Everything Villa Park is featured in Summerfest
Students of Perry's Music Rock 'N' Roll University will take the stage Saturday to complete their eight-week course and play their first gig, performing at Villa Park's Summerfest.
The family friendly festival begins at 11 a.m. and concludes at 9 p.m. Saturday in the business district at Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard.
It's a party that celebrates everything Villa Park, from the village's restaurants and businesses to its entertainers.
"We really try to emphasize the town in the festival," said Jean Taylor, Summerfest chairwoman.
This is the first time students from the Rock 'N' Roll University will conclude their course on stage as part of the festival's entertainment. Five bands will each perform two popular songs and one original starting at 11:15 a.m.
Sam Greco, who helped put together the entertainment, said the performers will drive home the fact this is a local celebration.
Six other bands will be taking the stage, including returning headliners The Crown Vics as well as area dance troupes and martial arts entertainment. All the entertainers have volunteered their time.
"The whole point here is to showcase Villa Park talent and give them the opportunity to play in front of a large audience," he said.
Other attractions include an arts and crafts show, business fair, a beer and wine tent and activities such as a climbing wall and duck pond game.
Alesia Bailey, executive director of the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce, said the "awesome community event" is an inexpensive day and night out. The chamber sponsors the beer and wine tent and supports the event. Other support comes from community and youth groups.
The daylong party is free, although some attractions, such as the moon jumps, will require tickets or an all-day $10 wristband. The fest will not have carnival rides.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.villaparksummerfest.com.
<p class="factboxtextbold12col">Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 20, in the business district at Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard in Villa Park. Free admission but some attractions require tickets or an all-day $10 wristband. Info: <a href="http://www.villaparksummerfest.com" target="new">www.villaparksummerfest.com</a>.</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>SATURDAY</b> </p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">12:30 p.m. Commotion on the Jury</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">1:05 p.m. Discover Dance</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">1:30 p.m. andDave</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">2:05 p.m. Aziza and the Belly Dance Jewels</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">2:30 p.m. The Runaways</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">3:35 p.m. Aspiration Dance</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">4 p.m. Raine Nation</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">5:05 p.m. Sensei Steve</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">5:30 p.m. The Sometimes Family</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">7:30 p.m. The Crown Vics</p>