Dari Fair, a summertime tradition in Rockford since the 1960s, is for sale
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Dari Fair, an ice cream shop that’s been a summertime tradition on the city’s west side since the 1960s, is for sale.
Kevin and Diane Hilby purchased the ice-cream stand at 2813 Kilburn Avenue in May 2003 and became the fourth owners of the business. It served as a summer job for many of their 13 children, who managed the day-to-day operations doing everything from inventory and ordering to scheduling work shifts.
Now that their youngest child, Rachel, is a sophomore college they’re ready to pass the shop on to its next proprietors.
“The purpose of why I bought it 20 years ago has been fulfilled,” Kevin Hilby said. “My kids were always the managers. … It was a good experience for them. They really enjoyed it.”
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The ice cream stand typically opens for business the first weekend in May, and Hilby said it will do so again if it’s not sold.
The property for sale also includes a two-bedroom, no-basement house that is rented out and a two-story garage used for Dari Fair storage.
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Kevin Hilby said he’s received more than 70 inquiries about the sale. He wants to make sure the business goes to someone who will carry on its tradition.
“It’s a good thing for neighborhood,” he said. “How enjoyable is it? People come to get ice cream and they’ve got smiles on their face.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.
