By Todd Wineburner
In Chatsworth, they’re getting ready for this Saturday’s (5/4/19) Bluebird Festival, and Mayor Richard Runyon says there’s going to be plenty to see and do. Saturday’s event runs from 11 until 3, and Runyon says it’s a celebration of the connection between the community and a some of the area’s more colorful wildlife. “Chatsworth High School was the Bluebirds,” Runyon explains, “and about three years ago we started the bluebird project….we have about 185 nest boxes right in the Chatsworth area for the bluebirds and they’re very successful.” Runyon says that Chatsworth was officially declared the bluebird capital of Illinois in 2017, and that the bluebird project extends to Saunemin, Cullom, Strawn, and Forrest. All of those communities have come together to create about 300 habitats for bluebirds. Runyon adds that the birds apparently approve, as many of the boxes are already occupied with bluebirds.
The festival on Saturday, May 4th, will take place in Chatsworth’s downtown area and will include music, presentations, and games and events for kids. Schedules and other details are available on the Facebook page of the Chatsworth Citizen’s Advisory Board.
You can hear WJEZ’s complete conversation with Richard Runyon on our Podcasts page. Just look for the link in the main menu at the top of the page.
