The Committee recommendations accepted by the Village Board include the continuation of the Fourth of July fireworks display in 2016, continued financial support for year-round special events and continued acceptance of proposals for special events and community festivals from local not-for-profit organizations.

The Lombard Pride Committee was created by the Village in June 2015 to support the Village Board in evaluating the potential for future community events and festivals within the Village. The eight member resident group was tasked with identifying preferences for future special events and community festivals within the Community and evaluating any proposals for new events.

The Pride Committee issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the fall of 2015, seeking a qualified not-for-profit group or groups to plan and operate a future village-wide summer community event or festival. While the Committee identified some preliminary interest through its outreach efforts, no formal event proposals were received.

On January 21, the Village Board approved and accepted the Committee’s Final Report and Recommendations. Pursuant to the recommendation, the Village will continue to host a Fourth of July fireworks display for 2016 as well as continue its ongoing support of other special events throughout the year. Special event funding and support from the Village are currently granted to events including the Cruise Nights and the downtown Summer Concerts, the Lilac Time Parade, the Lilac Time Arts & Craft Fair, Spooktacular, Jingle Bell Jubilee, the Civil War reenactment, downtown sports viewing events, and the Lombard Ale Fest.

Additionally, the Village of Lombard will continue to accept proposals from local non-profit organizations for additional or new special events or community festivals year round. Village President Keith Giagnorio, who served as Chairman to the Lombard Pride Committee stated, “While no formal responses were received as part of the RFP, the work of the Committee set the stage for future community festivals and celebrations moving forward. We’re leaving the door open for local organizations to bring forward their concepts and proposals for new events as they develop into the future.”

The Village will continue with ongoing communication efforts to encourage qualified organizations to submit their concepts and proposals to host a future community events or festivals within the Village. Groups interested in submitting a special event proposal are encouraged to contact Assistant Village Manager Nicole Aranas at 630-620-3085. For additional information on the Lombard Pride Committee final report and recommendations, as well as the event RFP please visit www.villageoflombard.org/pridecommittee.