Vernon Hills Community Rings in Mellody Farm's Grand Opening with Two-Day Event

For two afternoons on August 9 and 10, members of the Vernon Hills community brought their families and neighbors — and furry four-legged friends — to celebrate the official grand opening of Mellody Farm, a 258,646 SF development outside of Chicago.

With perfect temperatures just shy of 80 degrees and a constant, cool breeze, families gathered in the common areas and listened to live music on The Lawn while celebrating together.

Left: Alyssa Capalbo, and son Braxton, Right: Scout the dog enjoying the celebration

"Mellody Farm is everything our community needed — and more!" said Alyssa Capalbo, a Buffalo Grove resident and Chicago native who attended the event with her son, Braxton. "With so many unique dining options, storefronts and beautiful art installations, there is truly something for everyone here. My son and I had such a great time at the grand opening event and we are looking forward to many more fun evenings on The Lawn. We are lucky to have such a fun and Instagrammable spot in the north burbs."

A balloon artist, face painters and staff from Kids Science Labs created a fun kids' activity corner complete with a trio of hands-on science experiments. 

Several merchants offered food samples (and swag!) — City BBQ with tender brisket sliders and cornbread, local favorite Kuma's Corner with gooey mac 'n cheese cups, Next Door American Eatery and B.Good with healthy bites, Whole Foods Market with refreshing watermelon lemonade, and future coffee shop, Fairgrounds Coffee, with cold brew samples.

Retailer Athleta, slated to open later this year, set up a pop-up shop complete with colorful apparel and discounted merchandise. Other merchants, including Andreas Hogue Salon, MyEyeDr. and European Wax Center, offered complimentary branded goodies and spin-the-wheel giveaways. Aligned Modern Health and Stretched staff were on hand to answer questions about their services. Prize drawings took place at the end of the second day's festivities.

Mellody Farm is anchored by HomeGoods, REI, Whole Foods Market, Nordstrom Rack. The land the development sits on was previously a dairy farm.

To further explore Mellody Farm and learn more about its merchants and ongoing events, click here. Or follow along on social media — Facebook and Instagram.

Photos by Caron Streibich