By Carol McGowan
The Democratic Park of Lyons Township held its annual Fall Fest last Saturday.
The party took place outside of the Township Democratic Headquarters at 63rd Street and Archer Road in Summit.
Lyons Township Supervisor Christopher Getty was happy with the turnout.
“The event was an overwhelming success. We had approximately 300 people turn out. From people in the community and throughout Lyons Township, to elected officials, it was a wonderful day. I’d like to give thanks to the Village of Summit who did a fantastic job as the host community. We had great weather and it couldn’t have turned out better.”
Besides Getty, many elected and retired officials were on hand. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, state Senator and Lyons Township Democratic Committeeman Steven Landek, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, state Representative and chairwoman of the Democratic Party of the State of Illinois, Lisa Hernandez, Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, Bedford Park Mayor David Brady, City of Countryside Mayor Sean McDermott, Illinois Senate Candidate and Lyons Township Trustee Mike Porfirio, state Representative candidate Abdelnasser Rashid, Cook County Board candidate Daniel Calandriello, Cook County Circuit Court Judge-elect Nick Kantas, Cook County Judge-elect Shawntee Raines Welch, Lyons Township Assessor Patrick Hynes, Lyons Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg, Lyons Township Trustee Colleen Kelly, former congressman Dan Lipinski, former township supervisors and retired judges Russ Hartigan and Pat Rogers, along with other active judges, state Representative Mary Flowers, Palos Township Assessor and Democratic Committeeman Robert Maloney, members of local park districts, school boards, libraries, fire departments, along with others.
The event is a meet and greet for local, county, and state elected officials and candidates.
There was free food, drinks, music, a balloon artist, face painting, games for the kids and a bingo tent. An ice cream truck was there for an added treat.
Porfirio was happy with another successful year.
“It was a great day with a strong turnout and outstanding energy,” Porfirio said. “With 50 days until the November General Election, it was a perfect kick off to build momentum and unify the Democratic Party to work and win together. We had the State Treasurer, the Cook County Board President, and candidates running to be the local representatives at the State and County level present. It just shows that the Democratic Party of Lyons Township supports quality candidates up and down the ballot to bring good government and deliver services to the working families in our community.”