Life Was A Hot Bowl of Cherries at Cherry Valley Days 2014

The rides were rolling, the beverages were cooling, and the weather wasn't the only thing that was hot this past weekend at Cherry Valley Days. Good thing Q98.5's Jonny J found a good way to cool off for a great cause.

Let me just say this, when Jonny began this challenge, I nearly jumped in with him, but somebody needed to film it. Instead, I gave him a nice big hug after he was finished.

Bravo, Jonny! You the man!

Time for me to make a confession now. The real reason I didn't join Jonny was because of this man, Drew Baldridge, the headliner on Sunday for Q day at Cherry Valley Days. He put on a fabulous show, and was really sweet and cute too. I would have been too embarrassed chatting with him sporting my "drowned rat" look. It's bad enough that I was dripping in sweat and smelling awful. Thanks for the great show, Drew! You were totally worth melting for.

Cherry Valleys Days has always been a summer highlight for me. When I was younger, it was the first time you got to gather will all your friends before the school year started, and now as an adult it's a chance to see and catch up with old friends. In fact this year, the Jefferson High School Class of 1989 held their 25th class reunion at the festival on Saturday night, but it was under a cloud of sorrow. The victim of the accident from the high speed chase in front of Menards on Perryville last Wednesday, was a beloved J-Hawk alum. Karen Williams is the founder of the Jefferson High School Alumni Association, and the creator of the "Growing up in Rockford" facebook page. I have never met Karen personally, but I am constantly touched by her passion for keeping all us J-Hawk alums connected. She has impacted so many lives, and the proof was evident by this sign that was posted at Cherry Valley Days on Saturday night.

Last I heard Karen remains in critical condition at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, but her entire J-Hawk community is praying for her daily.  If you would like to support her family, and make a donation to help with medical costs, go here.

Stay strong Karen, and God bless!