DARLINGTON — The Darlington community celebrated its big birthday Saturday, July 27 with a bash that spread throughout the small city. The various forms of entertainment was encompassed with music, trolley rides through history, caricature drawings, food trucks, inflatables, and a celebration block party that lasted throughout most of the night.
The day started with pancakes supplied by the Darlington Fire Department. The flapjacks and fixings were a delight for patrons to eat while they admired the firetrucks and the firehouse at the end of Cornelia Street.
Running enthusiasts signed up for the 1 mile/5K run and walk at the Pecatonica River Trails Park. All ages of runners participated as the sun was high in the sky, but the temperatures remained cool enough to hold the event.
The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society (LCHGS) offered educational rides through Darlington, highlighting the various sites that add historic charm throughout the downtown. The tour started at the Darlington Depot. Visitors toured the museum and caboose while there, then the travels followed to other sites, including the Pump House, stock yards, lumberyards, Button Factory site, Lafayette County Courthouse, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, former school/Municipal Building, Methodist Church, site of lynching, Erickson Funeral Home, Carnegie Library, Old Baptist Church, Stone Out House, Hobo Quarry, The Spring, Darlington Festival Grounds, Veteran’s Memorial and the Civil War Soldier’s Monument.
The craft and vendors were plentiful as various participants sold items that were either edible, homemade, or made awareness for a cause. Some of the vendor included Nikki Larson of Be Still and Know, Be You Be True Boutique, Mary Berg of Chapel Street Candles, Kathryn Olmstead of Color Street Nails, Community Health, Driver Opera House, Ellen’s Treasures, Katie McLuckie with Faithful Hills LLC, Family Advocates, Holden’s Heart homemade sun-catchers, Alexis Martens of Lex’s Sweets and Things, Peggy Davis with her quilts, notations, and creations, Deb Pickett and Elizabeth Wiegel from Southwest Graphics showcasing books, note cards, and postcards; Southwest Health; Christina Acherman with her Squirrelly Girl Soaps, creations and gifts; Jami Boss, showcasing her lawn decor and metalworks, as The Sign Boss; and Vicki Scescke with her Sweet Life purses and bags.
The inflatable carnival-style entertainment displayed some big trucks, the Scooby Doo van, along with some slides that looked like a lot of fun. “Climb in the Cab” big truck event, was showcased in the parking lot of Piggly Wiggly, just across the Festival Grounds. Kids and adults were allowed to climb in the driver’s seat to get a glimpse of how it looks to be behind the wheel of some of the largest and most unique trucks on the road.
The 175th Celebration program started at noon, with Darlington Chamber/Main Street Executive Director, Kristen May, addressing the community. After giving her address, she introduced Mayor Mike McDermott, who mirrored his excitement of the day at the Festival Grounds.
Legislative Representative Todd Novak and Senator Howard Marklein presented McDermott with the Executive Citation marking the community’s founding, and the reason for the 175th Celebration.
In his speech, Marklein spoke about the milestones of Darlington such as the city’s name change and historic downtown which includes the courthouse. He spoke on other interesting points like the nickname of Darlington and the history of ‘pearling’ in the small city. Marklein concluded by wishing the entire community continued prosperity in the future.
After the plaque was presented and pictures were taken, May introduced Marion Howard, who sang the Darlington song that she wrote for a prior celebration years ago. In addition, Howard gave a brief overview of Darlington and was awarded by applause. A final “thank you” was said before groups broke off to join in the various ways to continue the celebration.
Main Street favorites — such as Glennie’s, Vingar’s and Legends — served up their finest menus in honor of the day. The food trucks were in full swing before noon. The Build the Pool committee served water and red, white, and blue themed caramel apples; Donut NV had a window to view the donuts being made for any order placed; Darlington Lions Club served brats and ice-cold refreshments; Darlington American Legion served in the beer tent where Sophie Wiegel entertained with her keyboard and ukulele; Little Sister Cookies served warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies from their little pink camper-style trailer; ‘Little Wolf Farm’ boba drinks from Mineral Point had different flavors since they last visited Darlington; Mi Casita truck served Mexican favorites; Pie Chart Pizza served a lot of pizza pies throughout the day among many other food vendors.
Caricature drawings were held at the Darlington Festival grounds throughout the afternoon, as Isaih Hessling of Silly Sketch Art took the time to give guests the cartoon version of themselves.
Time Machine entertained the largest street dance crowd to date in Darlington, as it was standing room only — outdoors style. The 200 block wasn’t the only space full of happy listeners, as a large group listened just outside the fenced in area, and the music could be heard from the food truck area. Food was enjoyed by spectators as individuals enjoyed their to-go orders on the benches outside of Glennie’s, Vingars, and Legends. Time Machine played three sets: ’70s rock music, ’80s hits, and ’80s hair bands. The show ran from 8 p.m. until midnight, closing out the 175th Celebration.