VillageFest looks for a big turnout
SLIPPERY ROCK — Organizers of the 12th annual Slippery Rock VillageFest hope that between 5,000 and 10,000 people attend.
Jen Whitmoyer, co-organizer, said free admission and the variety of activities are what keep the festival popular.
“Any age group can walk in and find something,” she said.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday along South Main Street and in Gateway Park.
About 130 vendors, more than last year, will fill South Main Street and other areas. Whitmoyer said organizers tried to squeeze more vendor booths in the children's area.
“We built it up this year,” Whitmoyer said.
The Slippery Rock Giant Eagle will sponsor a “kids zone” in Gateway Park. Whitmoyer said it will feature new games and rides. The area also will offer face painting, a petting zoo, magic show, and a hula hoop contest with a top prize of $50.
Whitmoyer also said that musical chairs, with a $50 top prize, is extremely popular.
“Everyone waits for that,” Whitmoyer said.
Additionally:
n Slippery Rock Parks and Recreation will get things started early with a 5K run/2-mile walk at 8:30 a.m. On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
n The Slippery Rock Business Association will sponsor a cornhole tournament for the sixth year in a row, with a grand prize of $200 and a second place prize of $100.
n The Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company will host its annual chicken barbecue fundraiser at the fire hall on Elm Street.
n There will be six musical acts, including former “American Idol” contestant Kendall Phillips, who will perform at 4 p.m.
n Slippery Rock University will sponsor a rest area in the children's area.
n The Slippery Rock Heritage Association will hold its 14th annual car cruise on Sunday. This will close Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and fill it with cars.
As per tradition, the festival is being held at the same time as Slippery Rock University's Family and Friends Weekend. Whitmoyer said this is important because the weekend brings in about 600 families. SRU also provides many volunteers.
Main Street will be closed between New Castle/Franklin streets and Cooper Street. The parking lot at Gateway Park will be closed and parking will not be permitted on Elm and Maple streets.
Parking will be at SRU's lower lots, and a shuttle will take visitors to the event.
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