A chili cook-off in 2012 has grown into a two-day community festival that brings Palos Park residents together each fall.
The Village of Palos Park will host its annual Autumn in the Park Festival Sept. 18-19 on the Village Green, 8901 W. 123rd St. The event is free and will feature live music, food, children’s activities, an artisan market and the annual community parade.
The festival began in 2012 as a one-day chili cook-off before expanding into the two-day event it is today.
Stephen DeFalco, director of the Department of Recreation and Parks, said one of his favorite parts of the festival is seeing residents come together.
“I like that this event has a feel of a family reunion,” DeFalco said. “The whole town comes out for this event and is great to see the community and catch up with residents.”
Friday’s festival will run from 6 to 11 p.m., with Mike & Joe performing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Saturday’s festivities will begin with the community parade at 1 p.m. along 123rd Street. The festival will continue from 2 to 11 p.m.
Five Guys Named Moe will perform classic rock from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by ARRA from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Children’s activities will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, while the artisan market will run from 2 to 7 p.m.
Local food vendors will be on hand both days, including Frangella Italian Market, Barone’s, Plush Horse, Robinson’s Ribs, Doughs Guys Bakery, Durbin’s Pizza, Boba Heaven, the Palos Park Woman’s Club and the Lions Club.
Admission and parking are free.
Onsite parking will be available at Palos Community Church, 12312 S. 88th Ave. Additional parking will be available at the Palos Park Metra Station at 123rd Street and 82nd Avenue. A free shuttle will run both days between the off-site parking area and the festival.
The event has become a chance for residents to reconnect while enjoying the music, food and activities.
“It’s great to see the community and catch up with residents,” DeFalco said.
