Representatives of the Village of Oak Brook and the Oak Brook Park District have started working on planning a Celebration of International Cultures event that will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 21, 2024.
The free event, which will be held at the Park District’s new Amphitheatre at Central Park North, Jorie Boulevard and Kensington Road, will feature live entertainment, cultural exhibits and food vendors. It replaces the annual Autumn Fest presented by the Park District.
An event committee has formed with staff and board members from the village and Park District.
“Oak Brook is a wonderfully, diverse community, and we are so excited to celebrate all the cultures that make our community the great place it is to live and work,” said Laure Kosey, the Park District’s executive director.
Village President Larry Herman believes the event is a great idea for the village.
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‘I’m all about trying to have everyone come together in a very diverse community like Oak Brook,” he said. “When you understand each other better, you can come together better.”
Planning for the Celebration of International Cultures is being handled by a committee made up of the village and Park District representatives.
“We ran our Autumn Fest every year. It was in need of a fresh revamp,” said Mike Contreras, the Park District’ superintendent of recreation and a member of the committee. “The village and the Park District are partnering to highlight different cultures. It was a mutual desire to provide a great event for our community.”
The Park District and village are inviting interested community members to reach out if they are interested in being on subcommittees, so that all cultures may have representation in planning the Celebration of International Cultures event. Anyone interested may email Contreras at [email protected].
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.