Villa Park gives summer a family-friendly start
Saturday marks the first day of summer, and Villa Park kicks off the season appropriately with its annual Summerfest. Daily Herald staff writer Melynda Findlay asked Stacey Cullerton, one of the festival's organizers, what visitors can expect at the event.
Q. What's new this year?
A. More attractions, different bands, some new businesses, several new crafters, different games, new location, a few new food vendors
Q. What's the annual favorite?
A. The annual favorite has to be the local bands and restaurants
Q. What types of entertainment will there be?
A. Local bands, local children's' dance studios, local belly-dance school
Q. What is the music lineup?
A. The Runaways, Secondhand Smoke, Raine, Plus Teasin', Brian Mazzaferri, The Crown Vics
Q. Is there a carnival?
A. We have a few small carnival games but we do not have typical carni rides. We have a NASCAR tent. All of our other attractions promote healthy activity. We have a rock wall, a Eurobungee, an obstacle course, a triple bungee run, bounce house with a slide, a crawl through caterpillar with a slide for the really young and more.
Q. How much will rides and games cost?
A. It is $10 for an all-day wristband that will allow unlimited access to all the attractions and several plays on each game. There are individual tickets available for purchase, but the wristband is the most economical. We try to keep this event family-friendly and affordable.
Q. How many crafters are participating in the arts and crafts show?
A. 10 plus
Q. What kinds of items will visitors find there?
A. Unique children's items, wood carvings, jewelry, baby items, birdhouses, stuffed animals, candles. There is definitely something for everyone!
Are there any new or really unique crafters that visitors should keep an eye out for? I guess it depends on what you are looking for. You are sure to find something that suits your individuality.
Q. How many - and what types of - businesses are participating in the business fair?
A. Around 20 or so. They all serve our community: 1st Class Carpet Cleaning, Community Bank of DuPage, DuPage County Board Candidate Barb Dahl, Daily Herald, Dinner By Design, Enchanted Castle, The Fun Ones, Jim's Pet World, Kaplan Chiropractic, New Urban Communities, Pet Supplies Plus, Safari Land, Sensei Steve, Tastefully Simple-Holly Patete, The Vine Life, Villa Park Children's Art Studio, Villa Park Review, Villa Park village board
Q. What will visitors find there?
A. Not only are the businesses represented, a lot of them have fun activities at their booths.
We have tried to create a fun day for all ages. This is the type of event that you can walk or drive, bike or jog to. It is stroller-friendly and handicapped accessible. We have made it so affordable that you could easily come and enjoy yourself, with your entire family, for the whole day. including lunch and/or dinner and all attractions for less than what you would spend on a tank of gas. We hope to see you there!
Q. Who organizes the event?
A. Villa Park Summerfest Commission
Q. There is a new location. Why the change?
The festival is getting larger. We thought the change of location would be a good fit to both highlight Villa Park and suit the current size of the festival.
Q. What is the cost to enter?
A. Free to enter, $10 for an all-day wristband (gives you unlimited access to all attractions and several plays on each game)
Q. Where's the best place to park?
A. Along the sides of the Prairie Path, on residential streets, local parking lots including Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Alexander's Church/School, Villa Park Library.
Q. Who are the sponsors?
A. Platinum: The Balice Family, Comcast, The Fun Ones, United Rentals, Waste Management, The Village of Villa Park. Gold: A to Z Rental, Crest Communication, Haggerty Pontiac GMC, Harris Bank, Inland Bank, Lee's Oven Repair Service, Sign-A-Rama, Sir Cooper Printing, State Farm Insurance-Dev Mandhyan. Silver: A.G.A.D. Pest Control, Inc., Allstar Sports Apparel, Bensidoun USA, Inc., Boulevard Coins, Inc., Camera Press Printing, Duncan & Dugo Remodeling, G.M. Smith and Son Realtors, Hofmaier Chiropractic, JW Reedy Realty, Odeum Sports and Expo Center, Oly Ola Edgings, Inc., SafariLand, Steuerle Funeral Home, UPS, Villa Park Independent, Villa Park Review
Q. Who are the food vendors?
A. Garibaldi's, JB Roasters, Kuppies Bakery, Michael Anthony's, Tale Gate Caters Pit Bar-B-Q, Villa Park Firefighters Association
If you go
What: Villa Park Summerfest
When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 21
Location: Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard, (Ardmore Business District, right off the Prairie Path) Villa Park
Call: (630) 834-8970
Visit: www.villaparksummerfest.com