Families gathered at Richards High School Sept. 19 for the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce’s fifth annual Fall Family Fest, an afternoon filled with games, crafts, food and entertainment.
The event was originally planned as an outdoor celebration, but rainy weather moved the festivities inside to the school’s cafeteria at 10601 S. Central Ave.
Anne Fritz, executive director of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, said the annual event offers families a chance to have fun while connecting with local businesses.
“The Fall Family Fest is unique in that it provides free family activities at the same time it places potential customers in front of Chamber Member Businesses,” Fritz said. “Everyone has fun and has the opportunity to find a new dentist or insurance agent.”
Fritz said the smiles and laughter throughout the event are a sign of its success.
“And the laughter and smiles on everyone’s faces is proof that it is a great event!” she said.
Richards High School hosted the festival for the second consecutive year, with student ambassadors helping the chamber with setup. Individual Tax Service returned as the event’s major sponsor.
Admission and parking were free. Families enjoyed a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, games, popcorn and music from a DJ.
Acorn to Oaks Studio and the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn provided a craft and sensory area where children could participate in hands-on activities.
A new addition this year gave the first 250 attendees a choice of a complimentary treat. Andy’s Custard donated ice cream, Nothing Bundt Cakes donated a Bundtini and Grove Coffee donated cold brew coffee. Culver’s also donated treats for the event.
The chamber received support from numerous local businesses and organizations that sponsored different parts of the festival.
Individual Tax Service served as the Major Fun Fest Sponsor, while OSF OnCall Urgent Care was the Life of the Party DJ Sponsor. Don Murphy American Family Insurance and Encore Car Wash sponsored the Blockbuster Balloon Animals.
Keller Williams, represented by Rob Medinger, Aliya Health and Grace Point Place sponsored the Fall Fun Spray Art activities.
AAA Oak Lawn Amal Jaber Insurance and Thrive Pet Healthcare served as High Five Drink Sponsors.
Additional Thumbs Up FUN! sponsors included Calvary Church of Oak Lawn, Chicago Podiatry, Country Financial, represented by Julissa Sprycha, Durable Roofing, Girl Scouts of GCNWI, Hoyne Savings Bank, iDentical Smiles, Little Lights Academy, Maria’s Energy Healing Corner, Park Lawn Association, The Cognitive Clinic and T-Mobile.
Photography by Angel, the 2026 Photography Sponsor, was on site to photograph families and activities throughout the event.
Families who registered in advance received free raffle tickets and had a chance to win prizes donated by the Oak Lawn Chamber, including a Giant Jenga game, pickleball paddle set, Spikeball game and a Squishie basket.
Concessions were provided by the Richards High School Athletic Booster Club.