Walsh Fest Draws at Least 600

850 people said they would come to former Congressman and current WIND talk show Joe Walsh’s Memorial Day Weekend’s potluck, politics and pyrotechnics.

I arrive at the advertised start time–4 PM.

It was not dry.

And had been raining in the hour before.

Nevertheless, there were a lot of cars.

But nothing compared to the number parked during the fireworks.

I have never been to an event like this.

While Walsh was in typical exuberant Meet & Greet mode, there more going on as his followers mixed and mingled.

With a high proportion of the adults attending having knocked on doors of state and local candidates who agree with Walsh, potential candidates in 2016 went a courting.

Those with conflicting ambitions tried to talk potential opponents out of running.

Clearing we are in the intimidation stage of the campaign.

Incumbents attending included State Senator Jim Oberweis, State Rep. David McSweeney, Cook County Board Of Review member Dan Patlak, Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran, McHenry County College Trustee Karen Tirio, College of DuPage Trustees Frank Napolitano and Charles Bernstein, McHenry County Board members Diane Evertsen, John Hammerand and Chuck Wheeler. Wauconda Mayor Frank Bart, Lakewood Village Trustee Paul Serwatka, East Dundee Village Trustee Allen Skillicorn, McHenry County Regional Board of School Trustees Eric Dowd and Matt Meyer, DuPage County Regional Board of School Trustees Catherine Hanzelin and Paula McGowan, Elgin School Board member Jeanette Ward, Nippersink (Richmond-Spring Grove) School Board Diane Bishop, Zion-Benton Township High School Board member Tom Handyside, Marengo Library Board member Cynthia Schenk.

Numerous Republican Precinct Committeemen were there.

From McHenry County were yours truly, Diane Evertsen, Sharon Bills, Karen Tirio, Chuck Wheeler, Diane Evertsen, Joe Monack, Paul Serwatka, Christina Myers, Chris Yaeger, Steve Rooney, Demetri Tsilmigras, and Thomas Venezio.

At times it reminded me of tent revival meeting my Skinner grandparents took me to when I was young…complete with the rain.

Walsh spoke at least twice during the six-hour event.

Posting of colors.

Posting of colors.

After the colors were posted, Walsh directed people’s attention to the restored Jeep.

Rolling out of World War II was this restored Jeep.

Rolling out of World War II was this restored Jeep.

It was so authentic that it had no doors.


Comments

Walsh Fest Draws at Least 600 — 3 Comments

  1. “At times it reminded me of tent revival meeting” – complete with Joe Walsh playing the part of Elmer Gantry

  2. Joe and Helene sure know how to throw a party, rally the troops of good people, and thank our troops! What a great time!

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