Community celebrates at 2023 annual Cicero Fest
Families from all over our beautiful Town of Cicero came together to the Cicero Community Park to celebrate Cicero Fest. The four-day festival kicked off on Thursday, July 6th. There was great music with two stages, great food with lots of different vendors and attendees had a great time with their families.
“We give away 4,000 wristbands every carnival. I know nobody else does that. That does my heart good to see kids enjoying themselves . I’m sure a lot of people like the music. I’m a country western guy. I like the smiles on the kids’ faces and a lot of kids can’t go on the rides if we don’t give ‘em free wristbands,” said President Larry Dominick.
“We’re a community that’s one. The best thing is get the kids out, give ‘em something to do,” added President Dominick.
“Last Sunday was a lousy day. A day that I’ll never forget, but we weren’t alone. Other towns got hit by the storm and I really don’t blame anyone because when you get eight and a half inches of rain in five hours where’s it gonna go? I know a lot of people, including myself, got water damage, but all in all, I’m happy nobody got hurt. I’m just waiting for the governor to approve the state of emergency. Then we’ll be able to get help from fema,” said President Larry Dominick.
“I’m enjoying the festival and my favorite rides are the Funhouse and ZeroGravity. Thank you President Larry Dominick for a great festival,” said Auriyana Montenegro a happy mini Ciceronian.
Lines always form to be able to spin the wheel from District 99, District 201 and the Town of Cicero. Among the many giveaways were t-shirts, bags, and play foam.
“We’ve given away over 5,000 books over the course of the weekend,” said Dr. Anthony Grazzini from District 99. Dr. Grazzini also mentioned families were getting help to register for the next school year.
“We’re helping move forward together,” said Dr. Grazzini holding up a district 99 t-shirt with their slogan.
“I’ve lived in the area for 40 years. I bring my family every year. We love the lights. It’s just a wonderful community and people like to feel part of it,” said Tony Bertuca a long time Cicero resident and Town friend.
“We’ve been having a great time all weekend. The weather has been really cooperative. We’ve had a great amount of people come out and enjoy themselves,” said Town Assessor Emo Cundari. He also mentioned this year the Town decided to do the laser light show instead of fireworks since it is more affordable.
“It is very important for our children to have a good time. They’re looking forward to enjoy the summer. I enjoy seeing the families so happy, “ said Town Trustee Blanca Vargas.
“I am so sorry for what happened over last week but the weather is something we cannot control. Thank God we are all fine. We have lost material things but we did not loose life and that is what is most important. We are going to work with our community so when the governor declares a state of emergency we can help our community individually with the recovery,” said Trustee Vargas.
“It does take quite an effort. Public works helps, the police, the fire special events, Bobby Hull Ice rink, the community center and the Presidents Office. They all put in the work to make this event happen,” said Special Events Director Patty Salerno.
