Crystal Lake celebrates kindness of legend
Crystal Lake residents and people from throughout the area recently enjoyed the Johnny Appleseed Festival.
The event is based on the legend of Johnny Appleseed, who was in reality a man named John Chapman, who lived from 1774 to 1845. Chapman introduced apple trees throughout sizable parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Ontario, and Pennsylvania. His generosity and kindness made him a legend while he was still alive, and his contribution has lived on with the nickname ‘Johnny Appleseed’.
Appleseed's story is brought to life yearly by Steve McPhail, a professional storyteller, when he entertains at the festival. One of his favorite activities is to hand out glass stones to children as he tells his stories, and watch their enjoyment. His gifts have become a tradition in Crystal Lake, with some people driving hours to get to the festival to receive one of the stones.
The family-friendly occasion featured a variety of entertainment, including rides, a farmers’ market, craft fair, scarecrow decorating, food, and contests. This is the 25th year the festival has been held.
The festival could not succeed without the help of volunteers, some 150 to 200 of whom come back year after year to help with the event. Money raised at the festival go to support the Main Street program, which promotes Crystal Lake's downtown.
For outdoor events, banners, which are sturdy and reusable, are often used to decorate the venue.
The event is based on the legend of Johnny Appleseed, who was in reality a man named John Chapman, who lived from 1774 to 1845. Chapman introduced apple trees throughout sizable parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Ontario, and Pennsylvania. His generosity and kindness made him a legend while he was still alive, and his contribution has lived on with the nickname ‘Johnny Appleseed’.
Appleseed's story is brought to life yearly by Steve McPhail, a professional storyteller, when he entertains at the festival. One of his favorite activities is to hand out glass stones to children as he tells his stories, and watch their enjoyment. His gifts have become a tradition in Crystal Lake, with some people driving hours to get to the festival to receive one of the stones.
The family-friendly occasion featured a variety of entertainment, including rides, a farmers’ market, craft fair, scarecrow decorating, food, and contests. This is the 25th year the festival has been held.
The festival could not succeed without the help of volunteers, some 150 to 200 of whom come back year after year to help with the event. Money raised at the festival go to support the Main Street program, which promotes Crystal Lake's downtown.
For outdoor events, banners, which are sturdy and reusable, are often used to decorate the venue.