Letter to the Editor: PrairieFest Truly is a Community Effort

We may be a small town, but we know how to throw a big party! What a terrific four days of PrairieFesting!

As PrairieFest Coordinator, and on behalf of the Oswegoland Park District, I would like to thank Presenting Sponsor Allied First Bank for their financial support. Also Title Sponsors Walmart, Oswego Community Bank, Allied Waste Services. The great bands, children’s entertainment, services, and publicity are possible because of the financial backing of our 40 plus business sponsors. We ask that you thank them all with your words and with your business.

Thanks to the Village of Oswego for the use of the Public Works building as a storm shelter and their adjacent lots for parking. Thanks to School District 308 for sharing their transportation building, parking lots, utility carts, and shuttle. Thanks to the Fire Protection District and paramedics for manning the EMT booth onsite to help with medical emergencies. A huge thank you to Captain Jensen and the entire Oswego Police Department for traffic control, parade support, and grounds security.

People ask what makes PrairieFest special. In one word, it’s community. Kudos to all who manned booths, worked the parade, organized tournaments, served pork chops, and caught ducks. Your contribution continues to add variety and energy to the festival.

Thanks to the many volunteers and to the dedicated “team” of Oswegoland Park District staff who work for months to bring you four days of festival fun. The weekend is exhausting, exhilarating, team building, and so rewarding.

And lastly, thanks to you, our residents and Fest guests, for your enthusiastic participation. It’s amazing that thousands of people gather so politely and joyfully. We witness random acts of thoughtfulness all week long. When rains challenged our parking situation, surrounding property owners called to offer their lots.

People found wallets on the grounds and turned them in to lost and found, with the cash in them. A woman on Wilmette Street came out of her home on a hot day to offer our gate volunteer some cold water and bug spray. We’re good to each other, and to our guests. It’s all of you who keep the Small Town in our Big Life here in Oswego.

June 14 – 17, 2012. See you there!

Margaret Gienger, PrairieFest Coordinator, Oswegoland Park District