Vernon Hills board approves Circus Vasquez permit for Hawthorne Mall
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Summary
The board approved Resolution 2025‑011, permitting Circus Vasquez to operate at Hawthorne Mall May 2–12 with conditions including site‑plan conformance, required health permits, coordination with police staffing as needed and fire‑marshal review; the board set a 800‑person maximum to allow flexibility over projected attendance of 600.
The Vernon Hills Village Board on March 18 approved Resolution 2025‑011, granting an outdoor special‑event permit for Circus Vasquez to stage performances at Hawthorne Mall, 122 Hawthorne. Director Jennings introduced the staff recommendation and noted several conditions in the draft resolution, including site‑plan conformance, required health permits and coordination with the Vernon Hills Police Department.
Representatives from the circus and Hawthorne Mall described the family‑oriented, animal‑free show and the event plan. Mr. Delagarza, speaking for Circus Vasquez, said the company began in Mexico City in 1969, expanded to the United States in 1993 and now operates from Texas with a no‑animals, art‑based production featuring acrobats, clowns and a live orchestra. Tom Sheehy, senior facility manager for Hawthorne Mall, said mall staff would support coordination with the circus.
Staff told the board the tent could hold substantially more than projected attendance, so the resolution proposes a maximum of 800 attendees per performance to give event organizers some flexibility over a projected attendance of up to 600. Circus organizers described on‑site accommodations for performers (trailers/RVs), 24‑hour security coverage, additional security before and after shows, crowd managers certified to Fire Marshal standards, and use of local vendors for portable toilets and concessions.
Board members asked about show times and staffing. The circus said weekday shows would run 7–9 p.m. and weekend shows would include afternoon and evening performances. Ticket prices were described as ranging roughly from $20 to $85 depending on seating. Director Jennings confirmed the board’s change: final approval for the event would be subject to the fire marshal’s review as stated in the motion.
After questions and brief discussion, a motion to approve Resolution 2025‑011 was seconded and the board approved the permit by roll‑call vote. The resolution passed with all voting trustees recorded as 'Aye'.
