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Northbrook’s Shermerfest revels in history
Sundae Rupley points out were some of the tables should go while planning for the 34th annual Shermerfest, presented by the Northbrook Historical Society, on Thursday, Sept. 6. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: September 13, 2012 9:01AM
NORTHBROOK — The Northbrook Historical Society invites visitors on Sept. 16, to take a step back in time at the Village Green.
From noon to 4 p.m. at Shermer and Meadow Roads, the 34th Annual Shermefest will celebrate the history of the village, which was originally incorporated as Shermerville in 1901.
“Shermerfest allows everyone to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in the park, while learning about who we are. The event also allows the all-volunteer Historical Society to raise money. This is our main fundraiser of the year,” Northbrook Historical Society President Judy Hughes said.
Money must be raised to keep up the more than100-year-old Historical Society building, which will be open during Shermerfest for visitors to see how people lived in the 1890s, said Sundae Rupley, chairwoman of the event. Money also is needed to pay for programs and supplies during the year.
“Ours is only a one-day event and it’s the most low key event to take place at the Village Green,” Rupley said.
On the grounds, visitors may picnic on hot dogs, chips and soda provided by Sunset Foods. Inside the Northbrook Historical Museum, they may purchase soup and items from a bake sale.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., folks can listen to the Legacy Girls, a vocal trio compared to the Andrews sisters, who specializes in the Boogie Woogie hits of the 1930s and 1940s, as well as jukebox favorites of the 1950s and ’60s. A grant from the Northbrook Arts Commission provided partial funding for the concert, Hughes said.
At 3 p.m., there will be a variety and magic show, sponsored by the Northbrook Bank & Trust Company.
Children will enjoy a variety of activities, including face-painting, which will be partially sponsored by E.nopi Learning Center and the Glenview State Bank. There will also be balloon twisting and trackless train rides.
Children can create a scarecrow for a $5 fee, with clothing brought from home, and straw provided by Wagner Farm and the Glenview Clovers 4-H Club. The North Suburban YMCA will help children create their own old-fashioned games.
There will be an antique classic car and truck display, sponsored by KZF Development.
Daniel Kaye and his wife, Susan, who have been running the car show for 12 years, are recruiting car owners.
“Back in 2001, Judy thought it would be a good idea to add classic cars, trucks and tractors to Shermerfest,” Kaye said. “They seem to interest everyone and are perfect for an event that looks back at history.”
When the show first started, it drew more than 30 antique vehicles, but now it draws about 100, including a couple of Ford Model As, Kaye said. It often includes a restored dairy truck from the 1930s presented by Ron Bernardi, principal of Sunset Foods.
Turnout depends on the weather. If it’s rainy, most of the owners won’t bring them out, Kaye said.
Rain or shine, visitors may bid on items donated by local businesses, including gift baskets and sports memorabilia. They also can purchase colorful fall mums before leaving the park.
“About 1,000 people typically attend Shermerfest, depending on Bears games and other competition,” said Gail Baritz, communication specialist for Northbrook Park District, which co-sponsors the event with the Historical Society.
