Dillo Day Brings Big Bucks for Three Evanston Businessmen

A note to readers:  According to Wikipedia, Armadillo Day began in 1972 when Northwestern students from Texas held a small celebration in honor of the armadillo. More than 25 years later, "Dillo Day" is the culmination of Mayfest with an all-day Saturday event on the lakefront featuring national and locally known bands, games and vendors. Dillo Day is one of the strongest traditions of the Northwestern community.

One of this year's Dillo Day headliners was the performer B.o.B. (click here for a video posted on Youtube).

As much as Northwestern University students get a bad rap around town for their collegiate antics, here’s a story that may warm your heart:

During this year’s Dillo Day (May 28), Northwestern University students fattened the piggy-banks of three budding entrepreneurs – to the tune of nearly $100 – in just under two hours. 

A silent partner in a lemonade and brownie business near the festivities (who will remain anonymous so as not to embarrass her son) says, “We’ve done this for the last nine years now…we’ve got it down to a science.  The first year we ran it, we were shocked by how much money the [employees] made…until we figured out it was Dillo Day.”

Eric Haab, supportive spouse of the silent partner, says, “It’s incredible watching how kind the college students are with the [businessmen].  It's really wonderful.”

The silent partner adds, “I think these Northwestern students look at them and it just brings back memories.”

For the past nine years, the business has set up on the corner of Orrington Avenue and Noyes Street, a well-traveled path between the NU campus and the Noyes Street El Stop. 

On Saturday, after two hours of lemonade and brownie sales, the three diminutive tycoons closed up shop (with significant assistance from their silent partner) and assessed their profits. The net?  $25 per [man].  $20 went to the silent partner for restocking fees and supplies (possibly Calgon bath salts).

The endeavor was lauded a huge success by all.

No word yet if the owners plan to franchise or merge with local competition.