With the conclusion of “Thursday Night Out” creating a void in calendars, people in Oak Park craving safe social interaction will be thrilled to hear the latest family-friendly event series put together by Downtown Oak Park (DTOP) starts Saturday.
Called “See You Saturday,” the event series will occur, as the name suggests, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Marion Street between Lake Street and North Boulevard, beginning Sept. 18 and ending Oct. 9.
“It’s like ‘Thursday Night Out’ except it’ll be going on all day. We have different activities and entertainment throughout the day as well as into the evening,” said Shanon Williams, DTOP executive director.
Attendees will enjoy a heightened experience dining al fresco or having a cocktail outside while live music plays. For children, there will be kids’ entertainers, balloon twisters and activities.
To keep people safe from COVID-19, DTOP will have hand sanitizer at each of the tables along the blocked off street. People can sit at the tables to eat takeout from nearby restaurants or take in the scene. Attendees are also able to bring their own furniture and yard games.
DTOP is making the wellbeing of the community a priority. Williams told Wednesday Journal her team has been working with the Oak Park Health Department on safety guidelines.
“We’re really going to follow protocol in keeping people safe as far as masking and social distancing,” said Williams.
That won’t hamper any fun. “See You Saturday” is pet-friendly, bike-friendly and friend-friendly, according to Williams. The first Saturday’s lineup includes a free yoga class, Latin jazz music, kids’ art activities and bean bag games – as well as an opportunity to make the most out of the mild weather before winter blows in.
Williams, for one, is excited about the new event series.
“I just think it’s perfect for the community right now,” she said. “This is a good fit.”
