'Never had a nicer day'

A crowd enjoys Tuesday's activities during the Dave's Customer Appreciation Pig-Out in Fairbury.

Organizers of Tuesday’s Customer Appreciation Pig-Out at Dave’s Supermarket in Fairbury couldn’t have asked for a better day.

The large crowd said it all as visitors lined-up in the east parking lot to enjoy a lunch of pulled pork, hot dogs, chips and watermelon.

“We’ve never had a nicer day than today with no humidity, a cool breeze and sun,” said Mark Steffen of Dave’s. “I couldn’t tell you how many decades we’ve been doing this but I will say we are blessed with the nicest day.”

Mark’s son, Justin Steffen, seemed to agree.

“We feel very blessed,” he noted. “We’ve experienced many Pig-Outs over the years with heat or the potential of rain.”

The day seems to get bigger each year and this year was especially significant since it fell during the big Dave’s Supermarket 75th anniversary celebration.

“I remember coming as a kid, whether it was helping out with the golf game or baggo,” recalled Justin.

Justin referred to the store as a “home away from home” growing up as he continues to have many fond memories of the family-owned business in the heart of Fairbury. He felt thankfulness and gratefulness on Tuesday.

Brian Steffen can’t help but think of his father and store founder, the late Dave Steffen, on this day.

“It’s not the same without him sitting along the wall. He used to be working like crazy.”

Now the fourth generation is lending a hand as Justin’s kids were helping at the event.

Mark remembers when the store’s customer appreciation day featured burgers for lunch and again at supper. He has been around the store his whole life, like many others in the family.

“I started bagging potatoes for two cents a bag, then I got promoted to sorting pop bottles for 80 cents an hour,” said Mark.

Sorting often took place in all types of weather such as rain, snow and sleet in the gravel alley.

Brian has memories walking back and forth from the store to the family home on Willow Street at the time. He would also help sort pop bottles after school.

“There are countless memories of growing up as a kid in the place like riding bikes in the aisles,” explained Brian. “All of my friends were at the swimming pool but I eventually got there.”

Ask any customer and they will probably tell you a memory or two that they have at the legendary grocery store.

The Golden Embers perform at Tuesday's Pig-Out at Dave's Supermarket.

Matt Zehr and Justin Steffen of Dave's Supermarket serve customers Tuesday afternoon.