CAMBRIDGE, Ill. (March 19, 2010) - Friends of Johnson Park Foundation have raised over $1,500 for the day’s special event. The group has also secured musicians to help celebrate and honor this Historic Treasure in rural Henry County along with several other great surprises. The Ryan Round Barn was the first round barn listed on the National Register of Historic Places from the State of Illinois.
A visit to Ryan's Round Barn sparked Cathy Foes, Henry County Tourism Director’s interest in one of Henry County's Agricultural Historic Treasures. Foes approached the Friends of Johnson Park Foundation and inquired what their plans were to honor its Centennial. That's how it all began. Planning started in the fall of 2009 and has grown to a community and county wide event which is going to be a treat for all of those who plan to attend.
Friends of Johnson Park Foundation along with the assistance of Henry County Tourism and local Kewanee community residents, Brock Tumbleson, Dan Craig, Sue Sagmoen, Dave Harker and Dick Wells will continue to move forward with creating a day for all to remember. “June 12 is going to be an exciting day in Henry County! A group of citizens, now known as The Friends of Johnson Park Foundation, had the foresight to preserve and protect this significant historical and architectural treasure over 26 years ago,” stated Tumbleson.
Visitors to Johnson Sauk Trail State Park will be able to enjoy hayrack rides powered by antique tractors. Additional attractions include a tractor show of more than 50 tractors and a Model A & T cars will be on display. There will also be an array of musicians, area artists, art demonstrations, a quilt exhibit, blacksmith demonstrations and kid’s hands-on agricultural activities. Also planned is a pie auction hosted by Guthrie Auction Company along with local food vendors who will be offering their homegrown produce including pork sandwiches and everyone’s favorite kettle corn.
Visitors to the day’s event will enjoy music by Jazz on the Side, Hammer and Pick and Norm Brown to name a few. Area artists’ demonstrations will include potter Chuck Flagg, wood artist Paul Terpining, goard artist Carol VanHyfte and The Davisons. Visitors will be able learn the art of broom making and rug weaving by members of the Bishop Hill Prairie Arts Center.
The group is in the final stages of planning and all have been busy doing their part. They will continue to seek additional funding. There may also be a few surprises throughout the day. You might even encounter Doc Ryan meandering through the crowd and will be able to converse with him about his barn. Kewanee Community Choir will end the day’s festivities with an Americana Music Show
Mark your calendar now for this exciting event and plan to “Run to the Red Barn . . . they can’t corner you there! For activity updates and times check out www.visithenrycounty.com.