin Tenglin, Lily Stanley
Red Book of US Coins from Marengo Coins: George Regas, Ada Thurow, and Mary Kanaly
$25 Marengo-Union Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, donated by Centegra Health System: Patty Harms, Devin Kanaly, Elaine Beringer, Stephanie Mier, Marilyn Votava, David Van Bibber, Dustin Von Eyser, Harold Heinberg, Jessica Bindeau, and James Mier
Cookbook from Centegra Health System: Liz Christenson, Rachel Patterson, Bill Brandt, JoAnne Younger, Laura Rogers, Jerry Hinesley, Bryan Millard, Kristi Wickboldt, Curtis Voss, Mary Foster, Keenan DeBoer, Kyle Alt, Ted Schenk, Jacob Patterson, Tim Teliszizak, Kevin Barnes, Bruce Burrow, Richie Brink, Nicole Alvis, and Chad Tenglin
Tastefully Simple gift boxes, donated by A thru Z Resale & Consignment: Kaylee Wyrostek, Andrew Millard
Official Putt-Putt polo shirts, donated by Levin's Shoes and Dry Goods: Larissa Melnytschuk, Jon Heftrig, Sarah Jefferson
Goody basket from ReMax Connections II: Sarah Molbeck
"Littlest Pet Shop" from ReMax Connections II: Stephanie Egan
"Tornado" from ReMax Connections II: Mike Hopper
Webkinz from Brandt's Pharmacy: Penny Devitt, Cheyanne Hinz, Corey Pittman, Ashley Borhart, Laura Martin, Kendall Meyer, Kelsey Martin, Sara McQueeny, Lauren Marema, Molly Wyrostek
Nerf football, donated by Lindsay Auto: Mikey Hardesty, Jakob Brink, Jarrett Burno, Nicholas Barnes, Abraham Rakin, Randy Aitken, Brendan Lahey, Craig Olson, Corey Shazur, Luke Keenum
$20 gift certificate from Wisted's: Diane Olson, Nancy Anderson, Dale Anderson, Jon Brunschon, Grace Phillips, Jordon Sauceda, Michele Piske, Ryan Kengott, Brandon Vehrs, and Louise Beeck
Candles donated by The Italian Club of Marengo: Avery Fashingbauer and Hannah Olsen
Candle garden donated by The Italian Club of Marengo: Meredith Angelo
Tool set donated by The Italian Club of Marengo: Jacob Piske
Gift certificate and goody box from Country Gentleman: James Bartell
$25 gift certificate from Marengo Greenhouse & Florist: Pat Meade, Elizabeth Coffey, and Terry Nowakowski
Congratulations to all our prize winners!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Countdown to Putt-Putt: THREE DAYS
It's almost here...the 2008 Putt-Putt Challenge!
The weather gods are smiling upon us, with promises of 84 and sunny.
The fun begins at 11am, as our 22-hole golf course opens for your putting pleasure at only $2 a ball (which you get to keep). There will be surprise giveaways, and food at our special food court and tent set up in the municipal parking lot behind Brandt's Pharmacy, in addition to our established and popular State Street restaurants.
The registration desk will close at 6pm, but the course will remain open until 7:00.
We'll close the night with a raffle at 7pm, featuring such prizes as a girl's mountain bike, WEBKINZ, Tastefully Simple goodie boxes, and much more. You get a free raffle ticket with your golf ball, and you don't have to be at the raffle to claim your prize. We'll let you know if you're one of the lucky winners.
Our entrants are working hard (and in secret) to make this year's course even better than last year. After all, there is a trophy and untold glory ready to be bestowed upon the winner of the "Best Hole" contest judged by YOU, our Putt-Putt Challenge participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The weather gods are smiling upon us, with promises of 84 and sunny.
The fun begins at 11am, as our 22-hole golf course opens for your putting pleasure at only $2 a ball (which you get to keep). There will be surprise giveaways, and food at our special food court and tent set up in the municipal parking lot behind Brandt's Pharmacy, in addition to our established and popular State Street restaurants.
The registration desk will close at 6pm, but the course will remain open until 7:00.
We'll close the night with a raffle at 7pm, featuring such prizes as a girl's mountain bike, WEBKINZ, Tastefully Simple goodie boxes, and much more. You get a free raffle ticket with your golf ball, and you don't have to be at the raffle to claim your prize. We'll let you know if you're one of the lucky winners.
Our entrants are working hard (and in secret) to make this year's course even better than last year. After all, there is a trophy and untold glory ready to be bestowed upon the winner of the "Best Hole" contest judged by YOU, our Putt-Putt Challenge participants.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)