North Hudson Pepper Festival to Expand Pepper Fest Park

North Hudson Pepper Festival, Inc. has purchased the home and land previously owned by Janice Iverson which is adjacent to the North Hudson Pepper Fest Park (directly east).  

The goal of this purchase is to develop a new community center as well as expand and upgrade the existing park. 

This is a capital improvement plan, funded by grant requests and fundraising events. The North Hudson Pepper Festival Board will create a committee involving community members to plan and oversee the expansion of the park and construction of this community center with outdoor restrooms that can be used for park visitors. 

Once complete, the Pepper Festival Board would like to donate the land and community center back to the Village of North Hudson.

The community center will be available for board meetings, community gatherings and senior or youth group meetings.

Some of the amenities: 

·      Tables and chairs configured based on needs.

·      Kitchenette, equipped with full sized refrigerator, sink, microwave and coffee machine, soda machine.

·      WI-FI, IP conference phone, Large TV and Projector and laptop connections, camera’s and security (still in planning stages).

Other initial ideas included for Pepper Fest Park: 

·      Community garden area

·      Stage area 

·      Play ground equipment 

·      Possible drinking fountains

·      Lights for security, additional trees, paved parking, and ice skating rink area behind Village Hall. 

Phase one is complete with the land and home acquisition. Phase two of the project is still in the planning stage and will rely on community involvement and input on the project. 

“Our vision is to have a community center including accessible bathrooms that will enhance Pepper Fest Park” said Pepper Fest Board President Tim Zais. “We envision having something great for the community. The Pepper Festival is all about community and this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to add to the Pepper Fest Park.”

Zais stated, “The land and home purchase is completed and the goal is to pay off the loan early over the next few years through fundraising events and grant requests.” 

The North Hudson Pepper Kings kick off the fundraising with “Party for the Park” on Saturday July 27th, 2019 at the Village Inn Sports Bar, Grill & Pizzeria in North Hudson from 4:00-9:00pm. Enjoy a fun night with casino games, a silent auction, raffles, prizes and a live Band. Purchase a presale ticket for $20 at Freedom stores in Hudson, Kozy Korner, Village Inn, Seasons Tavern, Starr’s Bar or Mallalieu Inn. Tickets are $25 at the gate. Admission includes free beer, brats, Italian sausage, burgers, fries and chips. 100% of the profit goes to the Pepper Fest Park.