Hainesville finalizing late-summer festival plans

It's a little later than some officials would have preferred, but final plans are being made for Hainesville's annual festival in late August.

Village trustees have agreed to pay $5,700 to A-Awesome Amusements Co. for chairs, tents, tables, a “Berry-Go-Round” ride, large slide and other necessities for HainesvilleFest at Union Square Park. The total festival budget is $10,000.

Noting the last-minute nature of this year's festival, Mayor Linda Soto said at a meeting Tuesday night it would be preferable to start planning the 2012 version in January or early February so there is time to contact potential sponsors. She also said the village will research whether to move toward holding an Oktoberfest.

HainesvilleFest is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, with a shift back toward a community picnic atmosphere in the afternoon and more live music at night, officials said.

Trustee John Derenoski said lunch will run from noon to 2 p.m., with a hamburger or hot dog, chips and a soft drink costing $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 7 to 11. Children 6 or younger can have a free frankfurter.

In the evening, the Jelly Bone Blues Band and up to two other groups are expected to perform. Derenoski said the crowd should enjoy the bands more than a disc jockey who was hired to entertain last year.

“Nobody seemed to enjoy what he was doing at all,” Derenoski said of the DJ.

Beer and wine will be available at night, with free popcorn provided for the entire one-day party. Other offerings will include a bingo tent and arts and crafts.

Last year's HainesvilleFest attracted about 200 visitors. At Tuesday's meeting, Trustee Gerry Daley said he needed to play his “usual curmudgeon” role and questioned why $7,000 was spent on the festival.

“So, the village spent about $35 per attendee last year,” Daley said. “I think that's a chunk of money.”

Hainesville will receive some sponsorship revenue and donations to reduce what comes from taxpayers, Soto said. She said the sponsorships and donations may add up to $5,000.

Soto said feedback from the last HainesvilleFest led to moving back toward having the community picnic and more live music. She said it's hoped the tweaks will attract a larger crowd.