Family Fest moves to summer but brings back family traditions

MORRIS—Despite a difficult year that had the Grundy County Chamber wondering if its annual Family Fest would be able to occur in 2021— Family Fest is here.
The Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Family Fest is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 26 at Morris Elementary School, 2001 Dupont Ave., Morris. Originally planned for outside, the event is being moved indoors due to forecasted weather. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.
Family Fest is a family-centered business expo showcasing the programs, products and services available throughout the greater Grundy County area, while providing entertainment for families. This year's event is presented by sponsors CPV Three Rivers Energy Center and The Stenger Devermann Group at Morgan Stanley who have enabled us to make this event free for the public to attend again this year.
Grundy Chamber president & CEO Christina Van Yperen reports some new activities they have not had before — such as a Touch-A-Truck event, sponsored by Walmart, and food trucks.
They will also have the kid-friendly entertainment families have grown to love such as Dave DiNaso's Traveling World of Reptiles [sponsored by Window World of Joliet], balloon animals, demonstrations, and mascot visitors.
These activities are provide by event sponsors Exelon Generation-Dresden Station and D'Arcy Motors, and performance area sponsors Morris National Bank, Alden Estates of Shorewood, Heartland Bank and Great Water USA.
Family Fest also will still have the business expo where families get to know some local businesses and organizations while their children are entertained. This year there will be about 50 booths in the expo giving people the opportunity to see what services and products are available right here in Grundy County. Also on hand will be the Grundy County Health Department providing COVID-19 vaccinations, no appointment needed.
“With COVID and our local businesses being hit so hard, we were nervous about what kind of participation we would get this year for Family Fest,” Van Yperen said. “But our Chamber members and local businesses have stepped up tremendously to support this event because they know what it means to families. Every year they help us to offer something free and fun for people of all ages, and an amazing opportunity for our businesses and organizations to showcase themselves. We can't thank our sponsors enough.”
Consumers will be able to find information on health and beauty, financial and community services, home improvement, child care, insurance, education and more. The expo begins at 9 a.m. and will offer entertainment, raffles, giveaways, and more. Families are encouraged to attend together as there is something for everyone.
One of the most exciting aspects of Family Fest is the Kids Zone, sponsored by First Midwest Bank, ONEOK, LyondellBasell, Financial Plus Credit Union, Nicor Gas, Joliet Junior College, Grundy Bank and the Village of Minooka. Kids Zone is an activities area that provides ongoing child-centered activities like games, demonstrations and balloon-animal making. Balloon art will be done by Strawberri from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also at noon in the Kids Zone Chang Lee's Taekwondo Martial Arts students will perform a demonstration for all to see. The Touch-A-Truck event will be open throughout the day and will be located on Dupont Avenue along the soccer fields behind Morris Elementary.
Guidelines will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including hand sanitation stations sponsored by Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. The Chamber will also have masks available if anyone would like one. The CDC guidelines continue to change. The most up to date requirements in place for the June 26 event will be followed.
For more information visit grundychamber.com, find us on social media, email info@grundychamber.com or call 815-942-0113.