At 50, Kildeer getting more active

Turning 50 years old this October, Kildeer may be getting more active as village officials consider hosting more community events to bring residents together.

Officials are encouraged by the turnout of last weekend's festivities marking the village's upcoming 50th birthday on Oct. 16. Roughly 400 people participated in the gala, which included Kildeer's annual pet parade, sidewalk sales put on by area merchants, a live band, car show and raffle fundraiser.

"This was quite a success looking at what we've had the previous years," said village Trustee Vernon Scacci, part of the 50th anniversary planning committee. "This being the major community event that we've had in the village. It was just a good family-oriented event to bring your kids to enjoy the day."

It may spur more regular communitywide activities in the quiet bedroom community of roughly 3,586 residents.

Kildeer has hosted the pet parade for several years, but not much else compared to neighboring towns with summer fairs or festivals.

Scacci hopes to step it up a notch next year by trying to pull together a bicycle race throughout the village in the spring, or perhaps activities like a farmer's market and craft show.

"The farmer's market definitely would be a nice venue to have," Scacci said. "Because of the topography and the layout of the village, a bicycle race might be nice."

Kildeer's 2,625 acres are covered with lakes, ponds, streams, woods, wetlands and natural habitats.

Scacci said officials would like future events to be community-organized and sponsored so the village wouldn't have to absorb the cost itself.

The 50th anniversary celebration was supported by merchants from Quentin Collection, Shops of Kildeer and other area businesses who donated raffle prizes worth nearly $2,000.

"We only contacted Kildeer merchants, so we tried to keep it within the village," Scacci said. "PetSmart was a big contributor for the pet parade."

The raffle raised roughly $1,800. The money was used toward the cost of relocating and modifying two bleachers donated by Farmington Bath & Tennis Club for the village's only athletic/soccer field near Rand and Quentin roads.

"We are really trying to put it in the hands of the residents, make it their event," Scacci said. "Next year, we're thinking it would be something different."