HerrinFesta Italiana returns with music and events for young and old

Jim Gentile, the executive director of HerrinFesta Italiana, initially didn't know what a "parrothead" was.

When it was announced The Boat Drunks, a popular Jimmy Buffett tribute band, would have Doyle Grisham, pedal steel player for the "Margaritaville" singer's Coral Reefer Band, sitting in on their HerrinFesta set, Gentile quickly found out and renamed Saturday's early musical events, "A Parrothead Afternoon."

"It's a big deal," Gentile said.

The Boat Drunks are just one of many attractions at next week's HerrinFesta Italiana, a celebration of the town's heritage and a way to bring Southern Illinois together in community spirit.

From musical acts to family events, Gentile said HerrinFesta has a little something for everyone.

"We try to cover the whole nine yards," Gentile said. "We're always evolving."

An example of this adaptation is Thursday's 80's night. Last year's was so well received; the Festa brought it back for more.

"A lot of people have figured out that they like the '80s," Gentile said. "They relive their childhood."

Friday is dance night, featuring party band Dr. Zhivegas; local rockabilly favorites Skinny Jim and the Number 9 Blacktops; and Danny Seraphine, former drummer for Chicago with his new band, the California Transit Authority.

The traditional grape stomp has been moved to the middle of the parrothead afternoon on Saturday, between sets of The Boat Drunks. Teams should report to the Piazza Stage no later than 5 p.m. on Saturday. They will be judged in three categories: stomping style, dress, and amount of juice produced.

Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in adult and junior categories. Don't forget competitors, technique and style is important. It's not just that you stomp, it's how you stomp.

Saturday's music will be headlined by John Waite, who recently re-recorded his '80s hit "Missing You" with Alison Krauss.

Sunday is "Country Day" with HerrinFesta favorites, Wild Horses, Herrin native Lori Eisenhauer, and headliner Jake Owen. Owen recently was nominated for Top Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards that will be this Friday, a week before he performs.

"If he wins, it'll be a double feather in our cap," Gentile said.

Memorial Day Monday's events will feature more country music with Jennifer Thompson and Goin' South and headliners, The LoCash Cowboys, who are familiar faces to the Festa.

"We haven't found a reason not to bring them back," Gentile said. "Every time they come here, they set the house on fire."

In addition to music, there are a host of other events at HerrinFesta.

For the art lover, works from artists and art students from across Southern Illinois will be on display in the Herrin Civic Center. You can look through the art all through the weekend, beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday. The awards and closing reception will be Monday at 4 p.m.

Fans of the more traditional Festa activities have lots to be happy about as well.

Those with a well-endowed proboscis are all ready for the Bigga Nose Contest. It may also come in handy for the Pasta Sauce and Pasta Eating Contests.

Friday night, you can check out the next generation of Festa kings and queens at the Little Mr. & Miss HerrinFesta Pageant & Photogenic Competition.

Saturday, kids will have the opportunity to meet the Incredible Hulk for free at 12:30 p.m. in the "Via Trattoria" area, and then they can head over to the "Ball Drop" at 1 p.m. at the Volleyball courts for hundreds of balls and free prizes.

Everyone loves a parade and HerrinFesta will satisfy that inner child with the Kid's Bike and Pet Parade on Friday at 4 p.m. and the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Car enthusiasts will enjoy the car show Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Herrin City Park.

In the way of athletic events, there is again plenty of opportunity for fun and activity.

The annual HerrinFesta Bocce tournaments are one of the long running highlights of the entire festival. The tournaments started in 1991 and gave birth to the Herrin Bocce Club, which holds events year round and currently has almost 200 members.

Throughout the weekend there will be an invitation-only corporate tournament, an adult-child tournament, a teenager tournament and the International Championship tournament.

Saturday at 8 a.m., the second HerrinFesta Triathlon, affectionately named the "Tri-Festa," will be held. This quarter-mile swim, 3-mile run, and 14-mile bike ride beginning at John A. Logan College, will test your endurance and ability.

On Sunday, there's also the "Volleyfesta," volleyball tournaments and a poker run at J and J Time Out Sports Bar.

The "Road Races" are Monday morning, and is open for those ready to compete or those just looking for some exercise. There is a $500 prize for breaking the course record in the 10k or the mile, male and female.

Participants can register and pick up their packets at Herrin Civic Center from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, or starting at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26. The 10k run starts on Park Avenue at 8 a.m., the 5k noncompetitive fitness walk starts on north side of Herrin City Hall at 8:20 a.m., the Youth Fun Run starts at South Side Lumber at 9:30 a.m., and the Straight Away Mile starts at South Side Lumber at 9:45 a.m.

The entry fee is $12 if received by May 25, race day entries are $15 and the fee for the Youth Fun Run is $6. Participants in the 10K or walk may enter the Straight Away Mile for $6.

Admission into the Piazza is $5 per day, which Gentile said is a deal with the amount of music and entertainment provided.

"Where else can you get something like that?" he said.

brent.stewart@thesouthern.com

351-5074