Gift, fests to highlight village's 50th year
Vernon Hills residents can expect some gifts and a big celebration next year for the village's 50th anniversary.
In a recent informal discussion, trustees agreed on several aspects that will keep the event in the public eye into summer.
The celebration most likely will kick off with a spring festival at a to-be-determined date at a cost of about $20,000 to $25,000.
Residents also can expect to receive a commemorative calendar, to be released by the end of the year and possibly spanning 18 months. It would include historical and recent photos of various landmarks or events, such as the construction of the Arbortheater or the Vernon Hills Athletic Facility, formerly a missile defense base.
About 10,000 calendars would be distributed at estimated cost of about $6,000.
Banners also will fly throughout the year on village utility poles.
Residents will be able to order commemorative T-shirts and polo shirts with the village logo and 50th anniversary designation on the front with 1958-2008 on the sleeve. T-shirts would use the artwork of the winner of a contest being conducted with local schools.
Employees and volunteers who are recognized annually by the village with an appreciation dinner can expect to receive either an engraved executive coaster set or a pen holder/letter opener set.
What hasn't been determined is likely to be the highlight of the celebration.
Trustees informally agreed a separate day should be set aside with special entertainment to mark the actual anniversary of July 16, the eve of the annual Summer Celebration festival.
Trustees are still divided on where the event would be held. Accommodating a large crowd could be a concern at Century Park but as that is the Summer Celebration site, it would make more logistical sense, according to some trustees.
There also is talk of holding an event at the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex, although that would present logistical problems of its own and could be costlier.
With security, fireworks and other costs, hosting an event there could top $150,000, depending on the entertainment, according to Village Manager Mike Allison.
"What's the best venue for a one-time concert?" asked Mayor Roger Byrne. "I don't want to do it in the wrong place."
Staff was directed to determine some hard costs for the two options.
Byrne favors a "blow out" concert with a big-name band but no specific group has been suggested. Staff also will do some research in that regard.