Hi, my name is Mark Russo and I am President of the Illinois Valley Wild Blackberry Arts & Crafts Festival Organization. I moved to the Illinois Valley in 1972 with my parents at the age of 16. I served in local emergency services for 15 years and have experience as a Fire Captain and board member, including two terms as President.

2007 marks my second year guiding the festival. I joined the festival for several reasons. Being a volunteer firefighter taught me that anything is possible where people get together for the common good. I truly believe that volunteers are the backbone of any strong community, and through the Blackberry Festival we can make a difference in the community’s economy and self esteem.

It is my desire to build the festival up to it’s fullest potential, to provide a venue for local artists, crafters and musicians to display their talents, to enhance the local economy through tourism, and to unite the people of the Ilinois valley for the common good. I also feel the Festival is an opportunity to attract like minded people to come live, share and prosper in our valley. Taking on the festival has been both frustrating and fun, but most of all it has been very rewarding. We have a great crew this year, and great entertainment lined up for you. If you would like to be part of a fun and winning team, come to one of our meetings and get involved. You’ll be glad you did.

See ya’ at the Wild Blackberry Festival!

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