OctoberFest 2022, a joint production of the Village of Olympia Fields Community Relations Commission and the Olympia Fields Park District, is in the books and by all accounts, a good time was had by all. Community Relations Commission (CRC) members Mr. Carl Hill, Mrs. Stephanie Mills, Mrs. Andrea Townson and Trustee Howard White, in partnership with Olympia Fields Park District Executive Director Jesus Vargas, worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition, and their hard work paid off. It is estimated that upwards of 200–300 guests were on hand at any given hour throughout the day to enjoy the festivities and the unseasonably warm temps. “It was a wonderful event! Great to see residents in the community come out and enjoy their local park on a beautiful day filled with live entertainment, food and friends. We hope to make this an annual event, expanding upon our activities, live entertainment and vendor offerings,” commented Mr. Vargas.
The event, which started at 10 a.m. and ended at 6:00 p.m., featured food trucks including Nothing Bundt Cakes, Harold’s Chicken and Slide…Enz, which specializes in gourmet slider-size burgers; vendors selling clothing, arts and crafts and handmade wares; and child-friendly activities including inflatable bounce houses. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp hosted a face painting booth and supplied guests with apple cider. Additionally, attendees were treated to live entertainment under the covered pavilion, featuring the TGNT Jazz Trio, saxophonist Traysee Leonard, the TiMELeSS Band and songstress Genesis Pate and her band.
CRC member Mills commented, “The day was beautiful. The art, clothing and jewelry vendors were personable, and they presented unique items; the food purveyors supplied tempting goodies and the music was relaxing and enjoyable.” CRC member Townson remarked that “the CRC is so pleased with the success of our first OctoberFest! It was warmly received and strongly supported. We look forward to hosting next year’s event, as we continue to highlight our wonderful Village!”
If the goal of OctoberFest 2022 was to “Go Big,” then mission accomplished!
