Community Corner
Plainfield Fest Draws Thousands; New Venue Planned for Next Year
With more than 10,000 guests in 2013, the event has grown too big for downtown Plainfield.
The Plainfield Riverfront Foundation is taking a look at several possibilities for relocating Plainfield Fest next year.
After taking over planning duties for the annual fest three years ago, the foundation has seen attendance grow, Epley said. In both 2012 and 2013, more than 10,000 people attended the three-day fundraiser, which benefits efforts to revitalize the DuPage River riverfront in Plainfield.
Last weekend, the fest raised about $70,000, according to Epley.
"We're really pleased," he said, adding organizers were overwhelmed by the support from sponsors, which included title sponsor Rod Baker Ford as well as Plainfield Patch, along with the support from the community.
The support was so great, in fact, that "We're running out of space," Epley added. The Riverfront Foundation is taking a look at several potential locations for next year's fest.
"There's a lot of rumors out there" about the new location, but no decision has been made, Epley said. "We need to start thinking about it now. We want to bring in even bigger and better entertainment, and to do that we need to have a bigger venue."
Epley said Riverfront Foundation organizers are grateful to the Plainfield police, fire department, park district and village for helping make the event a success.
"They go above and beyond," he said.
Blackhawks theme boosts Sunday attendance
Epley said he thinks the Chicago Blackhawks-themed beer tent on Sunday helped draw a crowd — particularly after the festivities had to shut down briefly on Saturday night due to the threat of severe weather.
"Sunday was like a comeback day for us," Epley said. "I respect Chief Konopek's decision [to shut it down] — safety first," he added, referring to Plainfield police chief and PEMA Director John Konopek.
Former Blackhawks Dennis Savard and Eddie Olczyk signed autographs in the beer tent Sunday, with the $20 fee going back to the Riverfront Foundation. The theme day also included appearances by the Blackhawks Ice Girls and, courtesy of The Penalty Box Bar & Grill, team mascot Tommy Hawk.
"On Sunday we filled the tent really well," Epley said. "We're really pleased from the outcome of that event."
Also on Sunday, the annual Plainfield Fest bean bags tournament drew a record 63 teams.
"Based on last year and this year, we are now the fourth-largest bags tournament in Illinois," Epley said, adding organizers are hoping to continue to increase participating in the tournament. He hinted that the competition could eventually became its own solo event, separate from the fest.
The "best pizza" contest also proved to be a draw on the last day of the event, with 240 people waiting in line to taste-test pies from six local restaurants.
In the end, Armand's Pizzeria was crowned the winner.
Read: Armand's Named Best Pizza at Plainfield Fest
Fest-goer gives back
Epley said one guest helped boost fundraising efforts by donating his 50/50 raffle winnings back to the Riverfront Foundation.
The man, who asked to be identified only as Bob K of Downers Grove, won $240 from the $480 pot, according to Epley.
"He said, 'If I win, I'll know by reading it in the Patch,'" Epley said.
What did you think about this year's fest? How would you improve it for next year, and where do you think the event should be relocated?
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