Rose Festival and other special events may return to Roselle

Roselle is considering the possibility of bringing back the Rose Festival and other special events this summer and fall.

Many events in the village were canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But village officials met recently to discuss plans to host the Rose Festival, Rose Parade, the July 3 Party in the Park, and the Taste of Roselle.

If approved, the Rose Festival and Rose Parade would be held the first week of June. Village officials have until the end of the month to decide when and if they want to host events.

Mayor Andy Maglio said it would be "fantastic" if the state moves to Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan.

"I know people are just itching to socialize again," Maglio said. "It's one of the hardest things that has happened to our community. So let's be smart, stay safe and enjoy each other's friendship if it happens."

The state is under Phase 4 restrictions, which only permit gatherings of 50 or fewer people. On Tuesday, Gov. J.B Pritzker announced that he is exploring plans to enter Phase 5, which would allow large gatherings such as festivals.

The Rose Parade typically is the capstone to the annual Roselle Lions Club Rose Festival, a four-day event to celebrate the beginning of summer. To mitigate case numbers, officials are seeking to reduce the size of the festival to only include a carnival, while eliminating concerts and food vendors.

The Taste of Roselle food festival is considered to have the best chance of happening as it is usually hosted later in the year, around August, but officials are undecided.

Trustee Lee Trejo remained optimistic the events could be held because of more vaccinations happening.

"People have been holed up for a year now," Trejo said. "So I think anything we can do to get people out and attend these events and entertain during the summer is a good idea."

During the meeting last week, Village Administrator Jeff O'Dell said the Illinois Department of Public Health is still unclear on when the state will move to Phase 5.

O'Dell recommended extending the village's $5,000 contract with vendor Melrose Pyrotechnics if the July 3 fireworks show is rescheduled. The village is also considering hosting smaller events, including summer concerts at Turner Park.