VillaFest planners set August weekend, authorize logo work and table detailed budget

Chair Steve Dela Rosa called the VillaFest subcommittee to order on March 24 and outlined initial plans for a proposed August weekend festival in Villa Park, including a Friday evening adult night and a full Saturday schedule.

The committee heard a public commenter urge reconsideration of the name “VillaFest,” saying a shortened name could be mistaken as centering the Villa Avenue business district rather than the Ardmore district, and raised concerns about funding for an ambitious program of entertainment and activities. “Maybe Veil Fest needs to be revised or get a better name than VillaFest,” the resident said, adding worries about how sponsors and merchandise might be affected by the name choice.

The committee’s update noted staff had pulled historical SummerFest and Oktoberfest files (maps, budgets and vendor lists) from Parks & Recreation to guide planning. Staff liaison Lily Morgan said the group had requested a weekend in August and asked the committee to consider a working budget figure; she said prior budgets suggested roughly $30,000 and explained the subcommittee had asked for a preliminary…