Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:22 PM CDT
New lineup of music and shows awaits Casey
Popcorn Festival-goers
By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer
rstroud@jg-tc.com
CASEY — A nearly all-new lineup of main stage music acts and afternoon shows is in store for the upcoming Popcorn Festival.
The festival also will feature free popcorn, a carnival, an arts and crafts show, food booths and hot air balloon displays. Area children and adults with disabilities are invited to take a free morning or evening ride in the Serena’s Song wheelchair-accessible balloon during the festival.
Bernie Morgan, co-chairman of the festival, said organizers have booked a variety of new acts to provide free entertainment at the 21st annual festival, scheduled for Saturday through Monday in Casey’s Fairview Park.
“We need to keep the festival fresh,” Morgan explained.
New main stage acts include country from Rock Bottom at 2 p.m. followed by 50-60s music from Golden Oldies at 8 p.m. Saturday, southern gospel from Fortress at 3 p.m. followed by Cash and Presley gospel music from Blue Suede Crew with Servant Quartet at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and classic rock from Aurora Bend at 1 and 5 p.m. Monday.
Young Turks, a Rod Stewart tribute band, will make a return performance at 8 p.m. Sunday on the main stage.
“They just absolutely wowed the crowd last year,” Morgan said.
There will be three afternoon shows each day in the park from a new lineup of acts. They include the Kidbucks Game Show interactive event for children; the Todd Charles musical comedy, circus arts and magic show; and The Bassmeister “Fishing for Laughs” angling education show.
While taking in the entertainment, festival-goers can dine on food from a variety of vendors in the shady park and snack on the festival’s namesake popcorn.
“We will pop 1,500 pounds plus of popcorn every year,” Morgan said of the festival’s volunteers.
Other daily attractions at the festival will include an arts and crafts show, a petting zoo, pony rides, a carnival and Illinois Tomahawk Throwers competitions.
Hot air balloons will be on display at 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by an “evening glow” display after dark.
The Serena’s Song balloon will make a return appearance this year to once again offer free rides to those with disabilities. The rides are scheduled for approximately 6-9 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. all three days, weather permitting.
Owner Gary Waldman of Cushing, Iowa, started the balloon program in 1985 so other people with disabilities could share in the joy that hot air ballooning has brought to his daughter, Serena, who has cerebral palsy, he said.
“It’s a moving experience. You can’t put it into words,” Morgan said of watching Serena’s Song give rides last year.
Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 348-5734.
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