SR VillageFest returns to Main Street
SLIPPERY ROCK — You can call it a homecoming for Slippery Rock VillageFest's 12th annual weekend fling this year.
After being moved to Slippery Rock University's campus last year because of a bridge-replacement project, the annual celebration will return to the borough's Main Street on Saturday, much to the delight of the people behind the event.
“We are very happy to be back on Main Street,” said organizer Jen Whitmoyer. “We enjoyed being at Slippery Rock University and we're so grateful to them for having us last year, but we are very happy to be back in our home.”
Being back means less space than last year, when about 150 craft and food vendors inundated the university's campus. But it also means the return of a familiar sight on VillageFest Weekend: thousands of people transforming the borough from a sleepy college town into a carnivallike mecca for one Saturday.
“When you look down Main Street, you don't even recognize downtown Slippery Rock,” Whitmoyer said.
This year, she said, the festival will feature more than 100 craft and food vendors, as well as an eclectic collection of entertainers, performances and activities for people of all ages.
This year VillageFest begins with a 5K color run and 2-mile walk at Elm Street and Cooper Street, starting at 8:30 a.m. The official opening ceremony for the event will be 10 a.m. on Main Street, featuring Cmdr. Damian Hambley and his wife, Mary, and American Legion Post 393 and VFW Post 6231.
From there, the event kicks off into a carnival of craft and food vendors, as well as street performances by dancers, magicians and other entertainers. The Slippery Rock Giant Eagle Kids Zone is back again, Whitmoyer said, offering rides and games for children. And the Slippery Rock Development booth will be hosting a special giveaway to celebrate the borough's 175th anniversary. Whitmoyer said that the first 175 visitors to the booth will receive a cupcake and birthday gift in honor of the milestone.
Visitors also can get their photo taken at the booth, and will receive one as a souvenir. A copy of the photo also will be placed in a time capsule that will be opened at the borough's 200th anniversary in 2041.
“Basically we created VillageFest to be a family event that doesn't cost,” Whitmoyer said. “Every corner you turn, there's something new and exciting to see. You could literally come and not spend a dime while enjoying the day, or you could come and shop the vendors and participate in activities. It's totally your call.”
The event will also include a corn hole tournament from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, in Gateway Park. A registration fee is required, and there are cash prizes for the first and second place teams.
Organizers have also lined up a number of musical acts to keep visitors tapping their toes throughout the day. Those performances begin at 10:15 a.m. with The DooWop Shoppe, and culminate with a set from the band Moscow Mule, which begins at 2:30 p.m. Whitmoyer said organizers' goal was to give all fans of music a chance to enjoy their favorite genres.
“The live music throughout the entire day will basically hit fans of every type of music,” Whitmoyer said.
Organizers estimate that the event draws between 5,000 and 8,000 people each year, but say the crowds haven't changed what VillageFest is all about: family-friendly fun in a relaxing atmosphere.
“It's fun, it's safe. It's a day that you can walk around and experience delicious food, wonderful music — maybe see your friends — and just enjoy a nice environment where it's not rushed,” Whitmoyer said.
The event's two major sponsors are North Country Brewing and Slippery Rock Giant Eagle.
Following is a schedule of events for the 12th annual Slippery Rock VillageFest set for Saturday on Main Street:8:30 a.m. — Color Run10 a.m. — Opening ceremony10:15 a.m. — The DooWop Shoppe (musical performance)11 a.m. — Hula Hoop contest11 a.m. — Strolling magic by David Lawrence12 p.m. — Rock Dance Company12 p.m. — Corn hole tournament12 p.m. — Coal Town (musical performance)12:30 p.m. — David Lawrence magic show1 p.m. — SRU women’s soccer versus Mansfield (Egli Field)1:45 p.m. — Gail’s Studio Oasis Dancers2 p.m. — SRU volleyball versus Lock Haven (Morrow FH)2:30 p.m. — Master Connell’s ATA Taekwondo2:30 p.m. — Moscow Mule (musical performance)3:30 p.m. — SRU men’s soccer versus Wheeling Jesuit (Egli Field)3:30 p.m. — Musical chairs (ages 5-8)4 p.m. — Musical chairs (ages 9-14)4:30 p.m. — Musical chairs (ages 15+)6 p.m. — SRU football versus Gannon (Mihalik-Thompson Stadium)
