A chili cook-off that began in 2012 has grown into Palos Park’s largest community event of the year.
The Village of Palos Park hosted its annual Autumn in the Park Festival Sept. 18-19 on the Village Green, bringing residents together for a weekend of 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.
“Autumn in the Park is the Village’s largest event of the year, and it’s something we look forward to and work on all year long,” Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters said. “More than anything, it’s a celebration of what makes Palos Park such a special place; a small-town community where neighbors become friends, families put down roots, and children grow up wanting to come back and raise families of their own.”
The festival began Friday evening with live music from Mike & Joe. Saturday’s festivities opened with the community parade along 123rd Street, followed by live entertainment from Five Guys Named Moe, who performed classic rock, and ARRA, which closed out the evening.
Saturday also included children’s activities and an artisan market featuring local vendors.
Food was available throughout the weekend from 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.
“But what I enjoy most is seeing people running into old friends, meeting new neighbors, and just enjoying being together,” Milovich-Walters said. “That sense of community is what Autumn In The Park is really about. And I’m proud to be part of a place that still values those connections and makes time to celebrate them.”
Stephen DeFalco, director of the Department of Recreation and Parks, also described the festival as a time when the community comes 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.”
Free parking was available at Palos Community Church, 12312 S. 88th Ave., and the Palos Park Metra Station at 123rd Street and 82nd Avenue. A free shuttle transported festivalgoers from the off-site Metra parking area.
The weekend gave residents an opportunity to enjoy the festival while reconnecting with friends, meeting neighbors and celebrating the community.
Milovich-Walters said those connections remain at the heart of the annual event.
“For one weekend, our Village comes alive with a parade, live music, local vendors, and activities for the kids,” she said. “But what I enjoy most is seeing people running into old friends, meeting new neighbors, and just enjoying being together.”
Have been too many of the festivals over the years, 37 year resident of Edelweiss in the park, a lot of the food vendors are the same contributors, the veterans were always there with their hotdog stand, had to make money for the lodge. Always great. Keep it going.