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Wacky Plains takes stage for CASA, kids
While the Wasted Plains Rock & Roll Revival Festival features entertainment geared toward a 21-and-older crowd, organizers will host a family-geared event earlier in the day.
Wacky Plains will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at Woodstock VFW Post 5040, 240 N. Throop St.
“[When we first held the Wasted Plains event last year] there was nothing that would turn away a family, but nothing that would draw them there either,” said Brandon Pacyna, event coordinator at Chrome Attic, which is hosting the event.
At 10 a.m., the Woodstock Theatre will screen “Rock-a-Doodle”, a 1991 animated film Pacyna remembers as a youth and watched with his own child. The 76-minute film features a country theme, complete with an array of farm animal characters. The cost to attend the movie is $5, with all proceeds being donated to Court Appointed Special Advocates of McHenry County. The movie is sponsored by BMO Harris Bank.
“We were approached several months ago by the business Chrome Attic, planning Wacky/Wasted Plains. The owner, Roger Beu, and his bleachers company, B&R Bleachers, have been longtime supporters of CASA’s mission,” said Kelly Pokharel, executive director of CASA. “He said he wanted
to do more to help CASA and felt planning a family-friendly event to raise awareness and funding for CASA was a great fit.”
CASA provides trained advocates in court for abused and neglected children in McHenry County. It does not receive state funding, Pokharel said, so is 100 percent supported by grants, foundations and the businesses and individuals of McHenry County. The organization is able to give 75 percent of waiting children a CASA volunteer, with a goal of 100 percent. Funding helps the program recruit and train advocates and provide them with on-going support and supervision during their cases.
“We are grateful for this unique opportunity of support from the Wacky/Wasted Plains Festival and look forward to seeing a great turnout of folks who care,” Pokharel said.
After the movie, moviegoers can attend the Wacky Plains Festival ($4 for adults, $2 for children), where there will be a petting zoo for attendees to see many of the animals featured in the movie.
Many vendors, musicians, storytellers, face painting and other activities will help round out the Wacky Plains portion of the day.
“I’m hoping it’s a neat little event and something different,” Pacyna said. Last year was kind of the test [from the VFW board’s perspective]. They’re excited and on board now.”
