Villa Park Summerfest adds extra evening of attractions
After six successful years, Villa Park Summerfest is expanding to add Friday night festivities to a full slate of activities Saturday.
From 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 22, fest-goers will be able to enjoy The Sometimes Family and Soul to Soul on the main stage, plus a car show and bags tournament.
“It's a very different event than Saturday,” said Sam Greco, chairman of the volunteer Summerfest Commission. “Saturday is more family orientated.”
The popular Summerfest takes place in Villa Park's Ardmore Business District at Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard. Nonstop entertainment for the whole family will be offered from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 23.
“This year we have a kids' stage, which we started last year,” Greco said.
Dan Mindo Magic and Human Tim+Robot Tim will perform on the kids' stage. Other kids attractions include a climbing wall, Eurobungee, obstacle course and the ever-popular NASCAR remote-controlled racing.
“That's a big one. The kids love it,” Greco said of the car racing.
Entertainment offered up on the main stage includes Perry's Music-Rock 'n' Roll University, a Villa Park Police Department K9 demonstration, Jefferson Middle School's Wildcats Steel Drum Band, Sensei Steve, H&H Jazz, Blood Red Books, Villa Park Parks & Recreation's Discover Dance, Bob Musial & Friends, Bill Thomas Trio and Ovrevolt
Not to be missed are the Trinity Irish Dancers with Villa Park's very own world champion Peter Dziak.
“He's won it two years in a row,” Greco said. “He was here last year.”
The fest also features skateboard and BMX demonstrations every hour starting at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, arts and crafts, and a food court.
Admission to the volunteer-run festival is free, as are main stage and kids' stage events, the balloon artist and face painter. Other kids activities are ticketed or available with an all-day wristband for $10.
Greco said about 50 volunteers are needed to run the village-sponsored event. Details on volunteering and lineup of activities are available at villaparksummerfest.com.
If you go
If you go
What: Villa Park Summerfest
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 22, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 23
Where: Ardmore Business District, Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard
Cost: Free admission; tickets or $10 all-day wristband needed for some kids' activities
Info: villaparksummerfest.com