Oak Brook had it’s Autumn Festival last weekend and really did a nice job at bringing together the community at Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club, while enjoying the season. It started as Ethnic Fest hosted at Butler School by residence bringing ethnic food and sharing their diversity in culture. The Village of Oak Brook now runs the event and has expanded it with police and fire departments pitching in for the fun. Take a look at the link or see below for the article: View here.
Oak Brook is known for it’s grass roots efforts with people in the community stepping up to volunteer. My Church at the corner of 31st and York, Christ Church of Oak Brook began when local folks, along with Paster Arthur Dekruyter started the church in the gymnasium of Butler School.
Residence and Homeowners and residence get a lot for their taxes, which by the way, are very low! I have several homes for sale in Oak Brook and people are often amazed at the low taxes on the properties. For more information on Homes and Real Estate for sale in Oak Brook take a look at my website.
September 27, 2010
By STEVE SCHERING Contributor
Early fall weather couldn’t cool the excitement for families who attended Oak Brook’s annual Autumn Fest Sunday at the Bath and Tennis Club.
The family oriented event acts as the unofficial close of summer in Oak Brook. The community gathering was originally Butler School’s Ethnic Fest.
“Ethnic Fest was started by a parent at the school who thought it would be a good thing because of the diversity among the students,” said Connie Craig, a former Ethnic Fest Committee member. “The students would bring in a different dish native to their culture or background.
“Some moms would even bring in cultural items like clothing to show their backgrounds and heritage.”
The tradition outgrew Butler School’s multi-purpose room. The village took control of the event and moved it to the Bath and Tennis Club. Eventually, Ethnic Fest evolved into Autumn Fest, but remained a community and family event.
Oak Brook’s police and fire departments provided activities and information for children in addition to face painting, craft activities, pony rides, balloon animals and a pumpkin walk offered in and around the Bath and Tennis club.
Ten-year-old Autumn Platt and her mother Tiffany of Woodridge enjoyed the festivities. Tiffany won one of the 55 pumpkins given away at the pumpkin walk and was eying her prize.
“It’s tall, wide and awesome,” Autumn Platt said.
“This is a nice start to the Halloween season,” Tiffany Platt said.
In front of the club, Joe and Usha Schmit finished up their first Autumn Fest visit as their children Jaden, 5, and Prya, 3, toured the inside of Officer Erica Huff’s police car.
“The kids rode the ponies and they loved the fire hose,” Joe said. “This may be their favorite, since they’ve spent the most time in the cop car.”
Craig and Christen Reimer of Willmette had brought their two children, Matthew, 9, and Megan, 7, shopping earlier in the day and decided to make a special return trip to the Bath and Tennis Club.
“We wanted to show the kids where we got married,” Craig said. “Twelve years ago we were married here and didn’t know this was going on. It’s a nice thing to do, since the Bears aren’t playing and it’s nice to see cops and firefighters in a more relaxed situation.”
“I like it. There is a lot of stuff to do and I’d like to do some canoeing,” Matthew said while waiting for his sister and mother to finish with their hair braiding.
Autumn Fest receives no village money, but thanks to the year-round work of the Festival Committee obtaining sponsorships, the event is offered free to all attendees.
“For the last four or five years, we’ve been seeking sponsorships,” said Mary Meranda, Membership Coordinator for the Sports Core. “Because of the work, we can have a nice family day where residents can bring their kids at the end of the season and enjoy themselves.”