Focus On The Positive With Darienfest: Mayor

DARIEN, IL – Darienfest hasn't always been perfect, but Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese said Thursday he prefers to stay positive about it.

Held by the city and the Darien Chamber of Commerce, the 36th annual Darienfest is set for Aug. 9 to 11 at Westwood Park.

The annual event hasn't been at a park since 2019. It was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. For the last three years, the fest was in the Q Bar parking lot, a site that drew criticism at times.

After the Darienfest in 2019, the chamber and the local park district got into a dispute. Over the years, the city has tried to bring Darienfest back to a park, but tensions lingered.

In his weekly message in Darien's newsletter, Marchese said he has been to every Darienfest.

"I always try to find something different, something unique to each of these fest weekends. Maybe it’s the food, a musical group or some happening that reminds me of that specific fest," Marchese said. "If I go back 36 years, I can fill a journal with all the memories I have of Darienfest weekends."

He added, "Were they all perfect, no, but rather than complain, I prefer to adopt a positive attitude, and to always find a way to enjoy each fest weekend."

At the same time, Marchese said some look at Darienfest through a negative lens. Maybe they don't care for a large crowd or the food or the location, he said.

"Rather than looking for a positive and taking some time to possibly enjoy one or more aspects of the fest, they will allow a negative attitude to keep them from enjoying this event," the mayor said.

Marchese has a suggestion for the naysayers.

"(I)f we look at it in a new light; as a way of getting out of the house, spending time with friends and family, we will find that we have given ourselves a chance to have a wonderful weekend," the mayor said.