Family Fest Sets New Record in Attendance

Good weather, family fun and fireworks.

These are the reasons Park District of La Grange staff are giving for a record attendance at last weekend's Family Fest on July 30 at Gordon Park. 

3500 people turned out for the rows of vendors, games, pony rides and as the sky grew dark, fireworks.

"It's the right thing to do for the community," said Dean Bissias, executive director of the park district."

Family Fest has grown over the years to become the park district's biggest event of the summer. According to Bissias, the fest began as a small event for young children located at Gilbert Park. 

For the last three years, Family Fest has been located at Gordon Park, and Bissias said this was a factor in the increased attendance in recent years.

"Moving it to a bigger venue had a lot to do with it," Bissias said, adding, "and the fireworks help.

To Bissias, the fest's success is simple: it provides a great time to families.

The park district is already at work planning next year's festival, which they hope will continue to grow, providing good times for families for years to come.