Every summer, the city of Lyndon gathers to celebrate with live music, games and great food at the Lyndon Summer Festival. The annual event returns to Robison Park on June 13-14.
“The festival started in the early 1990s as a way to showcase local businesses, artists and vendors, giving them a platform to share their work with the community,” says Brent Hagan, who has served as Lyndon’s mayor for about eight years. “It’s organized with the support of the City of Lyndon and strengthens our sense of togetherness while attracting visitors who boost our local economy.”
The festival features music, vendors and a wide array of foods to try, alongside a beer garden from local favorite Holsopple Brewing.
The festival is also known for its games and children’s activities. “There’s a kids’ zone with carnival rides,” Hagan says. “We usually have a petting zoo and face painting.”
There are not just children’s activities—there is something for festivalgoers of any age. The annual fireworks show is on Friday, June 13.
Hagan reflects on his fondest memories of the festival. They all center around one thing—the people. “Since I became mayor about eight years ago, I’ve had three girls, all under the age of 7, and each year I take one of them up on stage to introduce our opening act.” It is a way to connect family and the wider community, to link the next generation who will inherit the festival to those who currently run it and love it. It is not only a source of summer fun, but a way to pass on that love of community to the children of Lyndon.
The most important aspect of the festival, to Hagan, is “to be able to enjoy it with my family and friends and everybody else who’s here in Lyndon, to be able to get up on stage and talk to the community, and just go around and shake hands and just catch up with people that I haven’t talked to in a while.”
It is that atmosphere that is so important, fostering connection among the people of Lyndon, as well as those who come in from outside the city for the festival. “I think we’ve done a great job providing for our community,” Hagan says. “I think it’s a cornerstone of our community and a chance to experience Lyndon’s warm vibe.”
A lot of planning goes into this festival beyond vendor placements. “The day after the festival from that year, we start talking about what we’re going to do next year, and how we can make it different; we consider things we’ve noticed, or comments or feedback that we got from people on the ground,” he says. “We just take those comments and criticisms to heart, working toward making it bigger and better every year. So, we try to outdo ourselves every time.”
As summer approaches, the focus turns toward preparing the physical space, building off the work of festival organizers.
“Diana Polsgrove with Event Logic has been pulling some of the more intricate details together, like getting the vendors together and getting a schedule together,” Hagan explains. “As far as getting the park ready, I’m a hands-on mayor. I help mow the grass, cut trees back and paint things that need a fresh coat.”
This year’s festival will surely be special as Lyndon’s birthday is coming up. Lyndon is celebrating its 60th anniversary as a city this year. Hagan says there are a few surprises the city has up its sleeve to celebrate. While those surprises are still under wraps, the city has reached a major milestone, and a long-standing summer tradition makes for the ideal way to kick off the party.
For community members planning to attend the festival, Hagan has only one caveat: “Come ready for fun.” That is made all the better by the ease of the day. Free parking can be found behind the local post office or off Lyndon Park Lane, which is on Lyndon Lane.
From there, visitors can follow event signage to Robison Park. Hagan recommends bringing blankets or chairs to enjoy the musical performances—the picnic tables may fill up. Even tickets are free—the only costs come from food and rides.
The Lyndon Summer Festival is an important moment not just for the Lyndon community but for visitors. “I think it’s special that thousands of locals and visitors come together to enjoy Lyndon’s unique culture,” Hagan says.
The Lyndon Summer Festival will take place at Robison Park, from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 13, and from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14. For more information, including a schedule of events and activities, visit lyndonsummerfestival.com.
Comments 1
Always fun especially if the Crashers play on Saturday. Hope for good weather!!