No matter what time of year there is always something to look forward to when celebrating the seasons in the South and Southwest suburbs.
Indoors and out, depending on the weather, villages, parks departments and chambers bring together neighbors, friends and volunteers all working behind the scenes to stage special events.
Some have become traditions residents look forward to attending each year and every once in awhile a new event comes on the scene offering a fresh approach to fun.
In the fall as the excitement of back to school time mixes with the crisp autumn air, everyone turns out to experience a little more time outdoors before the cold winds begin to blow.
Palos Park knows how to celebrate the best of fall traditions with Autumn in the Park Fest in mid-September complete with a parade, chili cook off and this year a BBQ rib competition.
In Orland Park the traditions continue into October with the Great Pumpkin Party. From hayrides and scarecrow making to a pie-eating contest, the event is packed with good old-fashioned fun. When night falls there is a flashlight pumpkin hunt and stories around a campfire.
As fall gives way to Thanksgiving and the carving of the turkey, it also marks the beginning of the holiday season.
These suburbs have lots of festivities with most towns welcoming Santa and lighting a tree to help get everyone in the spirit of the holidays.
The Mokena Christmas fest is like something straight off a Christmas card. The town comes together for a day-long celebration with a craft fair and tree decorating complete with hot chocolate and cookies. The residents celebrate with the Parade of Lights and the official lighting of
the town tree.
It may be cold, but the ice and snow don’t deter both indoor and outdoor events throughout winter.
Frankfort kicks off a new year with Winter on the Green with something to draw people out every Sunday during January and February from an ice fest and chili cook off to special plans for the Superbowl and Valentine’s Day.
Just as everyone is ready to shake off the chill of winter Tinley Park is gearing up for its annual Irish Parade in March. This family-friendly event is complete with floats and a variety of entries representing the best of the community as it entertains revelers along Oak Park Avenue.
Once the weather warms, the events seem to get a jump-start featuring everything from car shows and concerts in the park to pool openings and annual summer festivals.
