The entertainment schedule at the revived Hudson Fun Fest includes Hudson’s own Blues Brothers and Big on Blondes. (Hudson Fun Fest)

After a period of dormancy, a communitywide event is returning to Hudson this weekend with a new name and an ambitious program aimed at appealing to people of all ages.

Several local organizations — including the Hudson Woman’s Club and Hudson Lions Club — have banded together to bring Hudson Fun Fest to the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, July 25.The daylong event kicks off at 8 a.m. and wraps at 9:30 p.m.

The concept of a community summer event is not new to Hudson. Previous incarnations ran initially under the leadership of the local lions club before being handed over to village officials and initiated by volunteers. Over time, however, the event fizzled.

But the Hudson Lions Club’s 50-year anniversary a year ago provided an infusion of inspiration. Dave Brutlag, who is a Lions Club member and is helping oversee Hudson Fun Fest, said last year’s golden anniversary gala was well attended.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy it, so we thought we should go ahead and try to reinstate something on an annual basis,” Brutlag said.

When the decision was made to bring back a summer communitywide event, organizers decided to hold a naming contest. Local students were invited to suggest names for the revamped event. “Hudson Fun Fest,” naturally, was the winning submission.

Planning for this year’s return event began about six months ago, Brutlag said, and picked up steam as a growing number of local groups — including churches and other nonprofit organizations — stepped up and agreed to plan activities.

About 15 organizers throughout the community took a leadership role in planning the festivities, Brutlag said.

The end result is a wide spectrum of activities, including portrayals of Hudson area’s history, an open house event at the McClure House, pedal car races (touted as appealing to people ages 9 to 90) and a nighttime concert.

Festivities kick off in the morning with a 5K run, a train display of the Rock Ridge Railroad and a parade. The latter event is being initiated by the woman’s club and will feature such displays as animals, antique vehicles and floats.

“I think there will be something for everyone,” Brutlag said. “We have an especially large number of events for kids, including a carnival. This is going to be a great, family-friendly event.”

As evening sets in, Bloomington-based band Big on Blondes will perform during a three-hour concert. The quartet plays a range of music inspired by such acts as AC/DC, Blink 182, Kiss and Motley Crue.

Brutlag and other organizers are optimistic Hudson Fun Fest will become an annual part of the village landscape. The show of support from the local business community is one reason Brutlag sees that goal as a real possibility.

“We’ve had really good support from the businesses in Hudson,” Brutlag said. “That’s helping offset some of the expenses and making this kind of thing possible.”

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: first-ever Hudson Fun Fest

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, 209 Front St., Hudson

MORE INFORMATION: www.facebook.com/hudsonilfest

— Community event returns in Hudson with new name —