Sponsors, artists needed for 2013 Rain Barrels on Parade

The following press release was provided by the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce.

Ever had the urge to turn a bland rain barrel into a work of art and enter it in a competition? Now’s your chance.

Register by March 7 to sponsor the artistic decoration of a rain barrel as part of this year’s Rain Barrels on Parade, the annual fundraising event sponsored by the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Green Committee. The registration fee is $75, and the sponsors sign-up form is available on the Chamber’s website at www.yorkvillechamber.org .

Proceeds from the fundraiser are used to provide a college scholarship for a Yorkville area high school senior, and to help fund Green Committee events and projects, such as supporting the Go Green Environmental Fair to be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at the Yorkville High School. The fair is free to the public.

“The Rain Barrels on Parade event is a great way for businesses, organizations and individuals to showcase their concern for the environment and have some creative fun,” said Green Committee Chairman Norman Johnson.  “It’s raises awareness of environmental issues, and also let’s you purchase something that can be put to a practical use at your home or business.”

People interested in learning how to use rain barrels at their homes or places of business can attend a 1 p.m. workshop March 2 at the Go Green Fair on “Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels” by Jim Kleinwachter from the Conservation Foundation.

Decorated barrels will be displayed at sponsoring Yorkville businesses and organizations, or at city buildings for those who don’t have storefronts, from April 11 until the May 4 rain barrel auction at the 2013 Yorkville Spring Craft Fair.  

Sponsors can pick a specific artist to decorate their barrel, or request that the Green Committee have a local artist paint the barrel. An additional $15 will be added on to the registration fee for the latter option to cover art supplies. The most creative barrels will receive an award during the fair.

Artists interested in creating a barrel design should fill out an Artist Form on the Yorkville Chamber website before March 7.

The Green Committee will arrange for pick-up and delivery of the barrels to artists and businesses or participants may also pick up and drop off their barrels by arrangement with the Committee.

For more information, visit the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce website or contact Norman Johnson at 815-414-1387 or email him at info@i-r-e.net.