Archive of Collages
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Festivals

2007

Trinity Lutheran Church's OctoberFest
Every October, Trinity Lutheran celebrates its German heritage with a traditional dinner, and what is sometimes described as an adult beverage.
Aug 27th Storm
On August 27, 2007, West Chicago and all western suburbs of Chicago were hit by severe thunderstorms which resulted in extensive damage and widespread power outages.  A roof of a warehouse in the industrial park collapsed resulting in injuries and national TV coverage.  This collage is damage to hundred year old trees in the 500 block of Claremont Ave, on West Chicago's north end.  Sharon Lemon took the pictures as crews were clearing the street.


 

B25, B24, and B17 At Dupage Airport
"This is the inaugural visit for the B-25.  "The (B-25) Mitchell will be flying with the 17 and 24. This collection of aircraft is the only type in the world as far as living history," Chaney said. "We've had a real groundswell of interest as far as the plane being part of the tour. We've slowly integrated it. It's been a great addition." " -  Daily Herald

 

Video of WWII Vintage Airplanes Landing at DuPage
Almost perfectly on time, a B25, a B24, and a B17 landed at DuPage Air Port and taxied into a line on the ramp for inspection by area residents.  A version with less resolution, lower quality, is provided at the link to the left for people with slower internet connectiuons.

 
Rail Road Days Parade
"The parade Sunday again was community oriented with the participation of businesses, churches, clubs, organizations, local area politicians and residents, with both the participants and watchers equally having a good time. Winning the Grand Marshal award was the Park District's float, the Turner Award was Dollar Tree and the Heritage Award was the West Chicago Youth Football" - Merl Burleigh
Rail Road Days Festival
"Railroad Days was a fun and successful event and the weather could not have been better for a summer festival. At the July 16 City Council meeting, Mayor Michael Kwasman said the chamber did an outstanding job and extended special thanks to the members of the park district, city staff and the police department." - Merle Burleigh
International Arya Moha Sammelan Parade
On Saturday, 07 July 2007, members of Arya Maha, a New Delhi, India-based Hindu movement, as part of their international convention, marched from the Arya Samaj center to city hall to be greeted by local officials. The parade closed off Rt. 59 for about 15 minutes.
Annual Winfield Township Meeting
Held on April 10, 2007 at the West Chicago City Hall, this "New England Town Meeting" is an opportunity for local voters to propose, advocate, and vote on any issue for which they can get a second.  Decisions are binding on the township government that is usually run by a board of elected representatives.

 
2006
Election Day
City Worker Strike
Strike by City workers
 

Heritage Days 2006
 ... the festival formerly known as Rail Road Days ... now Genenric Days

Videos
2005
Veterans Day
Fire Department Open House
Calypso
Fishing
Memorial Day
West Chicago Blooming
2004
Frosty Fest
  

Geometry Class Fun
CHS students from Mr. Eric Lasky's geometry class used principles of geometry in the construction of mini-golf course holes. The project was funded by the CHS D94 Education Foundation with a golf course design architectural firm The Ives/Ryan Group as the corporate sponsor.

 
 

Homecoming
 
District 33 Opening Day Luncheon
 
80 and Over Tea
The 2004 "80 and Over Tea" was sponsored by Auxiliary Unit 300, American Legion Post 300, Senior Council, and West Chicago Park District.  Attended by 9 over 90's and 16 over 80's, the oldest there included Marion Wright, age 96, and Mabel Karp, age 93.
Rail Road Days Parade Awards
 
Rail Road Days
In 2003, the Chamber was the major sponsor and organizer of both of West Chicago's festivals.  Rail Road Days celebrates West Chicago's 150 year heritage as a Victorian rail road town.  The small town 4 day picnic includes food, music, carnival, fireworks and a parade.  You can find out more at www.wegofestivals.org.
Fire Protection Week
Chamber Car Show
Memorial Day
 
John Mink Honored
John Mink, the Superintendent of  Elementary School District #33 is honored by the board and fellow administrators during a school board reception preceding a regular meeting.
Operation Yellow Ribbon is a support organization for our soldiers overseas and their families here.  This is what concern and caring look like.
Support for the Troops
Members of the VFW have adopted a unit serving in the mid-east.  They box up "care packages" for distribution to the troops.
2003
Frost Fest 2003 got a new venue.  Previously, the event was held down town, in or about the Community Center and the city's Christmas tree which is erected over the top of the old fountain.  This year, it moved completely indoors at the high school.
Veterans Day
D33 retirement Party for Karen Mulatierri
What do you do when the head of the bilingual program accepts a position with the state education office... you throw Karen a party with Mexican food and a mariachi band.
Halloween 2003 ... Chamber Pumpkin Carving Contest
 
 

Potluck Dinner for Seniors
Each summer the Fire Department teams with the Park District for a potluck dinner for seniors.
PTO Council Meeting
How do members of the school board and administration keep their fingers on the pulse of the people.  One way is a monthly meeting with the presidents of the Parent Teachers Organizations.  This was the September meeting.
RailRoad Days 2003  
Stan Lemon Graduates from West Chicago High School
Transfer Site Rally
2003 brought to West Chicago the threat of a second waste transfer site on Powis Road.  This is a collage of the protest meeting prior to County hearings on the proposal.
Flag Day Retirement of the Colors
Troop 615 reports for duty with the American Legion and the VFW each year on Flag Day to retire soiled or tattered flags as prescribed by law, by respectful burning.  Citizens with flags that have seen better days are urged to turn them in with either organization for correct disposal.  The flags don't belong in landfills.
Opening Day Luncheon
 
Annual Spring Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing
 
2002
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Each fall, West Chicago has its Mexican Independence Day celebration.  One of the highpoints is the carnival.  The collage on the left is from 2002.  It shows what is really important about the event... smiling faces.
2002 Mexican Heritage Days Parade
Mayor Fortner in sombrero... Former Mayor Rennels in sun glasses... the 5 foot tall officer looking like Mr. Clean... the parade during the 2002 Mexican Heritage Days parade was more than motorcycles, jeeps, and horses.  It was hometown fun.