Highlighted events for Shannon Homecoming

By KARA BRINKMEIER - Prairie Advocate Reporter, (815) 493-2560 KBrinkmeier@prairie-advocate-news.com

For the past 88 years Shannon has been celebrating their town's Homecoming on Labor Day Weekend. Here's a little more information on some of this year's events:

The girls of Hooters of Rockford will be at the Shannon Homecoming to sponsor and judge the Hooters of Rockford Hot Wings Eating Contest on Saturday, September 1 at 2:30pm on the Stage in downtown Shannon. There will be two round of ten contestants each, with ten contestants to be selected from the crowd for the second round. This is the first year for this event.

The world famous clown, Ronald McDonald, will be visiting the Shannon Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, September 2. He will be found in front of the Stage in downtown Shannon at 2:30pm. Bring the kids and a camera. Ronald will also be signing autographs. Ronald McDonald is sponsored by the Savanna McDonald's. Cash and pop tab donations will be accepted at this time by the "Tab Queens", Shirley Schrader and Carolyn Deininger, for the Ronald McDonald House.

On Monday, September 3, the Christian rock and worship band, Legacy, will be performing from 2-4pm on the Stage. Legacy performs adult Christian contemporary, rock, praise and worship, and pop music. A typical Legacy concert is filled with music, ministry, testimony, and reflection. The Fulton, Illinois based group started in 2005 at Spring Valley Reformed Church in Fulton Illinois in response to God's calling to minister through rock music to the church and those seeking something to believe in. Members of the group include Heidi Fehlhafer (lead vocals,keyboards, and songwriter), her husband, Gary Fehlhafer (bass) from Mount Carroll; Shawn Anton (vocals, guitar, and songwriter) from Fulton; Mark Kooi (guitar) and Luke Akker (drums) both from Morrison. For more information on the band, please visit www.legacymusicministry.com.

Second Annual Shannon Labor Day Corn Hole Tournament

By KARA BRINKMEIER - Prairie Advocate Reporter, (815) 493-2560 KBrinkmeier@prairie-advocate-news.com

As part of the this year's Shannon Labor Day Homecoming Festivities, the Chambor of Commerce will sponsor the second annual Corn Hole Tournament on Saturday, September 1 at noon, with registration starting at 11:30am, by the Shannon Firehouse. Cash prizes will be awarded in the double elimination competition. Early regurstrations will receive a chance to win a free overnight stay at Hickory Hideaway.

Cornhole, also known as Bags or Baggo, has became a craze in the Midwest where it originated more than 50 years ago as a backyard diversion and has more recently grown into a popular game in large cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee.

The object of the game, typically played two-on-two, is for players to score three points each time they toss a one-pound bag, traditionally filled with corn kernels (hence the name Cornhole), into a round hole cut into a slanted board about 30 feet away. A shot that misses the hole but stays on the board counts as one point. Members of the opposite team can try to knock the other team's bags off the board to negate points. The first team to receive 21 points wins.

Cornhole competitions have become a common find at community festivals, church picnics, and tailgate parties, but it has also grown into nationwide popularity with traveling teams and an association with over 20,000 members!

For registration or for further information, please contact Sherry Vidinich at 815-864-2099 or Robin Sarr at 815-864-2111.

5K Run at Shannon Homecoming

The 3rd Annual Bob Miller Memorial 5K Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, September 1, part of the 88th Annual Shannon Homecoming festivities.

The 5K is 3.1 miles long. If that's too long for you, then join in the one mile fitness walk in Bob Miller's honor. Registration begins at 3:45pm at the Shannon Village Park. Register early to be guaranteed a T-shirt. The run/walk will take place regardless of weather, except if weather is extreme.

All proceeds will benefit Shannon Homecoming and scholarships for Eastland and Aquin Schools. Entry fees are $15 for early entry and $18 the day of the race. Medals will be given out at 6pm. Overall trophies for top male and female finisher and 3 medals will be given out for each age bracket for both men and women. The age brackets include 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49. 50-59, and 60-69.

For further information, questions, or early registry, please contact Amy Snyder at 815-864-2809.

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