Oak Fest Looks for Broader Community Appeal

Joe Koce thinks it’s fitting that the 25th anniversary of Oak Fest should also fall on what will be the longest festival since its inception.

Koce, who coordinates the annual Oak Forest festival, is looking at this year as the chance to create a more inclusive event. The hope is that those who don’t usually attend will find something appealing in the Fest’s schedule of events.

“We’re trying to have as much packed into that Fest as possible,” Koce said.

More than two months remain before Oak Fest kicks off in late June. In his 23rd year with the festival, Koce said they’re reaching out to the parts of the community that don’t regularly come out to the Fest.

New to this year is the Zoppe Family Circus, a one-ring circus done in Old-World Italian tradition. Nino the Clown, played by sixth-generation circus performer Giovanni Zoppè, is the star of the show.

Read more about the Zoppè Family Circus by clicking here.

Other festival highlights include bands, local American Idol past contestant , the car show, carnival, 5K run, fireworks and more. Setting a longer Fest this year had to do with scheduling for July 4, Koce said. Some of the festival days will have shortened hours.

A number of residents have expressed concerns about safety and security at the Fest. Last year, a person was stabbed shortly after the July 4 fireworks.

Chief Greg Anderson said the incident was isolated and unrelated to Oak Fest. He said Oak Fest has had a "ton of security" and will have the same amount of personnel providing security, up to 30 people including those from the City of Oak Forest.

“There already is a very strong presence there,” Anderson said.

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