Fun at the Three Rivers Festival

Hi! This is Maddy Holloway and I’m going to tell you about my fun time at the 2011 Three Rivers Festival.

There were a lot of people on opening night but it didn’t stop me from having fun.

I started at the bumper cars. The bumper cars were fun, but I have one request. They should have horns.

Then I moved on to the 1001 Nachtes. Last year I didn’t like this ride, but this year it’s my favorite. It goes very high and side to side. I thought we were stuck at the top at one point, but it slowly came down.

My ultimate favorite is the Tilt-O-Whirl. If you pull on the handle when you spin, you will go faster, which than makes you scream and laugh more.

I did notice a few new rides at the carnival. There was a motorcycle ride that had a little jump in, but I was too big to ride that one. There was also the “Freakout,” a swinging, spinning cage. I was freaked out looking at it. I did not ride this one.

I participated in my first Firefly 1 mile race on Thursday. I am part of Three Rivers School Cross Country team and this was good practice. My finishing time was 13:48. I hope to improve throughout the year.

Saturday, I entered the cupcake contest. This was a new event this year. Since I enjoy baking, I entered all three categories; best decorated, best tasting and best use of the anniversary theme. 

I decorated a cupcake with a blue edible rose, using a frosting technique I learned from JJC culinary pastry chefs. I used fondant and cut out letters to spell out “Channahon” and create details to celebrate the anniversaries of the village, park district and the library. I even made homemade red velvet cupcakes.

I won a certificate, zebra print cupcake liners and decorative charms for future cupcakes.

Sunday ended my festival experience by holding the banner for the Channahon Junior High School Marching Band. Next year I will be marching and playing the Mellophone, an instrument that French Horn players use for marching band. 

I participated in the karate demo for the Bob Golden School of Defense. I did two katas, one with my mom and one with two of my classmates. I even attempted breaking a board with my palm. Unfortunately I was unsuccessful, however I did break it with my foot.

I would say this year has been the best festival ever!

Editor’s note: Abby Holloway, Maddy’s sister, created the video accompanying this blog. 

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