Orland Park Trade-O-Ree Benefits Local Not-For-Profit Group

ORLAND PARK, IL — A traditional marketplace setting that has roots in Native American culture will be celebrated over two days in Orland Park when the annual Trade-o-Ree event that celebrates nearly a century of scouting and scout camps will take place beginning Friday evening.

The Trade-o-Ree marketplace is a chance for local residents to experience an exhibition of Scout and camp memorabilia that showcases the progress scouting has made over the past 100 years. This year’s event begins at 5 p.m. on Friday and will be hosted by Faith United Methodist Church, which is located at 15101 S. 80th Ave. in Orland Park.

The event runs from 5-9:30 p.m. on Friday and again from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday at the church’s social hall/gym. The event is free to the public and there will be plenty of free parking at the church, organizers said.

Visitors at the Trade-o-Ree will be able to view collectibles and artifacts, sell collectibles of their own, buy items and even barter with other collectors. The event is an homage to Native American times when people would barter and trade with others, including fur traders at a favorable location, and trade personal items of value while traditionally seated on a blanket.

All proceeds from this weekend’s event will go to the Owasippe Trade Organization, which is a not-for-profit organization that is getting ready to celebrate its 45th anniversary of service to the Owasippe Scout Reservation. While admission is free, a free-will offering will be taken to help support the local group.

The event will also offer concessions and will also feature a silent auction that will run through 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The group has performed numerous projects that include camp tool replacement, fire bowl construction, trail maintenance, and shower house construction as well as guest lodge renovation and expansion.

More information about the event can be found on the group’s website or on its Facebook page. Anyone with questions may email Trade-o-Ree manager Ron Kulak at Owasiron@gmail.com or by calling (708) 738-1197.