Barrington Village Association Recruiting New Members to Enhance Community Events in 2016

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Uncork Barrington 2013 - Photographed by Julie Linnekin

Do you love visiting the Barrington Farmers Market, sampling wines at Uncork Barrington and enjoying the exciting community events that take place in downtown Barrington? The Barrington Village Association (BVA) is an organization that creates opportunities like these to bring neighbors together, give back to the community and address civic and political issues impacting the Village of Barrington and they’re actively recruiting new members for the new year.

This social and committed bunch of long-time Village residents is inviting YOU to join in the fun! Here’s more from BVA leader, Doug Skor, on the organization’s mission and colorful history.

An Invitation from the BVA: Bringing Neighbors Together since 2000

by Doug Skor, Barrington Village Association President

The Barrington Village Association was formed in 2000 by a group of organized residents residing within and near Barrington’s village center to address social, charitable, civic and political issues facing the village center neighborhoods. The group, named the “Barrington Village Association” or “BVA,” is a not-for-profit corporation designed to act as an organized body to represent the interests of residents living in the village center, strengthen the relationships of neighbors and to enrich the quality of the community.

The BVA’s motto is “Bringing neighbors together” in promoting the character of the Village of Barrington and the value it provides to the Village, its residents, and the greater Barrington Area. Among its stated goals are”

  1. To establish relationships with all local governing bodies
  2. To plan social events to build membership, instill friendship and tighten the bond of those who live in the village center
  3. To support development of the downtown area consistent with that of a historic and small town.

The BVA has since had a long history of running many successful events and festivals that enrich the character of the village and downtown area. Currently the BVA created and manages the Barrington Farmers Market and Uncork Barrington.

(By the way, SAVE THE DATE for the 12th Annual Uncork Barrington 2016, which is coming up from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 8th.  Visit UncorkBarrington.com for more information about tickets and sponsorship.)

The BVA also funded and developed the Christkindl Fest winter market, an event that was canceled in 2015 when agreement on a date could not be reached by all parties involved. The BVA also claims credit in starting the Scarecrow Fest, but since has handed it over to the village that they continue to run year-after-year.

The Farmers Market was first established in 2001 and has since become one of the most revered farmers Markets in the NW suburbs. Today, the market is managed by Judy Bruce, Margaret Myren, and a team of dedicated volunteers. This market runs every Thursday from June through October from 1:00 to 7:00 PM in the downtown area at the corners of Park and Cook Street (directly across from McGonigal’s Pub). A great place to find all kinds of freshly grown and prepared flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads, honey, etc. “The BVA programs make our village friendlier, more livable and brings neighbors together,” Margaret Myren, long-time co-chair of the farmers market.

Uncork Barrington celebrated its 11th annual event back on July 10th, 2015. Uncork is an amazing event that brings many of Barrington’s residents together in a beautiful setting, surrounded by live music, great foods, and an incredible wine selections from which to taste. Uncork has become a real signature event for Barrington and this year we broke an all-time attendance record in excess of 1,200 people. This committee is led by Doug Skor, John Julian, Malcolm Rosenfeld, Char Moos, and many more. “Uncork is a first class event. The BVA only does things first class. I have been involved with the BVA since its inception and am proud of all that we have accomplished” says John Julian.

The Christkindl Fest was a BVA initiative that has captured the minds of the entire NW region. This was without a doubt the single largest budgeted event to ever come to Barrington. Inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545, the Christkindl Festival brought a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Barrington. Based upon the outdoor markets and festivals you would see throughout Germany and Switzerland. Christkindl Fest brought together outdoor shopping and entertainment as well as indoor music, food, and drink. In 2014, Christkindl Fest brought over 21,000 people to downtown Barrington and had it continued would have exceeded well over 30,000 in its third year of operations. Malcolm Rosenfeld feels that the BVA has been real rewarding experience, “Having served on both Uncork and ChristKindl Fest for the past few years, I have met so many great people who are motivated to improve and build upon the character of the village.”

Although we call ourselves a ‘homeowners’ association, you don’t have to be a homeowner to be a member of this group. There are no dues. This effort is about bringing neighbors together, improving the character of Barrington and sharing our success with many non-for-profits in the area. The benefits of participating are endless!

The BVA is seeking further participation from its residents in joining in on the fun. There are many great committees and opportunities to get involved. Whether you are prepared to some heavy lifting on our committees or only have time to occasionally volunteer, we seek your assistance and welcome you to join us. For more information, please contact me, Doug Skor, at dougskor@gmail.com.

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