Slippery Rock held its 23rd annual VillageFest on Sept. 12. Main St. Slippery Rock was filled with tents hosting vendors, local business and other organizations. The hot weather brought kids, students and residents out to take part.
Slippery Rock University was present in many ways at VillageFest. Students were acting as volunteers, running booths, and many organizations were present.
Slippery Rock’s own Theta Chi fraternity was present selling hot dogs to support the United Service Organization (USO). Fraternity brother Connor Haney spoke to Rocket reporters.
“[USO] provides services to ACT service members who are overseas; our specific branch provides communications. Setting up telephone lines and other resources so they can communicate with their families back home. That’s where this money is going, all of it,” Haney said.
Tom McPherson, a key member in the VillageFest planning committee, took time at the end of the most recent Borough Council meeting to thank SRU students for their work.
“There is no way we could have put this on without SRU students. We had over 100 students volunteer, some of them before six o’clock in in the morning,” McPherson said. “We could not have done this without them.”
Several Slippery Rock businesses were in attendance, looking to promote themselves to the community while also getting involved in the festivities.
Main Street staples, such as Ginger Hill Tavern and Bob’s Subs were present. Ginger Hill was operating a small bar on their patio.
Ginger Hill employee Owen spoke with Rocket reporters about his job and his thoughts on VillageFest.
“I was looking for a super high-energy environment. ‘G-Hill’ is that; it’s the place to be,” Owen said. “I think [VillageFest] is going well, selling lots of beer, selling lots of slushies.”
Ashley Drayer was manning the Rooster’s tent, selling coffee and donuts. Drayer commented to Rocket reporters about the size of VillageFest, noting more attendees and vendors than years prior.
S&N Nutrition owner Nolan Williams was posted up, selling pre-workout, supplements and promoting his 24/7 barbell gym. Nolan explained how VillageFest allows him and other businesses further from town to benefit from the exposure.
“This the best I’ve had. I usually come down just to get in front of people…we are kind of off the beaten path,” Williams said. “Getting down here, meeting people, they realize ‘oh, you actually know your stuff. You’re nice, you don’t bite’… it’s easier for someone than actually coming in.”
Multiple groups and organizations were fundraising, including Slippery Rock High School and the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department. The department was hosting a raffle and selling t-shirts and French fries. Proceeds support the department’s operational fees and equipment costs.
Despite the great turnout, attendees and vendors all have one common fear, however, and that was the weather.
At around 2:30 p.m., the humidity finally dropped, and the inevitable thunderstorm finally began. Crowds dispersed and some vendors left.
Wind gusts hit up to 25 miles per hour, while it only rained roughly 0.2 in.
The storm only lasted for upwards of 45 minutes, with the weather breaking around 3:15 pm. Just in time for the goat racing event.
Some crowds moved back in by 3:45 pm, with rain still trickling on and off throughout the day.
