Orland Chamber Aims To Make New Summerfest A 'Signature Event'

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce is ready to debut its take on festival fun, with the new Summerfest set for June 15–18.

It's not exactly a revamped "Orland Days," though some have drawn the comparison, said Chamber Executive Director Ramzi Hassan.

The post-pandemic future of Orland Days was up in the air, Hassan said, and SummerFest will hopefully be a hit—though it's not meant to replace the beloved favorite historically run by The Lions Club. To be held at 142nd and LaGrange, SummerFest will be a multi-feature event with a little something for everyone, Hassan said.

"The similarities are there," Hassan told Patch. "We feel that it’s a need for the community."

Hassan got the idea while he was attending another Orland Park favorite, St. Michael's Fall Fest, and as he admired the long-running tradition of Frankfort's Fall Fest.

"I’m jealous, with what Frankfort does with Fall Fest," Hassan told Patch, laughing. "The chamber does have a lot of events, but we don’t have a major signature event. I want a big, signature event, that can have many components, in multiple days."

Hassan announced the concept at his installation as president of the chamber in January, and the idea has been growing since. As the start date nears, the lineup is packed with activities for Orland Park residents to enjoy.

The event kicks off with "Kids' Night" Thursday, June 15, with a carnival. The carnival will offer a special, sensory portion of the day beginning at 4 p.m., allowing access for those with disabilities or special needs to enjoy the carnival without the general population, Hassan said. The session will last from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The carnival will be open to all at 6 p.m., until 11 p.m. Market in the Park will be held simultaneously, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A DJ will play for a dance party from 8 to 11 p.m. Bingo will be held throughout the evening in a separate tent, Hassan said.

The fun continues Friday, June 16, with the all-day carnival from noon to 11 p.m. Also slotted for that day is the Community Expo, from 2 to 7 p.m. Partnering with chambers from surrounding communities such as Mokena, Palos, and Oak Lawn, the expo will highlight local businesses and give representatives an opportunity to share their brands.

Deemed "Country Night," live music kicks off at 5:30 p.m., with Alika Arlynn, continuing with Andrew Denlinger at 7:30 p.m., and headliner Tennessee Whiskey at 10 p.m. A bingo tent will run all day.

Saturday will give a glimpse of a previous event, Arts and Drafts. Local and area brewers will be showcased, with beers available for tasting and purchase.

"We felt Arts and Drafts had kind of plateaued," Hassan said, and this instead incorporates it into a larger lineup of activities.

Live music kicks off at 4:30 p.m., continuing until 11 p.m. Hassan's band Ramzi and the Loafers will play, along with bands from House of Music, and headliner Mike and Joe.

The Community Expo will continue for a second day, from 2 to 7 p.m.

The event wraps up with a packed Sunday, starting with the carnival opening at noon. A classic car show will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., with the added component of what Hassan called "The Orland Auto Show."

"All dealerships are closed on Sundays, so why not have some of these dealers come out to Crescent Park and showcase a couple of their best cars," Hassan said of the idea.

Live music will take place from 4:30 to 11 p.m. Carnival closes at 9 p.m., and bingo will be available all day.

Find more info about SummerFest on the event's website.