Ribfest 2016
Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the Forest Park Picnic Grove:
Forest Park Ribfest 2016, the village’s annual amateur BBQ contest, is set for this Saturday in The Grove, 7824 W. Madison St. In addition to rib sampling (for a small fee), there will be a beer, wine and vodka tent. The top 3 “ribbers” receive cash prizes of $1,000, $700, and $300 respectively. On the main stage from 1 p.m. till 10:30, you can hear Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones, R-Gang, Sonic 7, and The Boy Band Night. The event is sponsored by the village of Forest Park, Paramedic Services of Illinois, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Currie Motors Chevrolet and a host of others too long to list. For more information, call 708-771-7737.
Never too early …
The park district’s 13th annual Halloween Make Over Contest will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20. The best-decorated houses in Forest Park will receive free pool passes for up to four family members. Park district staff serve as judges and drive through the village to determine the winners. Factors considered are: curb appeal, creativity, use of theme, place, use of yard and house, and originality. Families may win every three years. The Christmas Home Makeover Contest will be held on Dec. 15.
Family Garage Sale and Flea Market
Saturday, Sept. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Park:
Every year, the park district parking lot is transformed into Forest Park’s very own community-wide garage sale and flea market. Clean out your attic, cellar or garage for items to sell. Your junk may be another person’s treasure. A chance to unload baby clothes, toys, games, collectibles, or anything else you may have. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required in order to reserve your space, which is limited so reserve early. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 11. The fee is $30 for residents, $40 for non-residents.
Library activities
Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., offers the following:
Sensory Storytime in the Austin Room – Monday, Sept. 12 from 10:30 to 11 a.m., a range of book selections, rhymes, and songs for various ages. An open-ended art activity will follow storytime. Age 2+. This is a drop-in program; no advance registration required.
Library Cardboard Challenge – Saturday, Sept. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Austin Room. Nine-year-old Caine Monroy built a cardboard arcade in his father’s auto parts store, inspired a documentary, a global call to engage in learning through play, and countless cardboard creations. See what happens when imagination and ingenuity come together. Drop-in event. Advance registration is not necessary to participate.
Calling all Cub Scouts
Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.:
Boys from first through fifth grade and their families are invited to learn more about Forest Park Pack 109 activities, civic opportunities and outdoor education. All are welcome. St. John Gym, 305 Circle Ave. Scouts will meet Friday nights starting in October. Visit Pack109.net for more information.
Calendar Events
As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.
