Summer Fest returned to the Glenview Metra station environs on Saturday, June 13 for its 50th year. The Glenview Chamber of Commerce event had two parts, a six-hour day portion and a four-hour evening portion called Summer Fest After Sunset.
More than 90 vendors lined the street in Jackman Park with activities for attendees to discover. The weather was sunny and warm, turning into golden hour pleasant conditions for the evening.
“We honor the generations of vendors, volunteers, community leaders and visitors who have helped make Summer Fest a vibrant and lasting part of downtown Glenview’s history,” said Glenview Chamber Executive Director Meghan Kearney, also a Glenview resident.
“This event has changed names, (and) locations, but the goal has always been to connect our businesses with the community,” Kearney said.
Attendees at the free event could partake of the family fun zone, food, crafters, retailers and pet adoption opportunities.
Attendees could also learn mahjong, try reformer pilates, play bags or pickleball, dunk a coach or youth player at the water dunk tank at the Glenview Junior Titans Football Program booth, slide down a real fire pole, obtain free twisted balloons or watch live magic, plus juggling, on the street.
Jackman Park featured musical groups in the gazebo. Jason Kollum of Niles, a stilt walker and juggler, provided balloon art this year at Summer Fest on the Jackman Park lawn.
“I’ve been here a long time,” Kollum said about his appearances at Summer Fest. “It might be 10-plus years.”
Glenview Chief of Police Mark Ciesla estimated that between 2,500 to 3,500 people attended Summer Fest.
“This is a great event,” Ciesla said. “Every year, it brings the community together and it’s just a time where everybody can get together and support Glenview and support all of the businesses and enjoy everything Glenview has to offer.”
Susie Moore of Glenview attended with children Abby, 8, a rising third-grader, Penny, 6, a rising first-grader and Lucy, 1.
“We love it,” the girls’ mother said about Summer Fest and its local walkability access. “It really is the kickoff to our summer and we look forward to it every year.”
Liz Poli of Glenview spent time in Jackman Park watching the balloon art unfold in the company of children Emi, 2, and Abigail, 4.
“We just really appreciate it,” the children’s mother said. “The girls are having a lot of fun.”
