Fairbury’s Freedom Festival planned for this Saturday was given the green light during the Fairbury City Council meeting Wednesday night.
Council members authorized the request for the festival to be held at Marsh Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. sponsored by Fairbury Echoes Museum. Musical entertainment will include the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band at 1 p.m. and the Twin Cities Brass Quintet at 3 p.m.
Food vendors include Woody & Bubba’s BBQ and Charity Home Rebekah Lodge #112. Highlights include children’s activities from the Boys and Girls Club, Master Gardeners demonstration, handcrafted wood toys, hit and miss engines and antique automobiles.
“We’ve missed it for two years,” said volunteer Mary Catherine Carter. “It’s time to get it back.”
Saturday’s event is free to attend.
“For our insurance, we have to approve any events in the park for liability,” explained City Superintendent Brett Ashburn.
“It’s a great event and we appreciate the effort,” added Alderman Gary Norris.
Also at Wednesday’s regular council meeting, Dominy Library director Amanda Todd gave an update. Dominy is currently conducting a community survey which is posted on the library website. Those who give feedback will be entered into a drawing for local business gift cards.
Todd also previewed a special event on July 16 featuring a barbershop quartet and ice cream on the library lawn.
“We are very committed to being community minded,” said Todd.
Fire Chief Martin Steidinger reported on a mishap at the races Saturday night where the department’s suburban slid down into one of the push trucks. Steidinger thought the city paid $1500 for the vehicle about 12 years ago when it was purchased.
“Every panel on the driver’s side is dented up.”
Steidinger said they will be looking for something to replace it with.
“Whose fault is it? I don’t know,” he added.
Superintendent Ashburn noted a fiber company is looking to expand across town with the hope of being done before winter hits. This means residents would be able to eventually sign-up for fiber internet with Metro. They will be added to the list of available utilities.
“You’ll see them around town soon,” Ashburn said.
Alderman Gary Norris gave a swimming pool update. Around 250 swimmers came out on a recent hot day and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. will be family swim night which is $5 for the first four members of a family and an additional dollar for each person after that with pizza available.
“The staff is doing a good job out there,” Norris said.
An application for alcohol sales and consumption on city property from Crazy Crains was approved. The business will hold a concert July 23 with the band Seasonal Disorder and Sept. 17 with the Silver Creek Band. Both events are slated to take place from 7 to 11 p.m.
The consent agenda was approved, including June 1 minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report and sidewalk request for 508 S. 7th Street.
