On May 28, the City of Yorkville learned that Illinois banned skylanterns. I was informed of this at 10:30 am.This was just 4 days before our Stars of Hope Skylantern Festival for Suicide Prevention Services.
We tried to get grandfathered in. We tried to get consent for a special permit for a private launch. We spoke to lawyer friends. We prayed.
We talked to many politicians, Governor Quinn's office and finally tried to contact President Obama. We were featured on channel 2, 5, and 7 news. We spoke directly to the Illinois Fire Marshal.
We were still denied permission to launch skylanterns.
It was 2pm on May 31st that the ban on skylanterns was officially promulgated.
Our festival then became a festival of light. We quickly ordered glow balloons and bought the preparations for luminaria candle bags. We notified everyone of this change and quickly updated our website.
The night of the festival, a large rainbow appeared over Yorkville. The crowd turn out was amazing. We had a flashmob performance with more than 40 dancers.
We had girls performing with fire and glowing hula hoops. The luminaria were lit and the glowing balloons were bright. Guests were encouraged to walk with their balloons and take them home as mementos.
The evening was a great success.
Here is a link to the Beacon News article by Denise Crosby: http://beaconnews.suntimes.com/news/crosby/20467607-418/lanterns-grounded-but-suicide-awareness-rising.html
Please view photos of the event, here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.614238198595266.1073741841.304901432862279&type=1
This event was a community rallying event. It took so many to make this work:
Thank you to: Dj Q, Rohn Quimque: who donated his time to be with us, Foxy's Ice Cream, River City Roasters, Home Plate Hotdogs, and Hair Cuttery of Yorkville.
Thank you to Cara Behrens of Travel Services of Yorkville for use of your billboard. Thank you to Rosati's Pizza for distributing fliers.
Thank you to our friends and family: My Mom, Stephanie Weber. Boyd Ingemunson. Anita & David Chesney. Rob Gryder. Jillian Duchnowski. Megghun Redmon, Lori Redmon, Sarah Hipp. Melyssa Thryselius, Tony Thryselius, and Cresston Thryselius. Becca Garretson, Barbara Moore, Wendi McKenzie, Kari Frantzen, Brandy Smith, Hailey Turner, Josh Turner, Zack Turner, Gina Lopez, Katie Powell, Rose Olszta, Jared Mol, Kurtis Lee Hermes.
All of our friends and support at Suicide Prevention Services.
Thank you to: Tony Scott, Barb Nadeau. Katie Vanwetering, Dr. Scott Wakeley, Brian Debolt. Mayor Gary Golinski. Chief Hart, Officer Klingel, Bart Olson.
Thank you to our amazing photographers: Beth Kolar and Thom King.
Thank you to my co-planner, spokeswoman: Stephanie Fletcher. This was a fun path to walk with you.
Thank you to our performers: Heather Bishop, Ashley, and Shauna & friends. DLD Dance Center Crew.
We just wanted to thank our great sponsors again for supporting us through the unexpected challenges this week.
They are: Horwitz Horwitz & Associates, Allstate Agent Jeff Dziedzic, Dan Koukol- Candidate for Kendall County Clerk & Recorder, Yorkville Junior Women's Club, Sense of Samadhi Yoga Studio, Jerry & Jessica Bannister, Karma Skin & Massage, and Scott & Heather Gryder.
What next to attend for SPS? We have our September HERE FOR LIFE Walk on September 7th. It's a beautiful walk along the river from St. Charles to Geneva and back. Come walk with us. See you soon! www.spsamerica.org
Attached photos are by: David Chesney.
Additional wrap up article by the Patch (additional, amazing photos:) http://oswego.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/against-all-odds-stars-of-hope-festival-carried-on
