Fan favorite events back at SR's VillageFest
SLIPPERY ROCK — VillageFest will take over downtown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
The event brings back much of the same entertainment that has made it a hit during the last 17 years.
An average of about 3,000 people have been paying attention to posts on social media, according to event organizer Tom McPherson of Slippery Rock Development.
Offering food, music and games, VillageFest invites more than 100 vendors to downtown for festivities.
“There's going to be a lot of good food. I can tell you that from all the entries,” McPherson said.
McPherson said bands will be playing in the gazebo at Gateway Park. He said there also will be tables and chairs for those watching the live music.
“Sixteen Eyes is playing. They're one of the most popular bands in Slippery Rock,” he said. “They played at the first VillageFest.”
McPherson said the cornhole tournament will be moved to the park, which he hopes will increase participation and spectators.He said musical chairs for cash prizes, a fan favorite, will return.“Our most popular thing there is our musical chairs. We have all age groups,” McPherson said. “They're divided by age, and the adults sure have fun doing that.”Mayor Jondavid Longo said the event gives visitors a chance to explore the borough.“I'm most excited about local businesses, vendors and organizations getting to showcase their products and champion their causes,” Longo said.Longo said he hopes visitors also notice the veterans banners displayed along Main Street, an initiative he brought before borough council shortly after he became mayor.Longo said festivalgoers will be able to find him perched on a trap door at the dunk tank, which raises money for the swim team.
“For almost 20 years, VillageFest has brought our community together,” Longo said. “It grows each year in size and renown, drawing neighboring citizens to our home. We get a chance to remind folks of the admirable qualities of our town during VillageFest.”Longo said the festival also offers a bonding experience between the townspeople and the university students, faculty and staff.“Every moment we step outside our homes and interact with one another is an opportunity for us to draw closer and earn a sense of appreciation for our neighbors,” he said.McPherson said the full Slippery Rock experience is when everyone is in one place at one time.“It brings people to the town. It's a sense of community where townspeople and students and people associated with the university all come downtown,” McPherson said. “It's like a family reunion to me.”
