Patch caught up with a few locals during Woodbury Days to see what they were up to during the city's biggest annual celebration.

Antonio Rizzo, age 8, Woodbury resident

Patch: What brings you out to Woodbury Days tonight?

Antonio: I’m in the Ultimate Martial Arts and Fitness demonstrations doing creative form and tumbling.

Patch: How long have you been doing martial arts and why did you get involved in it?

Antonio: Last year I saw their demonstration at WDs and thought it was really cool, so I asked my parents if I could try it. I’m an advanced blue belt and I have only been doing it for just about a year.

Trevor Radtke, Dweebs band member

Patch: Just how long have the Dweebs been coming out to Woodbury Days?

Radtke: The Dweebs have been performing at Woodbury Days since 1997, I believe.

Patch: What keeps you guys coming back?

Radtke: It’s just great family fun! It’s a really relaxing and lively environment for kids and their parents.

Patch: When did The Dweebs actually form as a band?

Radtke: In 1987 the band was founded and formed by Michael Blue.  In 2003, we formed into the second generation of the band. Two sons, one daughter and myself were introduced and have been playing in the band ever since then.

Patch: You’re not a family member then?

Radtke: No, but I grew up with the family in Somerset, Wisconsin.

Patch: There’s always a story in a name. How did the Dweebs get theirs?

Radtke: Great question! There are many rumors about the name.  Originally, back in 1987, the band was named The Nerds, by founding member Michael Blue. In 1994 we had to change the name due to a trademark conflict. We decided to take the concept of the nerd thing full tilt and the new name, The Dweebs, was born. In 1994 the trademark for The Dweebs was also secured by Michael Blue. ... Fans can go to our website at www.thedweebs.com or follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.

Lori Korotko and Family

Patch: Looks like you’re all eating some yummy foods from the Taste of Woodbury tent. What do you have here?

Korotko: We have some teriyaki chicken on a stick and egg rolls from Kinichi, and some BBQ ribs from Greater American Ribs. My kids are big BBQ lovers."

Patch: How many years have you been coming out to Woodbury Days?

Korotko: I think we’ve been coming out here since about 1997. We come out to sample the local foods and stay for the great fireworks.

Arlene Hornilla and Family  

Patch: How many years has your family been coming out to Woodbury Days?

Hornilla: I think we’ve been coming out here as a family since about 2000 or 2001. After our first year, we decided it was so much fun that we decided to start making it a tradition for the end of our summer.

Patch: Do you come out for the entire weekend?

Hornilla: In years past, yes. Beginning in 2004, our family became involved in the Excel Martial Arts. We committed to helping out at their booth and demonstrations throughout the weekend. We're always here for both Friday and Saturday evenings, as our whole family enjoys the fun and lively music.

Patch: What do you think is so special about Woodbury Days?

Hornilla: Our kids love meeting up with their friends they haven't seen all summer. They enjoy going around to all the booths and collecting the goodies that are handed out, playing the games and getting all "Dweebed" out for Saturday night’s music.

Patch: As an adult, why do you like coming out?

Hornilla: We love Woodbury Days because it is a wonderful celebration of community, friendship, school spirit and American entrepreneurship. It’s just a fun and festive time for families. Of course, the fireworks on Saturday night are a great finale to our summer’s end.