Has Heritage Fest run its course? Is it time for fundamental change in our town’s 27-year-old signature summer festival?
While the fest’s affordability has been the focus of discussions during the current budget season, there have been rumblings going back more than a year that the event is due for revision.
Responding to a June recap of this year’s HF, one village official told me the size, format and content of the festival were all be fair game for future discussion.
Several commenters agreed that it is time for a change where Heritage Fest is concerned — sentiments that were repeated in the aftermath of the Downers Grove Hospitality Alliance’s very popular “Taste of Downers Grove” event, which many contrasted favorably with the festival.
Judging from the feedback on this site, many residents feel Heritage Fest has become a victim of its own success — it was named best festival by West Suburban magazine in 2008 –with generic food, carnival rides and throngs of “outsiders” detracting from the local flavor.
Long before village commissioners floated the concept of a “right-sized” festival this fall, commenters and others were calling for a scaled-back event that would feature local restaurants and promote community esprit, possibly around a theme.
As for the financials of the festival, those are less clear. In a comment today, former commissioner Martin Tully says “the annual budget goal of Community Events staff has been to ensure that HF breaks even each year, which it historically has done and then some.
“For example, 2009 HF expenses were $367,000 while revenues were $394,000,” Tully wrote. ” Thus, while there is a sizable outlay of dollars needed to make the event happen each year, it is probably the only Village-sponsored event that typically generates off-setting revenues that allow it to basically pay for itself.
“By comparison, other treasured Village events such as the annual Independence Day Parade and fireworks generate little to no revenue and are basically just an outright expense to the community. The point is that changes in the scope or occurrence of HF may very well be in order given present economic conditions, but it should be understood that simply eliminating the event altogether is unlikely, on a net basis, to free-up any significant dollars to be used for other things,” he wrote.
However, at the Nov. 3 budget meeting, Commissioner Bob Barnett put the annual cost of the festival at $161,000, and others on the dais questioned whether the event was financially sustainable in its present form.
“If we’re going to have Heritage Fest, it’s going to have to be completely different than what it’s ever been,” said Mayor Ron Sandack, saying the village will need to rely on volunteers, corporate sponsorship and partnerships and other means to continue events in the future. “I just don’t think we should be having those festivals if we’re cutting certain programs.”
Commissioner Sean P. Durkin also called for sponsorships and “whatever creative ideas that department can come up with.
“Does it need to be a three-day event? Can it be a two-day event? We can look at that area, especially since there is so much labor involved,” he said.
In fatter years, the festival may have been all but untouchable, given its standing as a community centerpiece and the generally tendancy to not fix what ain’t truly broken.
If today’s leaner budget is prompting discussion of possible changes, whether in size or format, some of us wouldn’t argue the point.
What do you see as the future of Heritage Fest? Cast your vote in the right sidebar.
Whose heritage is being promoted at this fest. It’s more like hillbilly fest. The carnie food, carnie workers, and the has-been/never-been carnie-traveling bands do nothing to promote a positive image for DG. And the fact that we drop this mess right in the middle of Main St is an insult to each and every shop doing business there.
Instead of spending nearly half a million on this half-week debacle, I’d rather see the funding spread out over several events. I think Glen Ellyn provides an attractive model for giving something back to their community. This year was their 3rd annual Jazz Fest, for which they turn their Main Street into a jazz venue, allowing attendees to set-up chairs and tables in the street facing a stage that presents some of the area’s best jazz composers. This is an all-day event and food is prepared/sold by a few of their Main St restaurants; as opposed to “The Grill Sergeant.” This event caters to the town’s people and businesses – something that Hertigage Fest cannot claim. Another similar event that caters to the community and its businesses is the Woodstock Folk Festival. That event is in nearing its thirtieth year.
For those of you who prefer the salt-n-pepper shaker and tilt-a-whirl to “showcase” your community then I imagine neither of these events will satisfy you. However, if you are looking for events that give back to the residents (not the west suburban fest-hoppers) and reward the community’s own businesses (not the carnie-grill masters) then now is the time to redefine DG’s “Heritage” celebration.
