The request from the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce to hold a three-day music event in mid-July sailed through the village council at Monday’s meeting without objections or even comments.
Music Fest made its Forest Park debut last year.
According to Rob McAdam, who chairs the Forest Park Music Fest Committee for the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, Star Events has signed on to produce the event again this summer.
“Both the chamber and village were extremely satisfied with the professional management by Star Events,” McAdam said in a press release. “The security provided by the company, which was supplemented by Forest Park police, ensured the event was free from any issues, and from set up to tear down all went smoothly.”
Laurie Kokenes, the chamber’s executive director said in the same press release that the goal is to get much more local vendor participation. To that end, the costs for local vendor booths will be much more reasonable this time around.
“Other than security issues, the former Summerfest was a very successful hometown festival,” she said. “It took quite a number of years for the event to grow, and that is the hope for Music Fest.”
Village Administrator Tim Gillian said the next step will be for department heads to review last year’s event to identify concerns to be addressed as planning moves forward.
According to Star Events, Music Fest will take place Friday through Sunday, July 15 through 17, on Madison Street between Desplaines and Circle avenues. Featured will be two stages, two beer gardens, food, carnival games, arts & crafts, and a sidewalk sale.
Family-friendly activities are planned for Saturday, July 16, including a giant slide, pony rides and face painting.
