Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days canceled after powerful storms destroy equipment
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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CHERRY VALLEY — Alpine Kiwanis has canceled its biggest annual fundraiser after a powerful storm ripped through both Brat Days sites, destroying equipment and tents used to put on the 54th annual event.
Karen Tilly, co-chairperson of Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days, said strong winds and rain ripped through the area around 5 p.m. She was at Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Loves Park when the storm hit. That is one of two Brat Days sites, along with the CherryVale Mall.
“The parking lot looks like a tornado went through it. I can tell you it was pretty close because I was in my car and it moved about a half a parking space,” Tilly said. “It’s a disaster up here.”
Tilly said the nonprofit organization has not made any decisions yet on what to do going forward with the event or for those who purchased tickets in advance. The event is used to raise money for local charities and to provide scholarships to graduating high school students.
Right now, she said Alpine Kiwanis is focused on assessing the damage and handling cleanup.
“The cookers went, the lids went, all the utensils … electrical equipment, tents, cookers, roasters, signs, you name it,” Tilly said. “It never happened before in 54 years. First time ever.”
Storms that came through the area dropped hail, caused wind damage, knocked out power and flooded streets. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for Boone and Winnebago counties. A flood watch is also in effect for much of northern Illinois. Thunderstorms are expected to continue later tonight. Rockford police have urged drivers to stay off the roads tonight due to the flooding and overall poor driving conditions.
Numerous teams from the Rockford Police Department, Rockford Fire Department and Public Works Department are “assessing damage, closing dangerous roads, assisting residents and businesses,” Mayor Tom McNamara said in a statement. “For the safety of all, please stay off the roads.”
Alpine Kiwanis said it will begin cleanup of its sites tomorrow morning. It has security in place tonight.
It said no volunteers were injured in the storms.
“However, the true impact of this cancellation will be felt by the dozens of local charities that rely on the funds raised from this event,” the nonprofit wrote in a statement. “Please continue to check BratDays.org for more updates regarding cleanup efforts and future plans.”
Volunteers wanted
Alpine Kiwanis is looking for help with cleanup. The nonprofit and any volunteers will begin cleanup work at 9 a.m. Friday.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
