ROCKTON — After a busy opening night Thursday, organizers of the annual Old Settlers Days festival believe they will attract a record crowd this year.
“It was by far the best Thursday we ever had,” said Josh Brown, village trustee and vice president of the Rockton Lions Club. “The carnival was packed the whole night, and just for the concert we’re estimating around 3,000 people attended.”
The four-day festival attracted more than 15,000 people last year, and officials are trying to top that mark this weekend.
Danny Gokey, the Thursday night headliner, played a key role in bringing people to the festival.
“He’s kind of a local guy, he was a choir director at a church in Beloit, and he drew a lot of people from all over the state,” Brown said.
via http://www.rrstar.com/news/yourtown/x242417369/Old-Settlers-Days-on-way-to-break-record
Tara Lazzara of Roselle traveled about two hours with her boyfriend just to see headliner Danny Gokey, who took the stage at 9 p.m.
“We were just laughing about how we drove two hours (round trip) to go to a fair,” Lazzara said. “But I really want to see him.”
“We’re here because of Danny Gokey,” said Janette Crombie of Rockton, who was with her stepmother, Patty. “I love Danny Gokey.”
via http://www.rrstar.com/news/yourtown/x1005403601/Old-Settlers-Days-under-way-with-rides-music-sun
