I didn't realize that Summer Campers stole, tore up property and caused trouble. I thought they were mostly drug arrests.

@skutfarcus Not sure what they do and don't really care, but I do remember what it was like to be young. I also know what happens to and with the surrounding communities of these events.

@skutfarcus when my adult kids ask about my "wild side" from my youth, I tell them that is when I started going to church. some days but sunday I was praying hard!

Most of the folks I know that live in Chili kinda like it. I'm pretty sure a lot of the businesses do.

Well, I went to music festivals and smoked weed when I was younger. I must be a horrible human being.

1. Re: ""Obstructed windshield" is commonly used as a reason to pull people over. So, if you have something dangling from your mirror...be it a dreamcatcher or rosary beads."I read a comment on today's PJS article that 3 years ago, citations for this type of 'entrapment' (being pulled over for mirror items) were thrown out by the judge. So the police will have to find another way or reason to stop folks, other than observing pot smoke or open beer cans in drivers or passenger hands. Link: www.pjstar.com/artic le/20150521/NEWS/150 529869/1994/NEWS2. I have never been to 3 Sisters Park at all; have drove by it a few times but it's been quite awhile. I may kill my curiosity by driving to Chili late tomorrow afternoon, taking Old Galena Road up then east into town; take advantage of cheaper gas prices (unless they've been jacked up for festival); then drive back down on Rt 29 past the park on my way back home. 3. I really don't have an interest in seeing the bands here unless you're talking about AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Nickleback or even the Black Keys. I know, I know, wishful thinking.

Dress as a priest the cops will flag you through the check points.

Most of the local businesses do NOT benefit from Summer Camp. Once the "scampers" park, they are discouraged from leaving the grounds. There are food and beverage vendors (mostly NOT local) on site, as well as people selling t-shirts and souvenirs. In fact, several of the local restaurants/bars close down for the weekend because business is too slow.
As for the drug arrests, yes, the police crack down HARD on anyone who appears to be driving while impaired. Several years ago, the fire chief of Henry was killed when a stoned "scamper" hit his vehicle head on. I'm grateful that the police are trying to keep such a tragedy from happening again.

Hubby and I went to Slider's (former Blarney Castle, just south and east of 3 Sisters Park) for dinner. We drove past the park, where there were already several hundred vehicles parked. But then we got to the restaurant, it was less than half filled...and everyone was local.

Saw the 5-0 out in force in Chilli on the way home. Our 8 year old was pretty impressed with the amount of cars parked. He also couldn't believe people were staying overnight in the tents.

Was coming from East Peoria back to Peoria and on the off ramp in Peoria. 2 State Troopers had 3 cars pulled over. All of their belongings out on the ground. 2 East Peoria police cars there also. They were all young didn't look like they had any thing to worry about. They were all laughing with the officers that was standing with them.

I think if I was going to Chilly I would take a boat. I bet you would even get stopped.

The safe way to travel to Summer Camp.....Take the golf cart.

@Whit Yep it has Cup holders.

@AnneC
It's so cute that you are on a first name basis with the K9 in chili. Got a link for the fire chief that was supposedly killed by a "scamper"?