West Dundee won't get soaked if Heritage Fest rains out
Rain insurance: that's what West Dundee officials will pay for this year to make sure Heritage Fest doesn't wash out like last year.
For $1,400, trustees will be covered if more than a half-inch of rain falls on Sept. 18 and 19. If it does, they will receive $20,000 for each night. It may sound extreme, but it was sorely needed in the fall of 2008 when the remnants of Hurricane Ike drenched events and the handful of people who attended them.
"We're not out to make a profit on Heritage Fest," said Joe Cavallaro, West Dundee village manager. "But, we want to break even. It's an expensive festival to put on."
This year, village trustees have budgeted $55,000 for the three-day festival. The third day, Sunday, Sept. 20, is not covered by the insurance because attendance is usually less than on Friday and Saturday, he said.
Hub International, a Chicago firm, has provided the policy.
West Dundee pays most of the costs for Heritage fest, including $6,500 for a Friday night fireworks display, $15,000 for entertainment, and $15,000 for beverages. West Dundee trustees also pay the salaries of their police officers and public works employees who set up and provide security.
The same amount of money was budgeted last year, and only $15,000 was taken in.
"Village trustees know we are in a tough economy, but Heritage Fest has become a tradition. It's one of the local events we provide for residents," Cavallaro said.
West Dundee has hosted Heritage Fest for a dozen years. In its early years, the village of East Dundee contributed to the costs and hosted events. That will not be the case in September. Nothing is planned in East Dundee.
The rain insurance will be crucial for the festival because many of the events are held outdoors in Cal Grafelman Park, along Route 72 and in the village's business district.
The fireworks display will be ignited from the Fox River footbridge between East and West Dundee. An antique fair and Civil War camp will in the park for the duration of the festival. A chili cook-off, hosted by the Dundee Township Rotary Club, will be held in the park on Sunday.
The musical entertainment and food vendors will be along First Street, behind downtown shops. A classic car show will take place along Second Street on Saturday and Sunday. And, arts and crafts vendors will line the Fox River.
For details about Heritage Fest or to volunteer, call the West Dundee village hall at (847) 551-3800 or click on the village's Web site at www.wdundee.org.