Fate Of Plainfield Fest A Mystery

PLAINFIELD, IL — Every summer for nearly four decades, an outdoor festival was hosted in Plainfield that would attract drives of people. The pattern was interrupted last year after the festival was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. This summer, Plainfest Fest's fate remains unknown, even though the event typically took place in mid- to late July.

A quick Google search for the fest results turns up no info. The Plainfield Fest website is no longer active, and its Facebook page appears to be gone. Tourist websites that once housed information on the fest haven't been updated since 2019's schedule.

Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis said in an email to Patch that his "understanding is that a Plainfield Fest will occur." But when asked about dates and when they might be announced, he didn't say.

Village staff also didn't respond to requests for comment about its status. Neither did Rob Epley, the executive director of the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation — for which the fest was the main fundraiser. Epley didn't respond to several messages from Patch asking about the fate of the fest and the Riverfront Foundation, except to say via email, "all is good."

Related: Plainfield Fest Funds Riverfront Masterplan

The Riverfront Foundation's website is no longer active either. The last post made on its Facebook page was earlier this year on April 17.

Plainfield Fest raised money to fund efforts to revitalize the riverfront through the Riverfront Foundation, which was created in 2009. The riverfront master plan included adding shops and restaurants to make the area — a two-mile stretch of the DuPage River — a focal point of the village. A long-term plan included a large pavilion at Riverfront Park for events, Patch previously reported.

In March, the Plainfield village board approved the development of the riverfront and adopted a new master plan, which can still be viewed on the village's website. The project could last 10 years, according to the master plan.

It's unclear how much money Plainfield Fest has raised in the past to go toward the foundation.

In years past, Plainfield Fest offered a carnival, craft expo and live music, along with food vendors and a beer tent. People used to be able to pay to sample pizzas and cast a vote for their favorite. The event was also home to one of the biggest bean bag tournaments in the Midwest.

The three-day festival used to take place at West Electric Park, near downtown Plainfield.