Diane Moca:
Welcome to Talking Cities. I'm Diane Moca, and I am with Troy Parlier. He is the village president of the Village of Oswego. And we are here at lovely Venue 1012, which began as just an idea four years ago, right?
Troy Parlier:
It was an idea, just three years ago even. It was after we first took office. This was just a field of weeds. And we had this parking lot here that we had put great expense in, but it was being unused. So part of the job of mayor is to find the best ways to spend money and bring investments to the community. And since we already had the parking lot, which is typically the most expensive part of a venue, why not add the venue? So this was a field of weeds, we had an idea, brought some of our staff out, thought it was a great idea. And I have to say, it is a great idea. But also, right behind us, we have a potential metro station. So this is just hand in hand with developing that, bringing that closer to Oswego.
Diane Moca:
This fall, Venue 1012 is hosting a Halloween gathering. Oswego kids are invited to come out in costume on Sunday, October 16th from noon to 3:00. Every child who lives in Oswego gets one free pumpkin until all 500 pumpkins have been handed out. Next up in October is a benefit concert for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Wine OFF the Fox features live performances from girl bands Jersey Girls and Serendipity, plus varieties of wine, craft beer selections, a signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic options. Unlike Wine on the Fox held in the spring, this event will feature wines beyond Illinois wineries and will be held on Saturday, October 22nd from 2:00 to 7:00 PM at Venue 1012, which debuted last year and featured a full slate of concerts this summer.
Troy Parlier:
It is the first full concert season. We opened last year in order to get Vet Fest in, which is a great gathering for our veterans to honor them. And we honored first responders as well last year. But now this year, we have a full schedule to unveil for the Village of Oswego. And we've got off to just a great start with Country Bash, it lit it up. It exceeded everybody's expectations.
Diane Moca:
Well, that's wonderful that you've really looked at a combination of ways to make this small enough for a small community, but big enough for beyond Oswego.
Village President Shares History, Vision & Upcoming Events at Local Community Park Venue 1012
Oswego’s Venue 1012 was a result of a public private partnership. The village president said many stepped up to contribute time and money, and the village staff worked hard to put on the first full season of concerts. The village plans to improve the venue in stages, adding permanent restrooms, a concession stand and a walkway tribute to the donors.
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