SUBLETTE - The SubletteFest coordinators could not have asked for two more beautiful September days for their event. Mild temperatures and sunny skies brought crowds out on Saturday and Sunday to take part in the community oriented activities.

Held Saturday, Sept. 9, along Route 52, was a car show featuring Kasier and Frasier vehicles. Out of the 125 entries, 47 were either Kaiser or Frasier models. The vehicles were not judged but entrants received a "goodie" bag and were entered for door prizes. Participants were from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Front Street was closed off to traffic Saturday morning as vendor booths and local downtown businesses provided a variety of shopping options for Fest-goers.

Saturday evening gave everyone a chance to attend concerts, featuring Tom Welty at 7 p.m. and Burn n' Bush at 9 p.m., at the newly refurbished Sublette Community Building. Kyle Kellen, Sublette Community Building Board Member, said that 400 wristbands were sold for the concerts.

The Pullin' in the Park Tractor and Truck Pull was held on Sunday at Centennial Park. A bounce house, obstacle course and games for the children made the Pull fun for everyone. Children entering the venue filled out a card that was placed into a drawing for a boys' and girls' bicycle, provided by Dean and Sue Stephenitch.

Chris Leffelman, Centennial Park Board President, said he was happy with the turn-out.

"There were people of all ages having a great time," Leffelman said.

There were 100 entries in 10 classes for the different pulls. The first three places got trophies and two of the classes, 5000 and 6000, were Illinois State Pullers and earned points for the winners.

Entrants paid a fee and sponsors paid to display their name-banners along the fencing at the park. All proceeds from the Pull will benefit Centennial Park.

For the second year, a contest for the tallest ragweed plant was held in conjunction with the Pull. The tallest ragweed award went to Dennis Bickett, of Maytown.

The Sublette Community Building was open Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. for tours. The Community Building has undergone a complete restoration, upstairs and downstairs. Precautions were taken to keep as much of the existing structure as possible, while making the needed updates. New restrooms were added upstairs and a new septic was needed to accommodate them. The new system was placed to the south of the building. Other changes included new ceiling and flooring in the downstairs and new windows throughout. Many of the building supplies, fixtures, and labor were donated by individuals and businesses that are commemorated within the building.

Renting the building for events will be one way the board will be making the renovations pay for themselves and for new projects that are needed. Kellen said the next item they will be raising funds for is to make the building accessible for all citizens.

A 50/50 raffle was held to benefit Sublette 365, a local non-profit organization created in 2014 to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Village of Sublette. The winner of $765 was Karey Ely, of Amboy. Karey was not present at the drawing but learned of her good fortune from her husband and son who were there.