Leullapalooza 2024 Coming Soon
By Zachary Daum
On Saturday, June 29, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Leu Civic Center in Mascoutah will host “Leullapalooza,” a family-friendly event featuring 22 vendors, two food trucks, a craft swap, a bike swap, and numerous activities for children and families. Organized by the Leu Civic Center’s Operations Coordinator, Taylor Stewart, Leullapalooza is set to be a celebration of community and local businesses.
The inspiration behind Leullapalooza, as Taylor Stewart explains, was to create an event that brings the community together and showcases the diverse offerings of local businesses. “I had originally talked with Jenna about doing something that could bring the community to the building a little bit more and see that we’re more than just homeschool stuff,” says Stewart. “We want the community to be a part of this building and kind of showcase because there’s been so much moving, like people coming from other areas, and odd people don’t know what’s around. So I wanted to kind of spotlight small businesses and give everybody a chance and at the same time, hopefully support the food pantry.”
Unlike many vendor fairs, the vendors at Leullapalooza are not paying a booth fee. Instead, they are contributing items to the Mascoutah food pantry or Gateway Pet Guardians, with the Leu Civic Center hoping that this will help the community, as that is one of their primary goals as a civic center.
Attendees will have plenty to see and do. Warrior Logo Wear will be selling custom shirts, and there will be opportunities for children to participate in chalk art, scrape painting with Sally from South Barrington and free face painting by members of the Art Club. Additionally, a local farm will bring fresh produce, and two popular food trucks, Suits Me BBQ and a taco truck, will be serving delicious fare.
Stewart is particularly excited about the family-friendly atmosphere. “I’ve been to so many vendor fairs as a seller, and it doesn’t have anything for kids. I am a mom of three,” she shares. “The Leu is about just being yourself and having fun and being part of something. And it’s just a really cool place.”
Visitors will also find unique items such as 3D printed objects from GardenofMadnessStore, a local business also featured on Etsy, adding an educational element for children to see small businesses in action. Moreover, the event includes a craft swap and a bike swap, giving the community a chance to exchange and recycle items in a fun and engaging way.
Looking ahead, attendees can pre-register for “Paint the Tiles Night” on August 16, where for $25 per tile or $40 for two, they can paint ceiling tiles in the auditorium. This event supports local art programs, adding another layer of community involvement and creativity.
Reflecting on last year’s success and the improvements planned for this year, Stewart hopes for even greater community turnout and enjoyment. “I’m hoping that the kids really just have a good time. I really want everybody to just come as you are, have fun, and enjoy the day,” she says. “Enjoy meeting new people and finding new businesses.”
