Tarp disappearance at Taste a sign of the times
By Rose Panieri rpanieri@stmedianetwork.com July 9, 2012 10:12PM
These prescription eyeglasses were found in Joliet. Rose Panieri~Sun-Times Media
Updated: August 11, 2012 6:04AM
Bob Elliott of Channahon is in the midst of a genuine conundrum. Elliott has been an independent contractor for this very newspaper for more than 12 years. He was out hawking his wares at the Taste of Joliet on June 29 when all heck broke loose.
You may recall that a wicked squall struck that evening — with Thor, and a host of other nature deities giving revelers quite a fright.
From what I’ve heard, a real humdinger of a storm hit Joliet around 9:45 p.m., sending Taste-goers sprinting for the nearest exit, hollering and yowling to beat the band (the band being REO Speedwagon, ironically warbling about riding the storm out).
At that point, Elliott decided to call it a night.
“So, I packed everything up, nice and tight, folded my sign and went home,” Elliott said.
The sign he’s referring to is special. Elliott understands the basic marketing premise that good advertising makes for good sales.
Out of his own funds, he had a tarp sign designed. It’s heavy plastic, white with red, yellow and blue. The tarp reads “Fun Station” with a logo of a carnival tent and “Herald News — 10 weeks for $15.”
If you know anything about custom-made signs, they’re expensive.
“I returned to the Taste of Joliet grounds on Saturday, and my sign was missing,” he said. “I mean it was gone.”
With the gale force winds of the night before, he figured the sign blew away, but it was too heavy to blow far.
It occurs to me that a couple of festival-goers might have used the tarp as a poncho. That’s perfectly understandable. But, now that the storm is a memory, please consider bringing the sign to our offices at 2175 Oneida St. Elliott would be most grateful.
New York wallet gone
Carmen Schneider called during the holiday. Her son Matthew Schneider who lives in New York lost his wallet on June 23, during a visit to attend a family reunion. The last he remembers seeing the wallet was during a trip to a liquor store at Six Corners in Joliet. If you find a wallet belonging to this New Yorker, give me a call.
Lost keys and iPod
It seems St. Joseph’s Parish Park was the place to lose important little items.
Mark of Joliet lost his keys at the St. Joseph Parish picnic on June 24 and is offering a reward for their return. There is a black Chevy fob on the key ring and four silver keys.
Ken Miller of Joliet lost his iPod Touch Nano at St. Joseph’s Park at the parish’s July 1 picnic. It’s approximately 1.5-inches square, silver with a black screen. He’d really love to have it back.
If you’ve lost — or found — something, call 815-773-7178 or email rpanieri@stmedianetwork.com.
