Staff Editorial: Festivals offer fun with fewer expenses

By:

Posted: 6/11/09

You are in Charleston on your own for the summer. Your bank account is running low. You are not getting the summer hours you thought you would have.

Given these circumstances, many people have been ditching their usual vacations and holidays to save a few dollars, but this doesn't mean you have to stay at home and experience nothing new.

For many, summertime is the peak of festival season, and we feel central Illinois has plenty to keep you entertained while not breaking you financially.

Bement will start off the festival season with the Lincoln-Douglas Old Glory Days on June 13. This will include a 5-K run/walk, eating contests and a softball tournament.

On June 19-21 the Taste of Champaign-Urbana will take place at West Side Park. This event is just like the Taste of Chicago, but featuring local food and restaurants from the Champaign area.

During the weekend of July 16-18, Mattoon will dedicate three days to bagels during the Mattoon Bagelfest. This weekend includes a softball tournament, a carnival, a concert and many other outdoor activities.

The Coles County Fair is on July 26-Aug. 1 in Charleston at the fairgrounds. This will be complete with a carnival, 4H judging, a tractor pull, an art show and much more.

These are just to name a few.

Each fair has its own theme that focuses on what makes the town or community unique. In the surrounding area there are many diverse families and communities that many people, specifically people from the Eastern community, are not aware of. These diversities are showcased at many of these celebrations.

Many local people set up stands displaying different types of art or selling locally made items. Not to mention, many homemade foods that will have your taste buds craving more.

Festivals are a great way to take full advantage of the summer weather while not making a huge dent in your wallet.

Even if you cannot find a way to make it to the Fourth of July festivities in your hometown, many towns in the surrounding communities have celebrations of their own. Many of the fireworks displays are free and spaced out over the course of the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July, so nothing overlaps.

We think a day trip to a couple of these events is a win for all.

The local economy gets a small boost, and you save a couple dollars while still experiencing something new.

Just don't forget the sunscreen.

The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.