Itasca poised to bring Scottish Fest back through 2014
Keep that kilt handy, because Itasca leaders are considering a three-year agreement with the Illinois St. Andrew Society that would keep its Scottish festival in the village through 2014.
The annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games moved this summer from its longtime Oak Brook location to the Hamilton Lakes complex in Itasca. Organizers said the two-day fest attracts about 15,000 people and needed room to grow. They added they believe it has the potential to expand to 60,000 visitors, like similar festivals in Massachusetts and California.
Members of the Itasca village board on Tuesday discussed terms of the agreement, including changes that would clarify the date and hours of the event for each year, as well as outline the use of police services.
Village Administrator Evan Teich said Itasca dedicated a bit more manpower to the fest than necessary this year in an effort to avoid being unprepared for any emergencies.
The fest had no arrests or disturbances reported.
“We think we can do a little scaling back on our end,” said Teich. “If their need ramps up, we will ramp up with it. But we don't need officers there for a crowd that doesn't require it.”
This year, Itasca helped with road closures, some grounds work and garbage removal, and police protection for the crowd and for money kept on site.
Teich and Village President Jeff Pruyn said, in return, the fest generated many overnight stays at Itasca hotels, although figures were not available. In addition, Pruyn said fest organizers will offer a discount on fest admission to Itasca residents and businesses in 2012.
Several board members also suggested the agreement should ask the St. Andrew Society to give an annual report of how the fest will benefit the village, including any use of local vendors or businesses for fest needs.
Teich added that the festival is another opportunity to showcase the Hamilton Lakes property to potential investors, and to benefit from “spillover” of festgoers golfing, shopping and staying overnight in Itasca.
“The more people that come from outside this area to be on their property, the more people are impressed with what's out here,” he said.
Although the board will not vote to approve the agreement until at least next week's meeting, officials appeared poised to keep the fest in town.