In a statement released by Jacki Prusa/Bish, Kishwaukee Festival Administrator, all the events directly related to the Kishwaukee Fest event will be cancelled for this year.
Michael Embrey, the creator and Executive Director of Kishwaukee Fest and Baconpalooza, made the decision to cancel the festival to have time to deal with both personal concerns and professional opportunities.
“I am taking time to deal with losing my home of 38 years as the DeKalb Sanitation Department has forced out many of the home owners on Hollister Avenue for future expansion” said Embrey. “Being told to leave a home you have lived in for most of your adult life is very stressful.”
On the professional side, Mr. Embrey will be developing new special events for two other U.S. cities that have interest in promoting tourism. He has also been ask to join the production team of a major U.S. parade for 2015 and 2016. His company FunME Events has been promoting international travel and producing special events and this year is celebrating 30 years as a DeKalb company.
The Kishwaukee Fest event cancellation will include some of the concerts in the park, youth event, parade and Baconpalooza (DeKalb’s only food taste event). There are other independent events that were branded as part of the festival that will continue. Embrey owns the trademark names of ‘Kishwaukee Fest’ and ‘Baconpalooza’ and is not sure if either event will return to DeKalb. “I have been ask to move ‘Baconpalooza’ to another major market community that understands the value of tourism” said Embrey.
This year would have been the Kishwaukee Fest 6th Annual event. Embrey is not certain on the future of other events and activities he promotes and produces in the northern Illinois area.
Comments from the Community:
Jeff Richardson, Kishwakee Fest Board member, CEO of Aspen Ridge Complex.
“This is a great loss for both the city and the county. These events brought a positive spin to a community that needs to enhance their image.”
Josh Waddle, Kishwakee Fest Board member, Marketing Director Heritage Woods.
“Being on the Kishwaukee Fest Board from the beginning, I can tell you the events and parade were very important to Michael Embrey and I know a tough decision to cancel this event.”
Sue Johnson, Kishwakee Fest Board member, President-American Title/DeKalb.
“As the Chair person for the Parade, it is sad to see the parade event gone as it was one of the local special events that seem to bring the community together. The hard part is telling the almost 90 units there will be NO parade in 2015.”
Bruce Whitman, Kishwakee Fest Board member, Owner-Whitman Catering.
“Michael Embrey created Kishwaukee Fest to help promote community pride as well as create something that was a positive activity for the local people. It is unbelievable that people don’t step up to help make DeKalb a better place to live and play.”
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15 Comments
Just another sad thing to happen to the city of Dekalb. The wrong people are in the wrong places. Dekalb has gone so far down hill and all the up and ups of DeKalb care about is the politics and money. They don’t care about the people anymore or improving the city. It’s truly sad. People need to speak up against the clowns that run the city and demand change.
Call it something else then, just because the promoter has a beef with the city for making him move, shouldn’t ruin the fun for the rest of us.
Very sad to hear this. We enjoyed being in the parade every year. DeKalb really needs to improve their image.
Mike Tritle did you hear this.
Im probably over cynical here but is Mr. Embrey canceling out of spite because of the Sanitation District’s actions. The article tends to read that way.
If so, let’s hope some other organization picks this up.
That’s a shame. I enjoyed the parade last year so much!
How unfortunate. Back in the 60’s and 70’s, our dad, who was in retail downtown DeKalb, lamented the lack of cohesiveness among retailers and businesses in the community. Over the years, things have not improved much, despite enterprising people such as Mr. Embrey, who put their hearts into trying to build community pride. So many nay-sayers don’t want to contribute to improving the image of our hometown.
What an unfortunate turn of events for Mr. Embry and for the community.
The bottom line of the article is to thank the sanitary district. Wow.
Amy M. Smith
Sad…kids looked so forward to this because they are only parade that throws candy! They are going to be bummed.
So sad – it was so much fun!
David Galica
This is a HUGE bummer for DeKalb! Loved this parade & festival!
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As organizer of the pre parade cruise and President of the Turning Back Time Car Club, I can say we all enjoyed the week long fun and will miss the activities leading up to our show in Sycamore as, well, as Michael Embrey would put it, the “icing on the cupcake.” Thanks, for all you’ve done, Mr, E, for including us in the mix. We collectively wish you best of luck in relocation along with all those new projects!