The Life-Long Learning Committee (LLLC) brought the sold-out session on the History of Riverview Amusement Park to Sun City. Dottie Bobzin, a member of the LLLC, said, “Many Sun City residents remember Riverview. Our Chicago-related topics are well attended.”
Jackie Monilaw, Chair of LLLC, said, “We were thrilled to find out that someone locally, Fast Eddie’s Car Wash, had several items historically related to the amusement park. They lent them to us for the lecture and donated several free car washes for a raffle.”
Many Sun City residents know of the car wash’s fondness of the amusement park. Inside the car wash building, there is a mural of Riverview.
Joe and Kim Doherty are the current owners of Fast Eddies.
Kim said, “The Huntley location is unique to us. It is our newest location. We opened in Huntley in 2013. We love the residents who come to us. They are retired and have time to share their incredible stories.”
The first location of the car wash was in McHenry. Kim said, “When we were considering names for the business, we wanted to name it after my grandfather, Paul Colomer. Fast Paul’s didn’t seem right. His nephews called him Uncle Eddie. His middle name was Edward. Fast Eddies it was.”
The Huntley location features unique Riverview memorabilia, such as a claw machine from the famous park.
“Riverview had a special meaning to my grandparents,” Kim said.
Paul Colomer was walking down a street in Chicago and saw a pretty girl sitting on the steps of a brownstone building.
Kim said, “He asked her out. They went to Riverview on that date.”
The date was the start of a long-term relationship, and both held the amusement park in their memories as the start of their romance.
Kim said, “My grandparents, Paul and Nancy, were married on September 25, 1937, at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica Parish. They were married for 52 years.”
The Doherty’s have their own romantic story.
“Joe proposed to me on St. Patrick’s Day. That date has a special meaning in our family besides the obvious Irish connection. Joe’s mom and dad also got engaged on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The Doherty family celebrates the Irish holiday and their personal anniversary in Chicago. The city‘s celebration is famous for its parade and dyeing the Chicago River Green.
Kim said, “Our daughters, Delaney and Casey, love being with the family to celebrate our special day. Delaney, who lives in California, flies home to celebrate. Casey was crowned Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen in 2023.”
The Doherty’s have donated raffle and silent auction items for events at Sun City. Fast Eddies donated to the February Bingo event and a Huntley Rotary Murder Mystery Dinner Fund Raiser. They are supporting an event taking place in Drendel: Rebecca McCarthy’s School of Dance—and of course, it is a St Patrick’s Day festival.
Kim said, “We were thrilled to support this because our daughter took lessons from Rebecca as a child.”
The car wash accommodates Sun City residents, allowing them to stay out of their cars and enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee while the car goes through the wash.
“We listen to our customers and try to accommodate their requests. We now offer a pickup service for residents who want their cars detailed but don’t want to drive over. We will pick up the car and bring it back.”
It all started with a date at the Riverview Amusement Park.
“We invite you to visit Fast Eddies, where the spirit of Riverview lives on, and experience the nostalgia for yourself,” Kim said.
