New Naperville International Festival Seeks Sponsors, Volunteers Ahead Of Debut

NAPERVILLE, IL — This year, Naperville Sister Cities Foundation will debut its Naperville International Festival. The day-long event that will celebrate more of the cultures that "make Naperville a place to call home," Sister Cities Foundation Chair Patty Gustin told Patch.

The festival is seeking sponsors and volunteers to help make its vision for the Sept. 12 event a reality.

For the past six years, the Sister Cities Foundation has held the Naperville Hispanic Festival. Gustin said this year's expansion aims to make the event more inclusive of other cultures.

"Based on feedback from the last six year's participants, the Board decided to extend the event hours to ensure merchants and vendors get a stronger return on their time," Gustin told Patch. "Additionally, the Naperville Sister Cities committee is on board with lengthening the show, which should give us even better turnout and engagement."

The Naperville International Festival will be held from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Naperville's Central Park.

The day is packed with entertainment options, including performances from Natya Dance Academy, McNulty Irish Dancers, Veselicka Ensemble and Veselicka Children’s Ensemble, Mariachi Gavilanes Band and more.

Visitors will be able to purchase cuisine from across the globe and shop with vendors offering handmade art, traditional items and other finds.

"This year we're offering Maldova imported wines, a celebration of the 250^th Anniversary of the USA and Pinot Pallet hosting children's art activities."

Gustin said sponsors will have "prominent logo placement on main stage backdrops, live emcee mentions throughout the entertainment lineup, and dedicated verbal recognition during official opening ceremonies."

"By expanding from the Hispanic Fest to the full International Festival, we are doubling attendee capacity, 800 to potentially 1600 throughout the day, and foot traffic while offering high-impact sponsorship touchpoints that extend far beyond traditional print or static ads," Gustin said.

She said the ultimate aim of the reimagined Naperville International Festival is to celebrate connection and culture.

"With today’s political divide, it is more important than ever to keep our local community united by celebrating all cultures through song, dance, food, and recognition of those who make Naperville a place to call home," Gustin said. "This event is completely free, and it is our hope that it brings people together to embrace our differences and foster a genuine spirit of love and acceptance across our entire community."

Interested volunteers and sponsors can email Gustin at sistercitiesnaperville@gmail.com for more information.