Flossmoor Fest will feature its traditional array of live music, food, vendors and activities for all ages, and this year, new provisions will be in place to increase safety for festival goers.
The festival will be held in downtown Flossmoor from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9.
The event celebrates living in Flossmoor and highlights the diverse, connected community spirit found in the village, according to village officials.
This year’s fest will include additional public safety measures in response to incidents and tragedies at similar community events in the greater Chicago area. The Flossmoor Board of Trustees is expected to approve a resolution for a Youth Supervision and a Code of Conduct policy for Flossmoor Fest at its 7:30 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
The Youth Supervision policy will require that all event goers age 17 and younger be accompanied by and remain with a parent or adult who is age 21 or older at all times. Proof of age will be required for the supervising adult, who may accompany as many as six youths. The Code of Conduct explains that cooperation is expected from all event participants.
Misconduct includes — but is not limited to — fighting, taunting, harassment and not cooperating with the village’s posted list of prohibited items, including backpacks.
Other public safety measures already approved are:
- Centralizing the fest footprint to the downtown Flossmoor area and enclosing the fest with three entry and exit points: (1) Sterling Avenue & Flossmoor Road; (2) Central Drive near the Central Drive parking lot; and (3) Sterling Avenue near the Flossmoor Public Library parking lot.
- Increasing security inside and outside the fest grounds with additional staff.
- Searching bags and wanding all attendees at the entrances. Backpacks will not be permitted.
- Remote monitoring of the fest with a drone and security cameras.
“We are hopeful that our community understands the need for these changes to the fest,” Village Manager Bridget Wachtel said. “Our staff has been working hard to ensure that Flossmoor Fest maintains its unique charm and community spirit, while balancing measures to keep it as safe as possible for all attendees.”
Flossmoor Fest will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, with music provided by Conservatory Vintage & Vinyl, immediately following the conclusion of the Hidden Gem Half Marathon, the 13.1-mile race throughout Flossmoor neighborhoods.
Opening ceremonies and the national anthem will be played at 11:30 a.m. at the main stage, located in front of the Flossmoor Public Library at 1000 Sterling Ave.
At noon, the Homewood-Flossmoor High School Marching Band will perform in the downtown circle, followed by the Jesse White Tumblers at 1 p.m.
Free kids’ activities will run from 2 to 7 p.m. down Sterling Avenue and will include amusement rides, inflatable bounce houses, a bungee run and a 90-ft. slide. Additional children’s activities will include a kiddie train, face painters and rolling video games.
Musical performers on the main stage will include:
2 p.m. — Six of Spades, a group of Homewood-Flossmoor High School seniors who bring an ethereal blend of harmonies, guitar and percussion.
3 p.m. — Raspberry Caberet, a local crew of performers offering popular hits and show tunes.
5 p.m. — The Friends Band from Chicago will close out the fest with its eclectic selection of hits, both old and new.
The day will also feature local food and drink options, including the Bistro on Sterling, Buona Beef, Confections, Cork Gaming & Wine Bar, Dunning’s, Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Ruby Ella Sweets.
Information booths highlighting local businesses, organizations and village commissions will be open beginning at 11 a.m.
“Working on this annual event is a team effort that begins right after the previous year’s festival ends,” said Stephanie Wright, village community engagement manager. “We look forward to providing a day filled with fun, food, friendship and great music!”
For more information on the fest, please visit the village website or email [email protected]. The complete Youth Supervision and Code of Conduct policy is also on the village website.
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