Saturday’s thunderstorms didn’t prevent a 47-year old tradition in Glenview, a summer celebration of all things local.
The Glenview Summer Fest, hosted by the Glenview Chamber of Commerce, took place along two blocks of Lehigh Avenue, from Glenview Road to Washington Street, and highlighted vendor booths with free games, product giveaways, health services, home enhancements, community services, and a whole range of food and beverage items, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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For much of the day, under the patter of rain soaked tents, over 85 vendors _ civic, business, and community organizations, waited out the rain, as the ebb and flow of attendance followed the patterns of the weather.
“Everyone is craving socialization, enthusiastic to gather again, to reconnect with friends and neighbors, after being caged up for almost two years during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Meghan Kearney, Glenview Chamber of Commerce, executive director said.
“I’m a Glenview resident too, raising my family here, and I support local business with every transaction I make, this event is a wonderful way for families to learn more about what products, programs and services are available right here in town,” Kearney said.
According to Kearney, this Chamber event has changed a lot over the years, with different names, different locations and different vendors, however, for all intents and purposes, the mission has remained, to support local businesses and to help them connect with community members.
The Glenview History Center participated in Summer Fest.
“It’s good to have the opportunity to get out and talk to people today about what we have to offer through our programs and through our Hibbard Library archives,” Susan Johns, co-president of the Glenview History Center said.
New this year, following the daytime village expo, Summer Fest After Sunset, in Jackman Park, featured live music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Free and open to the public, local bands, like Satellite Union and headliner, Freddy Jones Band performed. Food, beer and wine were available for purchase with a special ‘plant wall’ section prereserved for VIPs.
Kasia Szerlag of Glenview attended with family.
“Summer Fest is a great way to be introduced to all our community has to offer,” Szerlag said.
“Local businesses are the touchstone of our community, they work here, they live here, they support our schools and our kid’s youth programs _ they’ve always been important to us,” Kearney said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.