Know Before You Go: Flossmoor Fest 2023 Ready To Roll Saturday

FLOSSMOOR, IL — The stage is set for a big day in Flossmoor, with Flossmoor Fest 2023.

The one-day street festival that has been offered for more than 20 years will be held in downtown Flossmoor on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event celebrates living in Flossmoor and highlights the diverse, connected community spirit found in the Village.

Before the fest kicks off, the Hidden Gem Half-Marathon will take to the streets, starting from IJP at 7:30 a.m. The pure road race with minimal backtracks takes runners through Flossmoor's neighborhoods.

This year’s fest will also include additional public safety measures in response to incidents and tragedies at similar community events in the greater Chicago area. Officials this week also signed off on a youth supervision policy, which 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 appreciate the public's understanding and cooperation with these new security measures, which are being implemented out of an abundance of caution, and in response to incidents and tragedies at similar community events in Chicagoland," said Flossmoor Police Chief Jerel Jones. "Flossmoor Fest is a well-loved tradition in our Village, and we are committed to ensuring it is as safe as possible for our families and residents."
"We are hopeful that our community understands the need for these changes to the fest," said Village Manager Bridget Wachtel. "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, which is a 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 2-7 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: This Chicago-based band will close out the festwith 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
• 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," says Stephanie Wright, Village of Flossmoor 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 www.Flossmoor.org or email Info@Flossmoor.org. To view the complete Youth Supervision and Code of Conduct policy, click here.