Saturday event will benefit Rocky Glen. FRED
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 20 June 2013 17:03
- Written by Paul Gordon
Rocky Glen and the Farmington Road Entertainment District will both be center stage Saturday with a Family Fun Day set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will include hikes at Rocky Glen, which is Peoria's newest public park, and events and incentives scheduled at participating businesses along Farmington Road.
Co-sponsored by Friends of Rocky Glen and FRED (Farmington Road Entertainment District, the event is a fundraiser for preserving Rock Glen as well as an event to gain recognition for businesses within the district, said FRED founder Daryl Klusendorf, owner of Sky Harbor Steakhouse.
"We're involved because Fred Pittman, who heads Friends of Rocky Glen, wanted helped in promoting the event. We were glad to do it because frankly, people don't always realize the family-friendly options that exist in this area, such as Kartville and other venues," Klusendorf said.
"I think we're kind of forgotten down here and we want people that are told to go downtown and other places when in Peoria to also be pointed in our direction. There are a lot of venues along here that should be more appreciated and promoted because they bring people and dollars to the city," he added, citing Jukebox Comedy Club, Peoria Speedway and Corn Stock Theatre as examples.
"Between all of us we've got your customer niche," he added.
Throughout the day there will be free shuttles rides to and from Rocky Glen from the FRED participating businesses. There is a cost of $2 to hike Rocky Glen.
Sky Harbor will host the Family Bag Toss tournament, open to any ages in teams of two. There will be different throwing lines for different each groups.
The entry fee is $25 per team and includes a hot dog and soft drink as well as a shuttle pass to hike Rocky Glen. First place will bring a cash prize and $100 gift basket and 2nd place a cash prize and $20 gift certificate.
The tournament will be limited to 48 teams.
Other participating Farmington Road businesses will be Jimmy's Bar, which will have free hot dogs and soda; Crusen, where there will be an information tent and 50-50 drawing; Dave's Goodtime Billiards for a free game of pool; Kenny's Westside Pub, where there will be a free game of pool, a free soda and West Side Pretzels; Kartville, with a free round of miniature golf, and Cam's Place.
While Rocky Glen was only recently purchased by the city of Peoria, it has a rich history and has been visited by central Illinois residents for many years. The Friends of Rocky Glen was formed a few years ago to help preserve Rocky Glen.
Elaine Hopkins, who serves on the board of Friends of Rocky Glen, said the purpose of the fundraiser is to raise money to install a parking lot at Rocky Glen park. While the city used grant money that was specifically for acquiring green space to purchase the park, it doesn't have the money for a parking lot.
She said the hikes on Saturday will be guided, which is why there is a minimal charge. She advises those planning to hike Rocky Glen to wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy shoes.
"It is kind of a rough hike, but it's worth it. There are all kinds of neat geological features and when you reach the waterfall you are really surprised by it," she said.
