Winfield Area Gardeners members met for the first time at the gazebo at Creekside Park.

Mary Russell of Mary’s Contrary brought several unusual and underused perennial plants, which she passed around so members could touch the leaves and enjoy the fragrance.

It was a perfect night for an outdoor meeting, with participants enjoying the warm, dry evening and no mosquitoes.

Winfield Park Board President Steve Massie was invited to the gathering. Asked whether he was responsible for the lack of mosquitoes, he replied, “I wish I could say yes. I enjoyed the meeting, it was interesting.”

Karen Skillman and Donna VadeBonCouer brought treats, including tortellini salad, chips and dip, chocolate-chip and sugar cookies and lots of fresh fruit. New member Evelyn Todd was introduced.

Each month, WAG members have a raffle prize. This month, 3-pound bags of ground coffee for use in gardens was donated by Starbucks. Joan Haas was the winner.

Summer fun
There have been many events to enjoy now that we are in the dog days of summer, including free outdoor concerts from 6 to 7 p.m. one Saturday each month.

The weather was perfect for the kickoff performance June 28 at Creekside Park, when Rock Classique performed. The remaining concert will feature Banjo Buddies on Aug. 23, with free popcorn courtesy of Winfield Community Bank, which has sponsored the concerts for many years.

The farmers market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday at the Prairie Trail Mall at County Farm and Geneva roads. A new vendor is Stephanie’s 4U Olives, whose booth has just about every type of olive. Four farmers have booths filled with fresh produce.

Offerings among nonfood vendors are jewelry, plush toys and Juarez Boyd’s matching American Doll and children’s outfits. Garden plants and ornaments, fresh flowers and dog treats always are available.

Winfield Cruzin takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, between the Village Hall, 27W465 Jewell Road, and John’s Restaurant and Bar, sponsored by John’s and Caliendo’s Restaurant and Bar. Visitors can chat with classic car owners and other visitors, and grab a bite to eat or enjoy a favorite beverage at nearby eateries.

For September’s special schedule, visit www.cruzinwinfield.com.

Steak Fry
The annual Steak Fry that heralds Good Old Days will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at a vacant lot next to Antiques of Winfield,  27W461 Beecher St. Bring plenty of insect repellent. Stu’s Crew will grill steaks to each guest’s request, as he has for the past several years.

Parade marshals
Bev Brach and Alyce Bartlett have been named grand marshals for the Good Old Days Parade, stepping off at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Brach was named because she was a member of the original Good Old Days committee 40 years ago, and Bartlett because her husband was also a committee member. They met every evening for several weeks at the Bartlett home.
Coloring contest, museum event
Winfield Historical Society members passed out picture sheets to all local schools for their annual coloring contest. This year’s subject is the fire at St. John’s Church. The contest is open to all ages, not just children.
Youngsters who plan on visiting local museums this summer can pick up special passports at the circulation desk at the Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Road. Each time they visit a museum, they submit their passport to be stamped.

Station tours
Historical Society members offer free tours of Hedges Station from noon to 2 p.m. every Wednesday at 0N555 Winfield Road. It is the oldest building in Winfield and the oldest remaining depot in Illinois. At least one member will be present to show visitors around and answer questions. All are welcome. For details, call Martha Ingram at (630) 665-0385.

Nursery, church needs
Winfield Community United Methodist Church nursery needs supplies: two first aid kits (one for each room), a supply of diapers and pull-up pants in multiple sizes, boxes of wipes and, if possible, speakers so parents can listen to the service while soothing their child. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the church property at 0S347 Jefferson St. during the summer months by mowing and trimming.

Prince, Princess sought
Here’s a reminder that the Winfield Junior Woman’s Club is sponsoring a Prince and Princess Contest for Good Old Days. Eligible children must be 4 to 8 years old and live in Winfield, or their mom must be a member of the club. One boy and one girl will be chosen to ride in the Good Old Days Royal Court float. The parade begins at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. The deadline for contest entries is Thursday, Aug. 14. A 3-by-5-inch photo must be provided with the child’s name, age and address. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the photo returned.