Photos courtesy of the Wheaton Park District.

The event was called "Oatmeal Day" by one punster, but to the people of Wheaton and its surrounding communities this annual celebration in early June is fondly known as "Cream of Wheaton."

By Barbara Eaton

The Wheaton Park District sponsors the day-long family affair at Memorial Park in the downtown area of the city. Now in its fourth year, "Cream" has already become a Wheaton tradition and serves as an annual demonstration of the warmth generated between the park district and residents.

Each year exciting activities are added, and there is truly something for everyone. The day, which in its first year offered a 10K race, entertainment and edible delicacies for sale, has grown into a family picnic on a grand scale. Held on what is usually the first really warm weekend of the summer, "Cream of Wheaton" drew a crowd of more than 10,000 this June.

Getting started

Recreation Supervisor Sheila Franklin, who first put the idea together and guides the proceedings each year, starts the planning stages soon after Christmas. This allows her and the other park district employees nearly six months to pull it all together.

"It's a tremendous amount of work," she says, "but the rewards for all of us are even greater. The public

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response is always enthusiastic, and each year we find new ways to make the day more attractive and more satisfying."

In 1984 the 10K race became a 5K/ 10K "Run for the Animals." More than 550 participants entered the race this year. Proceeds were donated to the Barn Fund at Cosley Animal Farm and Museum, another facility of the Wheaton Park District. "Run" T-shirts went to the first 500 registered runners, and trophies were awarded in a variety of categories.

As runners assembled, the Arrowhead Golf Club's staff cooked and the VIPs, the park district's senior citizens organization, served a substantial breakfast to spectators in the park. More than 75 park district employees and friends (mostly volunteers) lent their energy to the planning and operation of the race. By 10:30 a.m. the last runner had crossed the finish line, awards had been made, and other aspects of the "Cream" celebration were underway.

Culinary treats

"A Taste of the Western Suburbs" opened its booths by 11 a.m. with the first batch of specialty foods from 25 area restaurants. The tantalizing aromas of barbequed ribs, gyros, popcorn, nachos, Italian sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers, egg rolls, pizza and various desserts wafted across the park. Even the most strong-will-ed visitors began to follow their noses toward "A Taste" booths which were set up all along one side of the block-square park. This gave patrons the chance to wait for their choices in a shaded, grassy area.

Arts and crafts, break dancers and other activities were featured at the "Cream of Wheaton" festival.

The Cosley Farm Traveling Petting Zoo had a temporary home under the trees in the center of Memorial Park. Sheep, ducks, goats, chickens, rabbits and calves were brought out for an eager reception by waiting children, and with the supervision of a Farm worker, the hugging and stroking of Cosley's furry friends began. This aspect of the celebration always seems to draw the crowds, as age is no barrier when it comes to enjoying animals.

As noon approached, more than 50 area artists and craftspeople displayed their oil and watercolor painting, pottery, ceramics, woodworking, textile design, sculpture, weaving, needlework, flower arranging, quilting and papercutting. Colorful umbrellas and table skirts drew the eye of spectators as the crowd discovered this new dimension of "Cream."

At the same time the children were discovering the carnival rides set up in the street on the south side of the block. A merry-go-round, ferris wheel, bumper cars, a fun house and other attractions added their happy sounds to the atmosphere, and kept many children amused for a good part of the afternoon.

For the souvenir-minded, soft drinks were sold in official "Cream of Wheaton" cups and silver balloons commemorating the day were offered. Strolling clowns and magicians entertained those who relaxed on the grass with lunches and snacks, anticipating the "Showcase of Entertainment" which would soon get underway in the bandshell.

The Bill Baily Banjos got the show on the road, and were followed by Southwick and Stevenson and "Buck's Stove & Range Co." with bluegrass

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music. The Bobby Benson Swing Sisters played hits from the '30s and '40s and the Wheaton Central High School Swing Choir put on a sparkling musical review.

According to Roger Toohey, commissioner and former president of the Wheaton Park District Board, the event is a tremendous reinforcement for the good feelings which exist between the city and the district.

"It is so exciting to be part of a daylong party like this," he said. "And this type of thing is not something many people associate with the park district.

"To them, we're softball games and the swimming pool and children's dance classes. This is a real surprise for a great many of the people who attend, and they are so enthusiastic about everything we have to offer. It makes all of us involved feel really great."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Barbara Eaton has been the public information coordinator at the Wheaton Park District for the past two years.

State needs campground hosts

Superintendents at 20 Illinois State parks and conservation areas still are seeking camping enthusiasts willing to serve as volunteer campground hosts. The positions, available in virtually every region of the State, were created several years ago to provide service to parksite visitors.

Positions are open to individuals or couples 21 years of age or older who are bondable, can provide their own camping equipment, and are willing to stay a minimum of four weeks and work an average of 35 hours per week at the campground.

Application forms or further information on the program can be obtained by phoning Suzette Barrows at (217) 782-1534 or by writing to the Illinois Department of Conservation, Campground Host Coordinator, Bureau ot Lands and Historic Sites, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62706.

Artists have until July 30 to submit entries for the Illinois Department of Conservation's (DOC) fifth annual "Step Into the Wild" button design contest.

The subject for the 1986 button is the peregrine falcon, an endangered raptor that once nested in Illinois.

Only Illinois residents 16 years or older are eligible to enter the "Step Into the Wild" art contest. The designs must be black-and-white line drawings capable of fitting into a six-inch circle. Entries must be submitted on 8 1/2-by-11 inch white paper for maximum contrast.

If artists do not choose to include the words "Step Into the Wild" and "Illinois Department of Conservation" in their design, they must provide enough space for both these phrases.

A special committee comprised of DOC staff members will judge entries. Judging criteria will include biological accuracy and the degree to which the artwork lends itself to reproduction as a button.

The top 10 entries will be displayed during the Illinois State Fair, Aug. 8-18, as part of the Division of Forest Resources and Natural Heritage's exhibit in Conservation World. The contest winner will be announced on Saturday, Aug. 10.

A framed and enlarged color print of the winning entry will go to the contest winner. Creators of the top 10 entries will receive engraved plaques, and all participating artists will receive a certificate of appreciation from DOC.

For more information about the "Step Into the Wild" button design contest, interested persons should contact the Illinois Department of Conservation, Division of Forest Resources and Natural Heritage, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62706, or phone (217) 782-2361.

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