Oak Forest's Old Times Family Picnic is a Town Tradition

The Old Times Family Picnic has been a Labor Day tradition for Oak Forest families for generations. Every year, the Sunday before Labor Day is slated for one of this town's favorite events. This years picnic was no different with Oak Foresters coming out in force to enjoy the fellowship of neighbors and an overall dose of community fun.

This is the day that the Park District gives back to the community. It is a completely free event with no admission fee. There is a host of free games and activities for the youngsters including pony rides, a petting zoo, a variety of Bounce Houses and various activities. At about 2:00 the old school picnic games begin. Every one loves to take part in, or at least watch, such favorites as the 3 legged race, the water balloon throw and the sack race. Adults and kids alike partake in the picnic games of our fore fathers, no batteries required.

The real heart of the Old Times Picnic is found in the Picnic Grove. In an area filled with lofty oak trees which our city is named for, the community assembles their barbecue equipment, welcomes their neighbors, and celebrates the last days of summer. Moms bring their homemade potato salad and make extra for the friends who will stop by. Dads set up their barbecues ready for a day of cooking and fun. Kids run around unencumbered by shoes or the usual rules. They don't have to use their indoor voices here.

The picnic is used by many families and friends for casual reunions. Home town friends catch up amongst the Oak Trees and picnic tables. Denise Lugo a long time resident of Oak Forest, was Denise Kent in 1986. She meets up with friends from her 1986 graduating class of Oak Forest High School every year, same time, same place. They have been coming to this picnic since they were teenagers.

Ken Massey, Andy Lake and Casey Brennan, all who were members of the OFHS State Champion Baseball team of 1985 come every year for this event. They join Denise and her besties from OFHS, Sue Lake and Karen McConnell, to reminisce about old times and to catch up. Pat and Phil Lake, residents of Oak Forest for 40+ years and going strong are in attendance, as well as, Marie and Bob Kacklik. They tell me that someone has to keep an eye on the kids.

At noon, the free music began. Chi-Town Sound's disc jockey Mike Novickas, of Oak Forest, played music from noon - 3:00 p.m. and then the band the Walk-ins performed from 4 p.m.-dusk. It is fun to watch the kids dance and later on, the soccer moms and anyone who had one too many wine coolers. It is all in good fun and some get up and join in, even those that normally do not. The atmosphere is one that is unique to this event. I think it is the lack of rules and fees that makes everyone feel that they are neighbors at a block party.

The park celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a fireworks display at dusk. Everyone watched as the display exploded overhead. Kids ran into the field for a better view but most just sat on their chair or picnic table, and smiled as they enjoyed the festivities. It was a great ending for a great night.