Redhead Days

Stop by Highwood for an excellent time this weekend for Redhead Days, Sat & Sun 10 – 5

Fun Festival & lots of Redheads! Was hard to find, they needed better signs & directions…

This was a great event. I’m glad I got to go. However, I would suggest more food vendor options for next year, as well as, more activities.

Thanks for putting this together! What a fun event! Even bigger and better next year I hope!

It was a really great event! I drove with my mother from Omaha, NE and it was definitely worth it! The large group photo did not go according to the plan on the Facebook page; there were even some non-​redheads in there! People have said there could have been more child-​friendly things and food options and I agree with that. Overall it was a worthwhile experience to see so many natural redheads in one place :)

I thought it was very unique and I loved it and the idea of it. Being the very first one, I“m not sure what Jim expected so sure he did not have many vendors. Perhaps future festivals could include more food… what about salons that have knowledge in some hair of redheads… thick, curly, course, frizzy, etc. Perhaps selling of products catering toward red hair. Handcrafted jewelry, etc. These are just thoughts. Overall, for the 1^st one, I thought it was great… especially being a redhead myself. Thanks for organizing this Jim! I’ll definitely be back!

So many shades of ginger… So much fun!!! Can’t wait to go back next year!

For a first time event, this was wonderful. I greatly admire the innovative people in Highwood who take the risks and do the work to bring new and enjoyable events for the whole family to our local area. AND the REDHEADS were AWESOME. Thank you very much.

So fun! The info session on the Redhead history book was awesome! So many redheads in one place! Loved it! Maybe have a few more activities next year so we can mingle more and meet other redheads.

When I heard that an event like this was coming to the Chicago area I was so excited! The event in Europe sounded like so much fun and I couldn’t wait to experience that here in the U.S.
That being said, I was a little disappointed. I think the idea behind the festival is wonderful, but the execution could use a little work. I agree with other reviewers that a bigger space, more events and activities, and a larger crowd would make a big difference! While there were some vendors and activities, it seemed like a lot of people just standing around enjoying being with other redheads.
I would love to see the event moved downtown, as I think that would attract a larger crowd and would provide people coming in from out of town the opportunity to make a weekend out if it much more easily.
Hope to see you all next year!

What a fun idea to have a redhead festival. I think I’d be doing my brethren a disservice by not reviewing the festival. But for me, it was just okay.
I think in my head I expected this to be something more. Sure, when redheads pass on the street you give a nod, or silently acknowledge one another. But an entire festival full of gingers? That I couldn’t miss.
I’ve always been proud of my hair color because it sets me apart. I was never bullied for it, and as a child I had the bright coppery color that all the old ladies seemed to notice. As I’ve grown up, it’s gotten lighter and is more of a caramel color these days. Still, I’m very fond of it and am happy to stand out. So clearly, I belonged at this festival.
But I guess I was expecting something else. I think I’d fantasized something like a dozen gingers running up to me saying, «Grant! You’re here! We’ve been waiting for you.»
Not really, but I think the point I’m trying to make is that when we’re by ourselves, we stand out. We’re unique. We’re special. But put us all together and we’re just another redhead. It’s humbling, actually.
The festival itself consisted of about 10 booths or so. Mostly alcohol vendors, Unilocal,a t-​shirt tent, and I think there was carrot cake and popcorn.
Aside from drinking (which kind of perpetuates the Irish stereotype, but I digress) there wasn’t much to do at this festival other than stand around and talk to or look at other redheads, which got old real quick. No offense to anyone I spoke with. But there wasn’t much food, and the entertainment left a little to be desired.
I guess this festival just wasn’t for me. I hope to see it grow into something amazing in the future.

It is a beautiful day for the inaugural Redhead Festival in Highwood. Lots of fun so come out for pregame fun. Food, libations, and lots of gingers.

What a great idea!!! I went to the one in holland a few years ago and it was so awesome!