Heat can’t keep them away from Tinley Park party
BY HANNAH KOHUT Correspondent July 17, 2011 8:52PM
Kris Laakson fans off her daughter Brooke while walking along Oak Park Avenue during the Caribbean Block Party in Tinley Park, IL on Sunday July 17, 2011. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: January 23, 2012 3:05AM
It sure was a scorcher Sunday, but the 13th annual Caribbean Beach Block Party in downtown Tinley Park was hopping. And you can bet the water misters were in full use.
With a stretch of Oak Park Avenue shut down for the party, people lined the street to sample food and listen to music.
John and Sheri DeMarco, of Lockport, didn’t let the heat keep them away from the festivities. They just found a cool, shaded area and took in all the fun.
“We used to live down the block,” Sheri DeMarco said. “We’re having a really good time — the kids love it.”
Their 7-year-old daughter, Karli, and 4-year-old son, Zac, were enjoying snow cones.
“The kids really loved the jumpees and getting (temporary) tattoos,” DeMarco said.
Matt Mantea has been going to Caribbean Fest for all the 10 years he has lived in Tinley Park.
“I just like to people watch,” Mantea said. “You know, seeing the bands, running into people I don’t see too often.”
Mantea said he loves taking in the historic aspect of the area as well.
“I love telling my friends (from out of town) about the history of these buildings on Oak Park Avenue. They go back to the 1800s.”
And where there’s heat, there’s fire — well, at least the Tinley Park Fire Department. It had a spray-down station for folks to cool off, as well as a water dunking booth.
“We’re getting a good turnout, the crowd has been great,” firefighter Don Debias said.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2791 was a busy spot, too. Among all the grills and frosty beverages was a display honoring Vietnam veterans.
Nick James, a Vietnam War re-enactor, sat behind a display of authentic combat gear, uniforms and weapons.
“We’re out here to help people understand and appreciate what our troops went through back then,” James said.
And some folks were just out there to greet the community. Three teachers from Tinley Park High School manned a booth welcoming its past, present and future
students.
“We’re out here just to be a part of the community,” said Rhonda Cracco, assistant principal of student services.
Wendy Bumphis, the school’s assistant principal of activities, said they were there to say “hi” to students and parents.
“We’re raffling off gift cards, and our cheerleaders are applying press-on tattoos to people. This is just a great way to be a part of the community,” Bumphis said.
The school’s booth caught the attention of Vicki Russel, of Tinley Park, who is an alumna of the school.
“The kids went over there and got the tattoos. It’s great to see people from the past,” Russel said.
Ed and Joe’s Restaurant was a popular cool-off spot for fest goers. Tom and Debbie Hoffman had just left there for a cool-down and lunch.
“We had a great time in there,” Tom Hoffman said.
“Now we’re just listening to the bands and enjoying the sights,” Debbie Hoffman said.
Among the attractions were magic shows, a rock climbing wall and wrestling matches outside of Durbin’s.
The festival was organized by the Tinley Park Main Street Commission.
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