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Oak Fest 2011

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Ticket to Oak Fest 2011: Geared Up for the Car and Bike Show?

Peruse the fest grounds, where you'll find cars and bikes from many different eras.

The Main Event: The Car and Bike Show Where: Throughout the fest grounds When: Doors open at 11 a.m., until midnight; the car and bike show runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discount: $25 wristbands for access to all rides from noon to 5 p.m. Motor Midway You don't have to be Burt Reynolds to see the Pontiac Firebird from the cult-classic Smokey and the Bandit. Just head on down to the 24th Annual Oak Fest today, where a replica of the iconic car and many other classics will be on display at the Car and Bike Show. “It's for you to walk around and see the cars people grew up with,” said fest chairman Joseph Koce of the show. “It's history. There's such a variety.” Cars and bikes old and new—including a '57 Chevy, Delorean, monster truck and …

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Ticket to Oak Fest 2011: 'It's a Family Affair'

There's plenty to do this weekend in Oak Forest, so grab the kids and drop on by Oak Fest 2011!

The Main Event: PCW Wrestling Where: Just inside the main entrance.  When: Doors open at noon, until midnight; the wrestling event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Special Event: Park opens at 11 a.m., until noon, for children with special needs only It's the weekend, it's summer and you and your family are looking for some fun and excitement in Oak Forest. Why not head on down to the 24th Annual Oak Fest today, where there's plenty of family events to keep you and the kids busy. “The best part of [today] is all the kids stuff we do,” said fest chairmen Joseph Koce. “This is the only day we get to do it. It's the best day to come out if you want a family type day.” Wrestlemania Back by popular demand, PCW wrestlers will grab their audience by …

Friday, July 1, 2011

Ticket to Oak Fest: 5K Has Runners Lacing Up

Ready, set—hey, wait! Stay away from that elephant ear until the 5K Liberty Run is over.

The Main Event: 5K Liberty Run When: Registration is from 5:30 p.m to 6:45 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m., until midnight; run starts at fest entrance at 7 p.m. Price: $30 to sign up for the run, including free goody bag. Admission to Oak Fest is free.  Where: Run starts at the northeast corner of 159th Street and Central Avenue, finishing at the fest entrance. Post-race party in the main tent. Discount: It’s buddy night folks, so buddy up after you buy your ticket and your friend's ride is free! Gimme 5K Runners take your mark, the 5K Liberty Run takes place at the 24th Annual Oak Fest, tonight. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., runners can fill out their applications and waivers at the registration tent at Oak Fest. After submitting the necessary…

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Ticket to Oak Fest: Oak Forest to Honor Vets with 'Salute to Hometown Heroes'

Veterans young and old can enjoy a ceremony to honor their sacrifices, followed by a top-notch fireworks display.

The Main Event: Salute to Hometown Heroes Where: The Main Tent When: Doors open at 6 p.m., ceremony starts at 9 p.m., followed by a fireworks show Discount: $5-off coupons for $25 carnival ride wristbands can be found here Around the 4th of July, it's that time of summer for good food, fireworks and all things American. But what would the holiday weekend be without something for our veterans? To honor those that have served from across the Chicago area, the city of Oak Forest will hold a Salute to Hometown Heroes ceremony tonight at 9 p.m., during the 24th Annual Oak Fest. “Our veterans ceremony is always fantastic,” said Oak Fest chairmen Joseph Koce. “They'll be in full dress—older veterans, too. The support for this ceremony has been …

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Lauren Traut

2:43 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011

Hi, Julia. It's in the main tent, which is in the Food 4 Less east parking lot. Thanks for asking!   more ›

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Ticket to Oak Fest: 'Idol' Star, Hometown Hero Takes Stage Tonight

No stranger to the spotlight, Oak Forest native Chris Medina still has time to sing for his hometown.

Who: Chris Medina and his band The Able Body Where: The Main Stage When: Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30, until 10 p.m. Why You Can't Miss It: Former American Idol star Chris Medina may be adored by thousands of fans in Norway, but he's still just a humble guy from Oak Forest who'll pick up his guitar and sing you a song. And that's just what he'll do tomorrow night, except it'll be for his hometown. From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the young singer will kick off the 24th Annual Oak Fest with a performance on the main stage. “He's a great singer, very energetic and enthusiastic,” said Oak Forest Mayor Hank Kuspa, who's thrilled to see Medina play tonight. “He's got a huge heart.” Medina's feeling a little jittery about the show. "I …

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Organizers Aim to Make This 'Oak Fest' the Best Yet

It's back, it's bigger than ever, and yes, it's free to get in. Are you ready for the 24th annual Oak Fest?

What would summer be without fireworks, carnival rides and good music? Nothing like Oak Fest 2011, that's for sure. Now in it's 24th year, the six-day summer fest is shaping up to be Oak Forest's biggest. With plenty of events and attractions—including a car show, family activities tent and several different cover bands—there's something for kids and adults alike. The best part: admission is 100 percent free. Food, rides and games are the only things that aren't. It's a community tradition, said Deborah Houtz, marketing coordinator for the fest, with a “family atmosphere” and great deals. “I've been going to the fest since I was a kid,” Houtz added. “It has grown so much, and many more people are involved now.” Organized by a board of 25 …

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