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DOWNPOUR MAGIC Amaranth Apple Festival, sponsored by Downtown Springfield, Inc., began early Friday when Steven Duchrow performed a Vachel Lindsay interpretation at the Illinois State Library. Later Friday night the festival picked up downtown with music, food and merriment to stimulate the crowd. Mr. Duchrow hit the main stage to bellow more Vachel Lindsayisms to inspire the moment.
The crowd was enlivened by Mr. Duchrow’s enthusiasm.
On Saturday afternoon local treasure Cowboy Randy Irwin played at the smaller tented arena. The sky opened mid-set and we tent dwellers settled in for a while to contemplate who would stop the rain.
Eventually Steven Duchrow took the smaller, covered stage to expound additional Vachel Lindsay euphemisms. His recitations opened the door to 90 minutes of poetry performed by an eclectic mix of audience participants. Approximately 40 to 50 folks who normally would not mix now occupied the tent seeking shelter from the storm. We were all drawn into the series of spirited poets firing word arrows aimed at our collective attention. Vachel Lindsay’s spirit filled the space with lyrical rhythmic word patterns intended to transform the listeners and varying forms of creativity ensued. While the poets performed, other folks were inspired to draw pictures on the paper tablecloths. Some folks used their skills to relieve the tent of excess water. Eventually this crowd of individuals came together to cheer and support our collective creative efforts while the rain kept us locked in the open air tent.
The magic of this extended moment was exactly what the sweet Amaranth Apple Festival was intended for. The downpour may have ended the festival, but for those of us caught by the unexpected let down, it was the beginning of new friendships and the exchange of ideas that will carry forward into the years ahead. Kathryn Dauksza Springfield
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF It’s said that history repeats itself, and after reading Rich Miller’s column (“Top of the ballot races,” Illinois Times, June 21), it appears to be occurring.
Is Illinois repeating the 2016 presidential election … choosing between two bad candidates for governor?
As stated in the column, the Capitol Fax poll recorded 26 percent would choose a third unnamed thirdparty candidate, 16 percent undecided. That means an increasing number of people are giving up on the established two major political parties. Unfortunately, having any third-party candidate on an Illinois ballot is unlikely. The two major parties made “rules” that nearly ensure a third-party candidate isn’t allowed.
The people want something different.
The election of President Trump over every established party candidate on both sides of the aisle proves that fact.
The two major parties continue to ignore the obvious people’s discontent. Instead, they choose/elect candidates who only appeal to their base of voters. Apparently that voter base is eroding.
Perhaps at some point the parties will make themselves non-contenders and find themselves on the street, out of power. We can only hope! Jeff Davis
Dawson
