Voice of the People

As a Chesterton resident, I was very disappointed to learn that the Wizard of Oz Festival had been moved to Valparaiso this year on its 25th anniversary. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Chesterton’s didn’t sit on its laurels! I discovered in downtown’s Thomas Centennial Park a vibrant, well-organized literary festival where my young children and I were able to interact with several authors and even listen to them read their children’s books under a bright white tent. In the bandstand, musicians played their instruments and sometimes sang along. My kids were happy to partake in craft and writing activities offered under yet another tent. I entered a raffle to win a gorgeous Olivia (the pig) handmade quilt, but no one has called me yet about that one...

Due to my son’s 9 a.m. soccer game on Saturday, we missed the classic car cruise which transported the authors to the park. But Chesterton’s European Market was in full swing, and we were able to purchase our weekly farm-fresh produce (and goodies from Bit of Swiss Bakery) as well as add wonderful new books to our home library which were signed and dedicated to my children. Parking was free of charge and abundant, and there was no admission charge to attend the festival. Thank you, festival organizers, for helping to keep our town alive!

Hilda Tsai

Posted 9/21/2006