Family-fun Local Showcase and Spring Fest at airport ‘a chance to make connections’, draws crowds at DeKalb Airport

DeKalb Chamber hosts Local Showcase, Spring Fest presented by Facebook Friday

DeKALB – Instead of staying at home on a Friday evening, Jason Moore, his wife Sylvia and their daughters, 4-year-old Bonnie and 9-year-old Cecilia decided to go for a ride in their family SUV.

But instead of driving along country roads or city streets, the Moore family drove down the DeKalb Municipal Airport tarmac as they attended the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce’s Local Showcase and Spring Fest, presented by Facebook.

“It was something different and fun to do with the family,” Jason Moore said. “It’s nice to get out of the house, see some familiar faces and get to know the community a little better.”

The Local Showcase was a drive-thru event held at the airport, featuring 64 businesses and organizations handing out information, swag and giveaways.

After the showcase, participants could view the Cruise By Car Show, hosted by the Lions of Illinois Foundation. The car show featured 23 cars, 11 airplanes and emergency vehicles.

The last segment of the event was Spring Fest, a walkable, outdoor festival featuring food from Big D’s Hotdogs and Taki’s To Go, drinks from Fatty’s Pub & Grille and live music by Rich Sawyer and Mr. Myers Band.

The DeKalb County Health Department also offered Johnson & Johnson vaccines during the event.

Tina Vavra, community marketing director of Le Print Express and New Values Magazine, described the Local Showcase as “nothing short of amazing.” Le Print Express gave each child that attended the event a kit to make a paper airplane.

“It’s nice to meet the community and tell them personally what it is you do,” she said. “We can put a name and a face together and make connections.”

Justin Elliott, president of Clean USA, said that the event “was a way to support the community.” Elliott handed out coozies, pens, magnets and business cards to event attendees.

“I like to see everyone in person because it makes a big difference,” he said. “It’s great after the long year we’ve had with the pandemic.”

After being closed for 18 months due to pandemic restrictions, the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb has reopened, and its employees handed out popcorn during the event.

“We’re re-introducing ourselves to the community and letting them know that we’re open again, showing movies and having events,” said Jeanine Holcomb, the theater’s communications and marketing director. “We are looking forward to welcome everyone into our renovated theater to enjoy freshly-popped popcorn from our hot kettle when they see a show.”

Kelsey Gettle of Sycamore, who attended the Spring Fest with her family, said that the food trucks and live music were “a welcome Friday evening excursion.”

“We’re really excited to be here, to be out of the house and attending an event again.”

Matt Duffy, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, said that more than 1,000 people attended the drive-thru event.

“The event’s turnout was outstanding, it’s what you hope for with an event like this,” he said. “During a normal year without a pandemic, you can easily find out what’s happening in the community and get to know businesses and organizations, but it’s been more difficult or nearly impossible with COVID. I think we’ve all been needing an event like this. People have been dying for interaction, socialization and to feel a little more normal.”

Duffy said that he heard a lot of positive remarks about the event and its venue.

“The airport truly is a hidden gem in DeKalb,” he said. “People have loved being able to see the planes take off and land and learn more about the aviation programs. … DeKalb has a lot to offer, and today’s event was a great way to showcase that in a safe, socially-distanced way.”

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