By way of qualification, I readily confess to not having studied the sobering financial materials that Commissioner Barnett and the other councilmembers have been dutifully poring over these past many months. It is also true that the revenues generated by and reflected in the annual Heritage Festival budget probably do not capture every single expense that arguably can be attributed to all that it takes to make the event happen. But I’m guessing that to realize those cost savings, the Village would have to do more than simply eliminate the festival and other events. In any case, I certainly do not envy the many difficult decisions that my former colleagues now face.
The other thing to keep in mind, though, is that the Heritage Festival has never really “remained the same,” but instead has adapted many times to reflect changing conditions, and now might not be so different. With the approval of the Village Council, the Community Events staff and commission volunteers have creatively modified the festival over the years to address everything from major infrastructure construction and budget constraints, to changing downtown demographics, expressed concerns of CBD businesses, and vastly differing preferences and tastes. And, while not all suggestions for change have been practical or feasible, and not every alteration successful, HF has always welcomed and been shaped by the input of its participants and the community at large. Perhaps that argues for more choices than the three sidebar buttons at right would permit.
Certainly. Feel free to suggest additional choices and I’ll repost the poll.
Some kind of fest should continue, and I’ve enjoyed the unique bands over the years. The food choices are generic. The setup in Arlington Hghts were different charity groups staff the food tables provides for a lot of choices at decent prices.
The police staffing around HF makes the rest of the village lack visible patrols. Who pays for the HF police ?? Overtime or HF budget ??
The non stop fireworks for days around town are annoying. July 4th has become some kind of nitro-fest.
Many local service/humanitarian organizations have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars at HF that one way or another has found its way back into DG. Kids and adults enjoy the food, music, meeting friends, making friends and a fun time. It is well organized, well thought out and has great clean entertainment. If it is downsized anymore it will chase away both vendors and visitors. Last year they did away with one of its main stages and the vendors felt the impact through lack of sales. If the Village doesn’t loose money from HF then my suggestion would be to bring back the missing main stage and keep it the best fest in the west!
We have a long way to go to become like Glen Ellen. We are too inclusive of a community to be like Glen Ellen. HF is a nice event and does bring in money for charities. I like the idea of changing it to reflect more positively upon the community. I think a taste of DG incorporated with some music and family entertainment would be great. Show the rest of the Chicago suburbs the fine restaurants and open up the downtown to shoppers for those few days. Get some sponsors to kick in a few bucks and we are in business! Now how that gets done…I have no idea. But it sounds good! LOL
I agree with Chad. I believe I originally suggested the Taste of Downers to partner with Heritage Fest on a ealrier post about the tast of DG being on Butterfiled. Leave the carny rides and staff behind, time to class it up a bit with a mid summer fest/taste of DG/Jazz or local music with only local food vendors and a very small kids ride area along AOG area and not across the tracks. Each nite could feature a differnet theme like Jazz, contemporary, rock whatever. C’mon Downers Grove officials get creative! It’s too easy to just hire a carnival vendor and food vendors who sell meat on a stick. Get to work! Make it work and incorporate each mucic nite with a corporate sponser. Banks, Sara Lee, anly local business has a budget for these type of sponserships! How and where do I sign up to be on a committee.
I am with Fromtheheart. Get us on that committee!
Sara Lee Pound Cake stand. PFarm Cookie Booth. We have more than enough food and fun in this town of 40K+ to have a better fest – keep the pony rides! I like the Jazz idea/local music a’la mini Ravinia. Local universities have musicians? A little classical/opera or showtunes. Portable chairs and tables – I am loving it.
I think that Heritage Fest should be “re-worked” and combined with the Taste of Downers Grove.
Something like that in the downtown area would be great and perhaps spur some local shopping as well.
I think there is a reoccurring theme here. Seems like combining the taste of DG and HF is a hit!!
Who do we need to talk to about this? Who heads up the committee’s? I will make a call!
Mary Scalzetti is the village’s community events director.
There is also an appointed Community Events Commission, which will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19. The agenda is here.
Chad and Heart:
The Community Events Commission, chaired by Commissioner Geoff Neustadt, is comprised of citizen volunteers (appointed by the Mayor and Council) and works with Village event planning staff to develop and coordinate community events both sponsored by the Village and in which the Village’s assistance has been requested by outside organizations. The Commission’s monthly meetings are open to the public and input is always welcome.
