As Thanksgiving draws near, Little Piggy Bakery is serving up a delicious way to celebrate the season—with a lineup of handcrafted baked goods perfect for sharing around the holiday table.

From now through November 17, customers can place orders for pickup on Sunday, November 23. Each order comes with freezer-friendly instructions, making it easy to prep ahead and enjoy fresh-from-the-oven flavor on Thanksgiving Day.

The Thanksgiving Menu Includes:

• Regular Sourdough — $7
• Garlic & Herb Sourdough — $10
• Harvest Seeded Sourdough — $10
• Sourdough Rolls (half-dozen) — $7
• Sourdough Garlic Rolls (half-dozen) — $7
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones (half-dozen) — $15
• Apple Cider Donut Bread — $10

Whether you're hosting a feast or bringing a treat to share, these locally baked offerings promise to add warmth and flavor to your holiday spread.

Little Piggy Bakery is owned and operated by Reka Brooks, whose sourdough creations have become a staple in Delavan’s seasonal celebrations. Orders can be placed by phone at (309) 678-5992. Quantities are limited, so early birds get the bread—and the scones.

Photograph courtesy of Rebekah Lin Photography.

CORRECTION: 

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that November 23rd falls on a Wednesday. In fact, November 23rd is a Sunday. We regret the error and have updated the article to reflect the correct date.

If you weren’t at the Farmhouse Event Center on East 5th Street this past Saturday evening, you missed the social sensation of the season—and possibly the century. The Delavan Optimist Club’s inaugural A Night at the Mouse Races fundraiser transformed the venue into the glittering Delavan Downs Racetrack, where high society met high stakes in a spectacle of squeaks, sequins, and spirits.

From the moment the doors opened at 6 o’clock, the crowd—nearly 100 strong—was a veritable parade of pearls, pinstripes, and panache. The appetizer buffet was a hit with the fashionable set, who nibbled and networked while sipping complimentary soft drinks and Bush Light. But for those with a taste for something stronger, the cash bar flowed freely, with bourbon emerging as the evening’s darling of the decanter.

The races themselves were a riot of delight. Delavan Optimist Steve Skinner, ever the musician, heralded each event with a rousing “Call to the Post,” sending the crowd into a tizzy of anticipation. Ten races in total kept the room buzzing, with sponsors including the City of Delavan, Three Pedal Motorcars, the Bank of Pontiac, Steve & Liz Skinner, Bree Tree Care, Garry & Linda Slabaugh, Roland Rich Ford, the Delavan Dispatch, Tremont Financial Services, and American Legion Post 382. Winners doubled their bets—or more—with some lucky souls walking away with six times their wager.

And then there was Rodent Roulette, the evening’s most talked-about diversion. Marc Cappel of the Alton Optimist Club and Bill Wagoner of the Highland Optimist Club—both Illinois District Governors, past and present—worked the room with charm, and even gave some hecklers the razz, selling chances to the eager crowd. Eight games awarded $50 to the lucky cardholders, while two high-stakes rounds paid out a cool $100.

Just when the bourbon was flowing and the mice were running with reckless abandon, the speakeasy was raided by none other than Delavan's own dashing defenders of decorum: Officers Blaze Stieghorst and Molly McNeill. The pair made a theatrical entrance that sent flappers fluttering and big-timers adjusting their snappy lids. The patrol added a dash of drama to the evening's festivities.

Behind the scenes, the bank was run with precision and flair by Kelly Powell, Nick Georgi, Ed Hart, and Christy Hart, while the fundraising committee—Walt Dare, Kelly Powell, Linda Slabaugh, Steve Skinner, and chairperson Liz Skinner—ensured every detail sparkled. Their efforts culminated in a jubilant cheer at evening’s end: “It was a smashing success!”

Optimist Club President Adele Wheeler took the mic to thank attendees for their generosity and spirit, reminding all that the night’s proceeds support the Club’s cherished holiday gift program, which provides Christmas presents to local children whose families are facing tough times.

