How to Help Rockton Lions Club Charities If You're Skipping OSD

This week has seen a lot of conversation about Rockton, Illinois, and the Chemtool fire that began early Monday morning. In short, the flume from the fire could be seen from miles away (even on weather radar, and left debris over several miles.

Some residents have been encouraged to evacuate their homes with their pets until the EPA deems the air quality safe in order for them to return. The area spans a mile within the charred Chemtool property.

Many Northern Illinois residents had questions about Old Settlers Day, which is operated by Rockton Lions Club. Would it still be happening? What is the air quality like? Would it be safe to attend?

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According to the festival's Facebook, the 4-day event will move forward as scheduled.

Since we are outside the evacuation zone, we have no plans to cancel the festival and are staying in close contact with the Emergency Operations Center to ensure the safety of our volunteers, entertainers, and festival attendees.

We asked the question of "will you attend the festival or do you have safety concerns" and the response was 50/50. Those who said they would not be attending the event made understandable points, citing concerns for festival-goers who have to park far away, the security of the homes of residents who evacuated, and traffic to the site of the fire that might draw intrigued tourists looking to snap a pic of a national story.

If you fall into the category of those who will not be attending the event there is still an opportunity to support the efforts of Old Settlers Days, which generates funds for local charities distributed by Rockton Lions Club.

You can learn about the Rockton Lions Clubs' efforts and make a one-time monetary donation here.

Breathtaking Photos of Massive Chemtool Fire from Rockton, Illinois Residents

On Monday, around 7 a.m., a Rockton chemical plant burst into flames. These photos from those that live nearby will make you feel like you were right there.

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