You (and others) have made some great and creative suggestions, but keep in mind that there are often financial and practical obstacles to fashioning an “ideal” event. (For example, not every local business or restaurant has the equipment or personnel to participate in a multi-day street festival.) But then, again, obstacles were meant to be overcome.
I wrote the “Whose Heritage?” response (at top) and worried a bit that the use of “hillbilly” would be offensive. I intended it to only draw attention and I’m happy that nobody has expressed anger over it use. I have lived in DG for 8 years and intend on staying here to raise my family. As Chad points out, DG is “inclusive.” However, being inclusive should not mean we have to lower the bar. I like the roll-up-the sleeves attitude shown in some of these comments and would be happy to join you in effort to raise the bar.
Thanks to Mike and everyone who has offered suggestions and expressed their willingness to participate in the process.
The willing volunteers among you might want to contact Village Commissioner Geoff Neustadt, who also chairs the Community Events Commission, at gneustadt@downers.us.
I agree Mike. Good point!!
Mike I’d specifically like to thank you for stepping into the light so to speak. You didn’t have to because the skin’s pretty thick around here, but it’s a class gesture. You’re not the first (Cawthorne, Swimmer, and Walz have all dropped monikers to use real names), you won’t be the last, and you can go back to using a handle if you want, but thank you. Not diss’ing any who use pseudonyms, just thanking a guy who thought it might be right to clarify his position.
Just watched the Council meeting on Channel 6 where HF was discussed and sent Mr Neustadt an email.
I enjoy Heritage Fest … to a point. Each year my enthusiasm for it wanes. While I understand that many non-profits rely on the exposure and support the Festival provides, it seems that’s the *only* redeeming quality. (Of course, my kid loves the rides, but our Festival provides nothing more unique or qualifying than what other towns advertise. And I’m happy to–and do–support my community in other ways than buying .50 sodas.)
Moving forward–to save costs and bolster core services–I support momentum toward privatizing events and seeking greater sponsorship. (And I’m not necessarily referring to a new and improved Heritage Fest, repackaged.). Besides, in this economy, asking an already stretched-thin village staff to work harder and smarter to preserve an idealized vision of what Heritage Fest should be simply seems unwise.
Perhaps by eliminating Heritage Fest as we know it, Downers Grove can begin to earn a reputation for crafting more unique events–supporting and celebrating community–than protecting its reputation as just another town on the Festival circuit. Perhaps by looking to those communities already doing it, we can raise our own expectations, too.
I couldn’t watch tonight. The Internet feed was down. For us that do not have Comcast!!
BTW, I’ve now seen reported elsewhere the basis for the statement that Heritage Festival cost the taxpayers $161,000 last year. As suspected, that figure is not derived from the operation of the festival, per se, but instead largely from the personnel costs associated with the community events staff that is charged with planning and running ALL events conducted in the Village. So, it remains true that the historic HF budget was not only balanced but essentially a few grand to the good. It also remains true that simply eliminating HF would result in little net financial benefit to the community. In order to save some $130,000 in further costs, two positions have to be eliminated in the Community Events department, if not the whole enchilada. No question, tough decisions have and must be made, but it is not fair to pin that whole expense on a single event. The employees whose positions are on the chopping block oversaw the planning and conduct of multiple events. It goes without saying that if you eliminate all Village sponsored events, you no longer need staff to plan and coordinate them. That’s an appropriate policy question in tough times, but comments about a $300,000 “party” border on hyperbole. Community Events staff and resident volunteers should instead be commended for their many years of diligent and creative attention to sound fiscal responsibility on behalf of this Village.
Here are two points to consider. First, HF is about the only summer event in the area that has a arts and crafts show. Believe or not, I’ve actually found some very nice things for birthday or Christmas gifts. However HF is revamped, the arts and crafts show should stay.
Second, keep HF free. Lisle charges for Eyes on the Skies. Naperville charges for Ribfest. When you’re young and don’t have kids and a mortgage, an admission fee is no big deal. When you get a few years older, you appreciate activities that are free.
LOVE these ideas here! The only thing is, I wonder if many of the posters have any idea just HOW difficult is it to get the corporate sponsors you speak of? Their dollars, unfortnately, are already stretched very, very thin, as well.
