Skeptics' fears put to rest at Summer Fest

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by Frank Vaisvilas SOMONAUK-Organizers and a few hesitant event vendors were not certain how well the town's first major summer festival would do.

Some scheduled events, such as a Texas Hold 'em tournament had been cancelled because of lack of participants signing up.

“I think a lot of people were skeptical with this first year,” said Trustee Scott Merrill, who spearheaded the planning for Somonauk Summer Fest held July 25 through July 27.

But people soon found their fears were unwarranted with a better than expected crowd turnout.

“It was a huge success,” Merrill said.

One example was the Illini State Pullers Truck and Tractor Pull on Saturday. Merrill was hoping for about 1,000 spectators, but the actual number of people was about 1,400 or more.

“Saturday was out of control,” Merrill said. “It went over very, very well.”

The show began at 4 p.m., and at 4:30 p.m., Merrill had to shut down the main parking lot as it became full and directed people to other parking.

But Merrill knew he did not have to worry too much about the ISP pull.

“ISP has a huge following,” Merrill said. “They just bring in so many people.”

Local members Kirk Parks and Rick Wilkinson also put in much of their own time, effort and money in helping to bring the pull to Somonauk.

Still, other events went over well, too, such as the craft shows. Merrill said many crafters said they would like to come back next year. The band on Saturday night also played an extra half hour.

Restaurant vendors did well, too.

“The Water Front pretty much sold out,” Merrill said. “They had a really good weekend.”

RE/MAX hot air balloon rides also drew large crowds on Friday. More than 115 rides were given in about two and a half hours.

But the deflation of the balloon indirectly caused some complaints. Apparently, one of the gases attracts mosquitoes. And that gas lingered in the beer garden at about 9 p.m.

“After that stuff cleared out, it wasn't that bad,” Merrill said.

Until it did, Merrill said some people said the mosquitoes were unbearable. If balloon rides are offered next year, Merrill said they would deflate the balloon in a different direction.

With that lesson and a few others, he added they would be used to make next year's event even better. Other suggestions for next year include offering more events and activities for children.

“You kind of learn from your mistakes,” Merrill said.

Next year also happens to be the 175th anniversary of the village. Merrill said even more people will probably be involved next year.

“Things are going to be so great next year,” Merrill said.

He added that this year's event proved to be a good benchmark. What helped make it successful, Merrill believes, was local media advertising, organizers, such as himself, doing the work that had to be done and the fact that the community seemed to be desiring an event like this.

“People were just waiting for something like this to happen,” Merrill said.