VillageFest returns to Slippery Rock
SLIPPERY ROCK — After the pandemic closed the event last year, VillageFest returns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
The event includes live music, food vendors, carnival games and more.
The festival features an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Main Street and hosts more than 100 vendors, local businesses and entertainment groups.
After having to cancel VillageFest 2020 because of COVID-19, Slippery Rock Development's Executive Director Tom McPherson was eager for the borough to host the event once again.
Aided by primary sponsors North Country Brewing, Slippery Rock Giant Eagle and numerous volunteers, new activities were added to the Kid Zone in Gateway Park.
“(This year) we'll have musical chairs, a magic show, balloon animal artists, inflatables, pony rides which are new, and eight new games never before seen,” McPherson said.
Attractions such as face painting, Hula-Hoop contests, a bungee trampoline and caricature portraits will also be available for families and children.The Slippery Rock Business Association is even sponsoring a cornhole tournament, where registered contestants can compete for cash prizes.Lara Wozniak, president of the business association, said the Kid Zone remains her favorite part of VillageFest.“Kid Zone really separates us from other festivals,” Wozniak said. “(It shows) we try to bring something for everyone.”Following the opening ceremonies on Main Street, music by DJ Dave and performance groups such as Slippery Rock University Dance Company will provide entertainment alongside various craft vendors and business booths.“Our vendors love us,” McPherson said. “They say it's their favorite event when they apply for the coming year.”Popular vendor Bad Azz BBQ, who McPherson said has sold out each year they attend, will be returning for the 2021 festival.“People always look for them (when they arrive),” he said.Businesses and restaurants on Main Street also expect a large number of festival-goers this Saturday.“Some businesses have told us it's their busiest day of the year,” McPherson said. “The restaurants get extremely busy.”Community organizations such as the Slippery Rock Rotary Club, the Slippery Rock Community Library and various local churches will also have tents lining the street.
Live music performances will take place in Gateway Park by bands Gallatin Hall and No Bad JuJu, a crowd favorite during VillageFest 2019, according to McPherson.The event is set rain or shine, but McPherson expressed desire for nice weather.“It makes our event great,” he said.He added that VillageFest is expected to run as it has prior to the pandemic. Last year, the development team's planning period of March and April saw the start of mandates and restrictions.McPherson reflected on the decision made to cancel VillageFest 2020.“We had no guarantees, (because) everything was just starting,” he said. “We couldn't ask for donations (from sponsors), because their businesses were shut down.”Wozniak said the impact of the cancellation was not apparent until the decision was finalized.“It left a void (in the community) when we had to cancel,” Wozniak said.Even this year, the planning process was delayed because of uncertainties regarding COVID-19.McPherson and his team remain hopeful.“This year, we've planned it like normal,” he said. “We're crossing our fingers that nothing changes by the 18th.”VillageFest was founded to draw people to downtown Slippery Rock after its complete restoration in 2006. McPherson and his committee estimate seeing upward of 7,000 people on Main Street throughout the event.In addition to VillageFest, Slippery Rock Development orchestrates Bands on Bricks, Light the Rock and a local farmers market.
Wozniak expressed appreciation for local sponsors as well as the slew of festival volunteers.“A lot of people pulled together to make this possible,” she said. “This event really shows what it takes to support a community.”McPherson and Wozniak look forward to VillageFest 2021.“We understand it's been an interesting year. If you're comfortable, it's an event you don't want to miss,” Wozniak said.Those planning to attend VillageFest can park in the SRU parking lots, where shuttle busses will run throughout the day.For more information or questions about VillageFest, visit the Slippery Rock VillageFest Facebook page. To register for the cornhole tournament, email VillageFestCornHole@gmail.com with the team name and players.
What: VillageFest 2021Where: South Main Street and Gateway Park, Slippery RockWhen: Saturday, Sept. 18Cost: FreeParking: FreeWebsite: www.facebook.com/SRVillageFest