Let us not overlook the true unsung heroes of the evening—those paragons of hospitality at the Farmhouse Event Center who turned service into an art form. Proprietors Josh and Laura Grys, along with the ever-gracious Cathy Calsyn and the impeccably attentive Jess Sydney, took care of every detail with the finesse of seasoned society stewards. From the bountiful appetizer buffet to the seamless flow of refreshments, their efforts ensured that every guest was treated like royalty. The ambiance sparkled, and the service never faltered.

In short, A Night at the Mouse Races was the bee’s knees, the cat’s pajamas, and the mouse’s moment. If this was the first, we can only imagine what next year’s gala will bring. Until then, keep your feathers fluffed, your lid slick, and your bourbon neat.

Delavan transformed into a Halloween wonderland this past Thursday evening, as hundreds of costumed children—ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and more—roamed the streets in search of treats, and the occasional trick. From classic porch setups to elaborate haunted house scenes, the town came alive with community spirit and spooky charm.

Legion Leads the Parade
The festivities kicked off with the beloved American Legion Post 382 Halloween Parade and Costume Contest. Marchers paraded down Locust Street to Third, then turned toward the Legion Hall, where the Legion Auxiliary welcomed them with punch, cookies, and a warm smile. Costumes were judged by age group, thanks to Auxiliary members Christy Hart, Brenda Christensen, and Susie Hill. Meanwhile, Chris Christensen, Penny Bright, and Missy Schmitz kept the kids organized and well-fed with juice and cookies.

Holy Ghost Wiener Roast Warms the Night
Just down South Locust, the Delavan United Methodist Church hosted its annual “Holy Ghost Wiener Roast.” Trick-or-treaters gathered around a crackling bonfire, perched on hay bales, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs. Beth and Doug Zimmer, Mary Ann Day, and Pastor David Kelly made sure every child had a seat, a snack, and a smile.

Fire House Offers Sweet Relief
The Delavan Fire House joined the celebration with a trick-or-treat station of its own, offering hot chocolate to warm visitors along their chilly trek for treats. The station became a cozy stop for families needing a break and a bit of warmth before continuing their Halloween adventure.

Trunk-or-Treat Brings Halloween to All
For people in less accessible parts of town, the Delavan Baptist Church on East Fifth Street offered a festive Trunk-or-Treat. Decorated vehicles lined the lot, ensuring everyone could join in the Halloween fun, no matter where they lived.

Police Pitch In
On West Third Street, the Delavan Police Department pitched a tent on a vacant city-owned lot. Chief Michael Evans and Sgt. April Schrementi handed out candy and high-fives, adding a layer of safety and sweetness to the night.

A Polar Bear Steals the Show
Among the sea of costumes, one towering figure stood out—an illuminated inflatable polar bear that could be seen approaching from blocks away. It quickly became a crowd favorite, drawing gasps, giggles, and plenty of photo ops as it lumbered through the streets.

A Haunted Tea Party at the Skinner House
One of the most talked-about stops was the Skinner house, where trick-or-treaters were invited into a haunted dining room for a wicked tea party. Wendy Sweigart, dressed in full witch regalia, welcomed guests inside, while Liz Skinner—another witch in full costume—offered tea with a warning: drink at your own risk. Most opted for candy instead. Outside, Steve Skinner kept the cauldron bubbling with dry ice, adding eerie ambiance to a tradition that’s spanned 25 years and now welcomes multiple generations.

Porch Parties and Fireside Greetings
Unlike many towns where trick-or-treating is a doorbell dash, Delavanites embraced the evening with warmth and creativity. Residents gathered in yards with roaring fires, decorated porches, and lawn chairs, greeting costumed kids with candy and conversation. Houses averaged between 200 and 300 trick-or-treaters, a testament to the town’s Halloween spirit.

A Visitor’s Perspective
“I have never seen so many kids on Halloween, and I grew up on the South Side of Chicago,” said Edward Condon of Benton, Illinois. “I think small towns do Halloween much better than the big cities.” Condon was visiting his sister, Linda Slabaugh, who greeted trick-or-treaters dressed as Cruella DeVille.

From the parade to the haunted tea party, Delavan’s Halloween was a celebration of community, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun. As the last candy wrappers fluttered away and the bonfires dimmed, one thing was clear: Delavan knows how to do Halloween right.