Petzel: Oak Lawn’s Fall on the Green fun for all
By Cheryl Petzel Citizen Journalist/cjpetzel@sbcglobal.net September 13, 2012 2:22PM
Children play a game of water balls during Oak Lawn’s 17th annual Fall on the Green. | Supplied Photo
Updated: October 17, 2012 6:12AM
Greetings fellow Oak Lawnians!
Oak Lawn’s 17th annual Fall on the Green event took place last weekend on the Village Green and, once again, it was a well-planned and fun family event.
The fest featured nonstop musical entertainment from pop to tribute bands. Several new bands, as well as local favorites, performed in the beer garden and on the main stage.
Friday’s entertainment featured Nice Guy Eddies, CTA and Tumbling Dice. Saturday’s lineup was Digs and Fitz, Chicago Music Machine, the World of Kevin, the Opinions, Sean and Charlie, Infinity and Rendition.
Identity Crisis, the Dancing Noodles, Slippery When Wet and Tramps Like Us performed on Sunday.
Children, tweens and teens enjoyed a variety of fun activities. Batman, Gorilla and other inflatables kept the kids bouncing, sliding and laughing. Rides and activities included the popular Ferris wheel, and obstacle course, bathtub racers, jousting, a tattoo parlor, and face painting. A cast of characters from a walking corn cob to the Little People interacted and entertained the kids.
A bigger teen area allowed tweens and teens to enjoy a climbing wall, a bungee run, Twister and zero gravity rides; a mechanical bull, bean bags and water balls, which were a big hit.
There was plenty to keep adults busy, too. The fest featured more than 55 arts and crafts vendors, business tents, raffle baskets, vehicles on display from local dealerships and a food tent that offered everything from pizza to pierogis.
Even a Good Humor truck and its driver dressed in a white uniform and black bow tie were on hand to give ice cream bars to fest goers. The sight of the truck and driver brought back nostalgic memories of the “ice cream man” many of us remember from days gone by.
As in past years, the biggest turnout was on Saturday. The Village Green was packed with families enjoying the music and having fun. Shortly after 9 p.m., fest-goers enjoyed a super fireworks display.
Fall on the Green is not just a fest, it’s a tradition for many families and friends.
Bob and Barb McCarville, of Lockport, attend the fest every year. While enjoying a meal in the food tent, Bob ran into his cousin, who lives in New Lenox. Bob said every year he comes, “it’s bigger and better.”
Brian and Carrie Feerick attended the fest Saturday night after a dinner in Oak Brook to celebrate their anniversary.
Planning and organizing Fall on the Green is a big undertaking that requires lots of hard work, planning and logistics.
Celebrity
announcements
Happy ninth birthday to Nelson Quintana, from his parents, Blanca and Carlos, and to Dylan Suchy from his family. Happy 10th birthday to Matthew Berger, from “Nonni and Papa” Cosentino. Johnny Ralph sends his love to his daughter, Danielle, as she turns 11.
Happy birthday to Aislee Klups, who’s also turning 11, from her parents and grandma, Val. Happy birthday to Declan Brown and Lisa Truesdale, who both are turning 14. Happy birthday to Tom DeMoss, who’s turning 16, from his parents, Diane and Jim, and Andie.
Birthday wishes go out to Kody Frega from his parents, Kyle and Patrick. Happy birthday to Robert Gertos, who’s turning 21, from his mom, Leighann, Mike, Elizabeth, Pugsly, Penny and Catly.
Happy 21st birthday to Jeffrey Bauer, and also to his parents, Beverly and Jeffrey. Kathy and Tony Kalant wish their son, Bill, a happy 24th birthday. Stephanie Laidlaw’s parents wish her a happy 25th birthday.
Happy 26th birthday to Laura Baikie from her family, and to Mike Walwent from his parents. Birthday hugs and kisses go out to Dawn Carlsen, from her grandchildren, Jonathan, Grace, Jilliann, Steven and Erica.
Happy birthday to Heather Gilligan from her husband, Tim; their children and family. Happy birthday to Vicki Brooks from her children, Frank, Tim, Kristen, Eddie and Meaner and friends. Happy 92nd birthday to Russell Markle, from his wife, Clare, and their family.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Dana and Beth Escamilla’s fifth anniversary; Michael and Marcie Sanfrantello’s eighth anniversary; Christopher and Bonnie Reich’s 10th anniversary; Michael and Patricia Fitzgerald’s 12th anniversary; Kurt and Yvonne Wilamowsky’s 13th anniversary; Charlie and Debbie Gonsowsky’s 20th anniversary; Michelle and Kevin Cappel’s 28th anniversary; Jim and Helen Cosentino’s 52nd anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community.
Call me at (708) 899-9544 or email me at cjpetzel@sbcglobal.net.
Until next time...
