By Hank Beckman
La Grange begins its summer festivities this weekend with the opening of the La Grange Carnival and the beginning of the summer art exhibit.
The art exhibit officially runs June 1-Sept. 1, while the carnival runs June 2-4.
“Both of these much-anticipated activities really compliment one another, as they mark the unofficial kickoff to the summer season in La Grange,” said Nancy Cummings, a representative of the La Grange Business Association. “Our goal in organizing both is to bring the community together to have fun and celebrate each other, and recognize what makes out village unique. We think they’re both great ways to engage with your neighbor, to build relationships and get to know one another a little better.”
The La Grange Carnival is a summer tradition that dates back over three decades, while the art exhibit is in its 17th year.
Friendship motivates this year’s art exhibit, with the theme “Happy Together — Where Friendships Grow.” Thirty local artists designed friendship benches, sponsored by local businesses, that will be placed in various places in the downtown and West End retail areas.
“We’re just excited to be the presenting sponsor for such a wonderful event every year,” Jenny Bechtold, executive director of the Park District of La Grange.
This is the fifth year that the Park District has been presenting sponsor of the event.
A new La Grange artist, Lizzie Selle, recently opened the West End Gallery, 522 W. Burlington Ave. (Suite 2E), and is the creative talent behind the bench sponsored by the Posey Law Group.
“I created an exhibit that I wanted to feel joyful and colorful, with a childlike sense of play,” she said of the bench titled “We Thrive Together.”
Selle also said that she supports a collaborative approach to art.
“When we support each other, we all thrive,” she said.
Over the weekend, La Grange visitors will be able to combine their interest in art with a good time when the carnival starts at 5 p.m. Friday, June 2.
Staged on Harris Avenue between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue, its organizers are the LGBA, with additional support from the village of La Grange.
Presenting sponsor for the carnival is Express Med Spa of La Grange. Other sponsors are Boyce Chiropractic, Chills Italian Ice, and Mathnasium of La Grange.
Carnival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Included in the festivities are carnival rides, bumper cars, games of chance, children’s games, food concessions, and a Ferris wheel.
Ticket sales will stop 30 minutes before closing, and daily unlimited ride specials can be purchased at various times throughout the carnival.
Beer and wine can be bought from Palmer Place Restaurant and Biergarten and MAK’S House La Grange and carried into the carnival.
Palmer Place will have live music Friday and Saturday, with “Triple Play” performing Friday at 7 p.m. and The Vaughan Building at 7 p.m. Saturday.
The LGBA is organizing the La Grange Craft Fair, the Sidewalk Sale, the West End Art Fair, and Endless Summerfest — which the Park District of La Grange also helps organize.
For further information on the Summer Art Exhibit and the 2023 La Grange Carnival visit the LGBA website at lagrangeevents.com
Hank Beckman is a freelance writer for Pioneer Press.
