Lilydale Residents, Businesses Plan for a Summer Festival to Call Their Own

Lilydale wants in on the community festival action this year, and the planning process has begun to shape just what a uniquely Lilydale-inspired event would look like.

About 15 residents and business owners met with City Administrator Teish Stafne Tuesday evening to brainstorm dates, locations, and concepts.

The event could bridge off of an existing event, such as the classic car show July 16, or the Lilydale Pool and Yacht Club’s classic car show Aug. 11.

But discussion tilted toward starting from scratch with a new event entirely.

As for a date, Stafne said that September was targeted timeframe because the summer heat may subside by then and it provides more time to plan than the early summer months.

The Sunday of Sept. 18 received some favor during discussion.

The initial idea was something as simple as an ice cream social at , but what scale the event will take is largely dependent on how much businesses are willing to pay to support the event.

 “I think we ought to think small this year … and let it build over time,” said resident Frank Indihar.

But those in attendance agreed that everyone from both River Bluffs and the Stonebridge businesses should have the opportunity to get involved.

Planners are mindful that many residents of Lilydale are older, and transportation such as shuttles will be required to have the party spread out between the two main business centers in town.

Gayle Johnson of the suggested that horse and buggy rides through Lilydale Regional Park and boat rides could be a part of the attractions if the club, located at the bottom of Lilydale Road east of 35E, were to also get involved.

If a festival with business support were to have one central location, the City Hall parking lot is likely too small.

The question was also raised whether the festival’s first year could be big enough to support events at both centers.

Tony Koury of TK’s Coffee said that having events distributed through town works well for Mendota Days held down the road, and the event’s attendence will likely reach beyond the city’s modest limits.

“You’re trying to get people in to the community as much as bringing the community in,” said Koury.

Organizers will be hitting the phones over the next week to connect with businesses and get quotes for expenses such as portable toilets, a tent and shuttle service.

Another planning meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m., June 8 at Lilydale City Hall.