VillaFest subcommittee sworn in, selects tentative late‑August weekend and begins planning

The VillaFest subcommittee of Villa Park's Community Fund Commission held its inaugural meeting, swore in new commissioners and voted to target a late‑August Friday–Saturday as the tentative VillaFest weekend.

The meeting opened with new commissioners taking the oath of office; Carlos Jackson was among those sworn in to serve on the VillaFest subcommittee. Chair (name not stated) called the meeting to order, conducted roll call and invited public comments. Michelle McDonald, who identified herself as chair of the Fund Commission, welcomed the subcommittee and told members to "reach out for any assistance" from the commission. Village Manager Mike Rivas pledged staff support, saying, "We pledged support ... anything you need from us and staff, please let us know."

Why it matters: Village leaders and residents framed VillaFest as a rebranding of the former Summerfest with the goal of creating a unique two‑day community tradition. Village President Kevin Patrick described the plan to build a Friday night kickoff — typically a band — followed by a fuller Saturday with vendors and family activities. The subcommittee will recommend event details and budgets to the village board.

Members introduced themselves and described event experience they bring. Commissioners agreed to divide duties: Dee (Dean) Longfellow volunteered to serve as secretary to take and format minutes; Steve Dela Rosa volunteered to lead entertainment and programming; other members agreed to research vendor and talent availability and to prepare planning templates. The chair said she would circulate templates and historical files to help the group.

Scheduling and vote: Village staff suggested moving VillaFest from its prior June slot to a later date to avoid conflicts with other area events and give organizers more preparation time. Committee members examined the school calendar and local event calendars, and discussed possible dates including weekends in late August. Dean Longfellow moved to choose the earlier late‑August option discussed (referred to in meeting remarks as the "20 first, 20 second" and mentioned specifically as Aug. 21 in discussion); Carlos Jackson seconded. Members voiced agreement and the chair declared the motion passed. The committee agreed to follow up by researching competing events, securing permits and beginning vendor outreach.

Programming and logistics: Ideas discussed included a car show, motorcycle activities, a family carnival or back‑to‑school carnival, food trucks, pancake breakfast fundraisers, and attractions such as stilt walkers and face painters. Staff liaison Lily Morgan suggested including the "Big Rigs & Kids" display to draw families; board liaison Trustee Carrie Alfano offered to help with budget questions and suggested community‑building activities such as a musical‑chairs event. Committee members flagged a potential construction project (a train car installation) near the proposed gazebo stage and asked staff to confirm timing and consider alternate locations if needed. The chair provided an email contact for volunteers (villafest@invillapark.com).

What was decided and what comes next: The subcommittee took its first formal action to target a late‑August weekend for VillaFest, assigned key roles (secretary and entertainment lead), and set tasks: research dates and competing events, assemble act/vendor lists, check permits and construction timing, and produce a Friday/Saturday timeline for programming ahead of the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned after members approved the motion to adjourn.