VillaFest inaugural turnout estimated at 'well over 2,000'; staff reports $17,490 in on-site sales

Lily Morgan, staff liaison for Villa Park, told the VillaFest subcommittee on Aug. 27 that on-site sales from alcohol, children's wristbands and the dunk tank totaled $17,490 and that, based on quantities sold, staff estimate "well over 2,000" people attended during the day. Morgan said the attendance figure is an estimate because gate counts were not available.

Morgan said a vendor told staff directly: "Any small business would be foolish not to participate in this event," a remark the committee flagged as a useful promotional quote. Morgan added that several food vendors — including Mustard's Barbecue, a taco truck and a pierogi vendor — reported selling out during peak periods. "They completely sold out," she said, summarizing vendor feedback collected in a post-event survey. Committee members said those results suggest the event brought significant business to local merchants and encouraged further planning to support vendors next year.