Real Woodstock

If you've been to our page recently, you've seen that there are a lot more things going on in Woodstock lately from the festivals the last few years to the summer in the park last month, the city of Woodstock has been stepping up their game.  Their are different family friendly activities to do and see as well as the usual city council meetings.

Along with the new events has come a new marketing strategy.  We received a message last week regarding a new website promoting the town called "Real Woodstock" which can be found at www.realwoodstock.com.  The website features a beautiful image of the opera house with the tagline "A real town square. A real farmer's market. Real music. Real fun."

Their page includes an "About" section featuring facts and location of Woodstock, and McHenry county  as well as about the committee,

"Promote Woodstock is a public-private partnership funded by the City of Woodstock. It is guided by a five-person leadership committee consisting of two city representatives and three members of the private sector. Formed in 2015, Promote Woodstock's purpose is to grow tourism, increase economic development opportunities, and create a stronger sense of community - so Woodstock can grow."

Hopefully we will be seeing more in the near future from this website as well as more amazing Woodstock events.

A Goodbye to Seasons by Peg

One of our favorite Woodstock shops, Seasons by Peg is scheduled to close their doors and another Woodstock shop, Read between the Lynes is scheduled to move in.

September 15th is the last day that Seasons by Peg will open their doors.  Peg has announced her retirement due to market conditions and the economy.  Seasons by Peg has always been a beautiful, warm and inviting place to stop and have a look around.  We appreciate the time we've had with Peg and we will be sad to see her go.

Please read the full Woodstock Independent story here.

Summer in the Park July 2015

Summer in the park is officially here regardless of what the weather has been telling us.  Bring your friends and family out for the second annual Summer in the Park that should be an even bigger hit then last year!

  Below is a list of events going on at Emricson park to celebrate summer.



Wednesday July 15th (Woodstock Square)

• 7PM Band Concert (Free)
• Ice Cream Social (Free)
• Carnival Booth w/Free prizes and games for kids

Thursday July 16th

• 7PM Pre-Show RC Juggles
• 8PM Movie under the big tent - Night at the Museum - Secret of the Tomb
• Candy and Popcorn Free!

Friday July 17th

• 6PM Summer Music Concert Night (Free)
• 6PM Blackwater Gold
• 8PM Creedence Revived
• 10PM Catfight

•  Beer Garden to benefit Gavers Cancer Foundation 
• Food Vendors
• Free Kids Activities
• Petting Zoo
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Rescue Pets

• Adult Activity: Bags Tournament 
• For more info click here 

Saturday July 18th 

• Open 11AM-4PM
• $4 Entrance fee
• Activities
• Free Music

Sunday July 19th

• Open Noon-10PM 
• Summer Music Concerts (Free)
• 1:30PM Switchback
• 4PM JC Brooks & Uptown Sound

• 12PM-6PM Children's Activities
• RC Juggles
• Kids Stage w/music and entertianment
• Carnival games
• Bouncies

• Food Vendors
• Beer Garden benefiting Gavers Cancer Foundation
• 6PM-10PM Tween/Teen Dance
• Free DJ & Photo Booth
• Piazza, candy, soda available to purchase

The above events are awesome sponsored by our very own Woodstock Police department.  For any additional information please see www.woodstockil.gov/summerinthepark

Best Bucket LIst Dream Ever

Today the Woodstock Independent and multiple other news sources shared the fantastic story of Walter Thomas the 91 year old who had the best bucket list wish ever.  And that wish you ask?  To back his car right through the garage door of course!

We've all wanted to do it right?  Or at least thought about it.  You can read the entire fantastic and fun story here.

Website

We have a brand new in the process of being built website. Part of it is up and running currently at www.whatsupwoodstockil.com we're hoping to bring you fun things such as additional event information, event calendar, new blog posts, important news and updates, tourist info, and more. Stay tuned and make sure to bookmark it today!

Local Portrait: Quiznos

Most of us remember the old Quiznos commercial with the "rats."  (If you don't you can see what we mean here) But what really goes on at Quiznos?  We got an inside look at our very own Quiznos here in Woodstock.

When asked what makes them different from fast food chains the response made us laugh.  "Well, we actually eat here after working all day so you know the food is good."  So naturally we had to ask, "what's your favorite sandwich?"  Everyone had their own and most of them were their own creations or a twist on those on the menu.

What are the most popular sandwiches you guys sell?

A.  Classic Italian, turkey ranch and swiss, baja chicken, mesquite chicken, we really sell a lot of everything.

What sets you guys apart from other food chains?

A.  We care about our customers and we want to make sure everything is right.  We're a small business even if we are a franchise.  We aren't huge so we know where our priorities need to be.  We're also a family here we all care about each other.

What do you guys do in the back room?

A.  We keep extra supplies back there we have our cooler and freezer we brew tea back there keep extra paper products and things like that.  We do our dishes back there as well.  

We heard you do really well on your health inspections.

A.  Yeah, you know it's  a good sign when the health department orders delivery from you!  But, we eat here too so why wouldn't we keep it clean?  Anything we do to your sandwich we do to ours so we want it to be clean and right for everyone.

So, you guys do pasta now what's that like?

A.  It's been selling well.  It tastes really good.  It's enough for a meal or you can eat a small sandwich with it or soup even.  We all got to try them the first day they came out.  We were impressed.

So what services do you offer?

A.  We do dine in, pick up, delivery for lunch 11a-2p and we do some great sub and salad catering trays.

How much notice do you guys need for something like catering?
A.  The more time you give us the better but for a small to medium sized order an hour or so before hand will usually do.  If it's a large order if you call the day before that's even better.

How can people get a hold of you to place these orders or find out more info?

A.  They can always call us at (815)206-0843, they can stop in or, they can place orders from www.quiznos.com.  You can also find us on Facebook to check out our coupons and deals.

We checked out the spicy BBQ pulled pork while we were there and we can definitely agree that it was really good!

Farmers Market Food Stamp Program

As you may know, the Woodstock Farmers Market has sponsored a special Food Stamp Program for many years. This program gives additional purchasing power for those using Food Stamps (LINK) at the Market. It is a win-win situation. People in need get more fresh, nutritious food by receiving additional tokens with each food stamp purchase, and these tokens are used at the booths of the farmers at our local market. There are no administration costs for this program; every penny goes to food stamp recipients.

Each year we ask the community to help support this worthwhile program, and this year, Off Square Music is sponsoring a concert to help raise funds. Our concert will be on Saturday, May 17'th at the Unity Spiritual Center at 8 pm. We are featuring "The Choirboys", three former boy sopranos of the world-famous Paulist Choir of Chicago. The group consists of Tim Crossin who plays both banjo and guitar and sings bass, Greg Morusis who plays guitar and sings high harmony, and Bill Carden who sings lead. Greg is from Harvard, so they do have a local connection. The group performs for charities and religious organizations to fulfill their mission, "To help others in need through our music".
  
The choirboys repertoire features folk and other music styles from the 50's, 60's and 70's. They also perform many traditional Irish works ranging from boisterous to ballads. Visit their website, www.thechoirboys.net, for more information. We are asking for a $12 donation at the door. If you need more information, call 815-338-5164 or e-mail me at offsquare@gmail.com
Thanks from Off Square Music and the Woodstock Farmers Market, Keith Johnson, Market Manager, Woodstock Farmers Market

Via Keith Johnson

Thanks for sharing Keith!