In Melrose Park, they have a Taste of Melrose where (if HF and Taste of DG were incorporated) they serve bite sized portions of all foods (a little large actually, but you get the idea) and they are each no more than x number of dollars – let’s say $3 – so EVERY food item is the same price – so you could 3 things for $9 (years ago it was only $1 but they have seen inflation, too)
Debbie, it was difficult enough to get sponsors when I was planning events for another suburb’s downtown TIF district. I can only imagine what it’s like now!
These events are major headaches to plan and execute. I don’t want to misrepresent anyone else’s opinion, but I seem to be hearing (and feel myself) that the event is including vendors and outside interests that don’t reflect Downer’s Grove’s HERITAGE. Getting the community groups, performing artists, restaurants and such from within the community, pitching in as A COMMUNITY, would both decrease costs and make it more in keeping with the intent of the festival.
If I am off base, I will just shut up.
dgmom: Have you heard of First Night? Went to one in Boston years ago and would love to bring the concept to DG. It’s a New Years Eve festival that has musical and theatrical groups and other (local) entertainers performing in store fronts, theaters or churches, with restaurants offering special fare and even some street vendors — think hot cider, etc. Probably would work in the summer, too, but it made for a magical (and safe) New Year’s Eve.
M. Tully,
Are you saying the 150K is “appropriation” or “allocations” of overhead for to the HF budget? If so, is this not the same reasoning the buses were KEPT, because, for sure, they cash flowed without “allocations” of overhead, which was deemed onerous accounting charges, which, when factored would never allow any system to function profitably?? If so, is the accounting of “overhead” charges, consistent within the accounting system at our village. Meaning, do we allocate overhead toward some things and not others, to give the perception of profitability or lack of profitability???
Is this the reasoning why all of sudden the bus system is represented to show no negative effect to our tax payers but Heritage Fest is??
Whoa there, DGDAD, now you are treading into waters that can perplex municipal and accounting types alike.
I’m really not saying anything, just making an observation. Every department and program has a prescribed budget. If the budget balances or ends the year a few bucks to the good, that’s usually heralded as a very positive thing. Particularly because most departments and programs don’t generate revenue – i.e., they are mostly out of pocket expenses required to provide a desirable service. (Case in point, snow plowing derives zero revenue but few would argue as to its desirability/necessity.) But some programs actually have a considerable revenue component, meaning that they generate as much or more revenue than the expenses necessary to make them happen. That is, of course, until you start to try to allocate the overhead and personnel costs associated with their planning and implementation. Now, to be sure, that whole allocation thing is more art than science. But it is a completely fair exercise to engage in, although a notoriously elusive goal.
My observation is just that the HF budget has truly been more than balanced for many years. Thus, simply eliminating the festival would free up zero cash (on a net basis) that might be used for other things. In order to do that, certain positions charged with working on the planning and coordination of the festival would have to be eliminated. But those employees don’t just work on HF; they attend to other things, too. Therefore, it is about more than just HF. It always has been about reducing positions in the Community Events Department. That is where the savings comes from. No events, no need for people to plan them. The decisions that have been made are what they are. I just want it understood that (i) killing off the festival – by itself – would not meaningfully alleviate the budget crisis, and (ii) the staff and volunteers who worked very hard and creatively every year to balance that HF budget should be recognized for their efforts, not erroneously condemned for recklessly throwing a so-called “$300,000 party” every year.
The buses are a whole other story.
M. Tully
my point is. Can Village manager(s) make some items in the budget “look” like they make money or lose money, simply by accounting adjustments of overhead expenses, ( which can be percieved as non-cash) or fluff expenses.
We as a Village have painstakenly worked with a bus system that lossed ( on paper) over six figures a year and quite frankly only attracted several dozen residents. WE found ways to keep it for a few dozen residents. NOW, we have HF that is “perceived” to cost our Village roughly the same via “accounting adjustments”, attracts 1000′s of residents, and is on the top’s of every officials plans to wack? I don’t get it?? truly perplexing.
Personnel costs are soft at best; one of the hardest project estimates to get right. Doing essentially the same thing year after year (granted, Mr. Tully and the community events folks grew it a bit each year), those soft costs become predictable. A long winded way to say the village suddenly turning and saying it costs tens of thousands after years of telling us it was a near break-even event is fishy.