Scaled-back Septemberfest returns to Bloomingdale
Bloomingdale officials and residents have a reason to celebrate this year. Village officials announced Thursday that Bloomingdale’s 38th annual Septemberfest will return after a hiatus last year, although in a scaled-down format.
Last year officials canceled the fest, traditionally held the weekend after Labor Day, due to budget constraints.
To fund this year’s event, the Bloomingdale village board approved using $20,000 of village money gained from hotel tax revenues — significantly less than Septemberfest’s approximate $35,000 in recent years. To make up the difference, fest organizers said this year’s event will be scaled-back, will not include the traditional scholarship program for students, and will rely more on volunteers instead of village staff for parade detail and fest cleanup.
Bloomingdale also plans to save more than $2,000 by cutting back on newspaper advertising and promoting the fest through the village newsletter and on Twitter.
This year’s Septemberfest will happen a bit later than usual on Oct. 8, but remains at its traditional site in Old Town near Lake Street and Bloomingdale Road. The one-day fest will begin with its traditional parade that will begin at 11 a.m. from DuJardin School.
Other activities include the Bloomingdale Park District Gymnastics Team, Mohler Dance Academy, Dance Explosion, Center Stage Dance Studios and more. Evening music will be performed by '60s rock tribute band, The New Invaders. Vendors will also sell food and crafts. arts and handmade crafts.
Several village trustees said resurrecting Septemberfest was a priority, since it is part of Bloomingdale’s identity. Currently, it is the only major fest in the village, after Bloomingdale also canceled its larger-scale Family Fest last year, which typically was held for four days in late June and included fireworks.
Groups who would like to participate in the Septemberfest parade should call (630) 894-6637. For vendor details, contact the village at (630) 893-7000.