Springfield celebrates 13th annual Filbert Festival

Filberts, runners, kids and food will fill Springfield's Day Island Park Aug. 2 to 4 for the 13th Annual Springfield Filbert Festival.

A celebration involving filberts may sound like a "nutty" way to spend a beautiful summer weekend, but the event is loaded with musical performances, including the Satin Love Orchestra, the Deb Cleveland Band and Eugene's own version of Fox's "American Idol."

One of Springfield's only events has changed in the past couple years, partly because of a change in management, and partly from the festival board's focus, Big Green Events partner Dave Crory said.

"The focus of the board has been to grow and enrich the event in all areas," he said.

The best part of the festival is the Island Park location, according to festival volunteer Jenny Johnson.

"It's gorgeous, and it really gives us a chance to appreciate what a beautiful place we live in," she said.

The event is catered to all ages and levels of activity. Some of the main attractions are the Spirit of Springfield Run, Pancake Breakfast, Mayor's Ice Cream Social, a Nutty Kingdom for children and the stages.

Along with the many food and information booths, there are two stages. The Main Stage will feature headlining bands and the Fun Stage will showcase comedy, magic and folk acts.

The event is not necessarily geared only toward Springfield residents. Although it has been supported by Springfield businesses and residents, one goal of the festival is to "showcase what is unique to Springfield by marketing to wider audiences," Crory said.

Get geared up to watch local performers sing their hearts out to earn a place at 104.7 KDUK's "Duck out of Summer." The radio station is sponsoring an "American Idol"-like contest.

Fifteen contestants will perform on stage in front of an audience and three judges."Everybody just wants to be a star; that's basically what it boils down to," KDUK music director Steve Brown said.

For more information on the event visit www.springfieldfilbertfestival.com.

Contact the managing editor at jennischultz@dailyemerald.com.

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