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O'Fallon festival manager previews spring events, Heritage & Freedom Fest plans and new cultural features
Summary
Festival Manager Jennifer Hoisington updated the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on spring and summer events, staff roles and vendor recruitment, noting parade applications go live April 7 and the Heritage & Freedom Fest will include new features such as a NASCAR simulator and glass blower demonstration.
Jennifer Hoisington, festival manager for O'Fallon, told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on March 11 that tourism and festivals staff are finalizing contracts and logistics ahead of a busy May-to-September events season.
Hoisington introduced new and existing staff and explained roles: Jenna Washinski will coordinate Celebration of Lights and local band bookings, Mariah Davis will manage vendors for non-heritage events, and Britney Sievers will serve as cultural arts specialist. Hoisington noted recent staff recognition at the Missouri Parks and Recreation Conference and said staffing and sponsorship efforts are focused on readying the city for summer programming.
She previewed spring event highlights: "Whiskers and Wags" will take place in May at Civic Park with pet-adoption partners and canine demonstrations; vendor applications for Heritage & Freedom Fest are open and under review; and parade applications will go live on April 7. Hoisington also said the city has booked a NASCAR simulator and secured a glass blower to demonstrate and contribute pieces to a public art collection.
Board members asked about vendor recruitment and logistics; Hoisington described a returning vendor base for the larger events and a database the department uses to re-notify past participants when applications open. She said the police department and other partners will continue to be involved for safety demonstrations and public-engagement components.
Hoisington closed by inviting board members to event previews and thanking staff for their ongoing work. The board took no further formal action on festivals at the March 11 meeting.
