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May 15, 2025

Oak Park Farmers' Market kicks off 50th season

The Oak Park Farmers’ Market will open for a milestone season this Saturday, May 17, celebrating 50 years of providing fresh, local food to the community. The Market takes place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from opening day through October at its longtime home in the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot at 460 Lake St., one block west of Ridgeland Avenue. More than two dozen independent farmers and producers will participate in the Farmers’ Market’s 50th season, offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, fish, cheese, eggs, flowers, bread, grains and honey. The Market also features donuts made on-site, fresh coffee and live bluegrass music. The first several weeks of the Market feature Go Green Days with sustainability-focused organizations sharing information about ways to protect the environment. Pictured above: The Oak Park Farmers' Market in 1978, the first year the Market was held in the Pilgrim Church parking lot. | Courtesy: Oak Park River Forest Museum

Community walk to Farmers' Market opening day planned

Join Village President Scaman at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 in the Village Hall courtyard for a one-mile walk to the opening day of the 50th season of the Oak Park Farmers’ Market. The community walk is part of the Village's participation in the Move with the Mayor initiative as President Scaman joins municipal leaders across the nation in highlighting the physical and mental health benefits of movement. The first 100 people to join the walk on Saturday will receive a free Village tote bag.

Electronic waste recycling
event this Saturday

Appointments are available for the Village’s electronic waste recycling drop-off event this Saturday, May 17 at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. Due to strict regulations on collecting and processing these materials, residents are required to register for a time slot between 9 a.m. and noon and identify their electronic waste items in advance. Click here to sign up for a time slot. There is a limit of seven items per household, and within that there is a limit of two televisions and/or computer monitors. The recycling drop-off event is for Oak Park residents only and is particularly intended for residents in large multifamily buildings. Residents in single-family homes and buildings with up to five units can also schedule an E-Waste Pickup from their home by submitting a request at www.lrsrecycles.com/oakpark.

Annual vehicle license
sales underway

Village vehicle licenses for 2025-26 are now on sale. The Village is sending a courtesy renewal reminder to all customers who currently have an active vehicle license. Every Oak Park resident who owns or leases a motor vehicle is required to purchase a local license before July 15 to get the lowest rate, which increases by $20 after the deadline. Failure to purchase a license could result in a ticket. A current vehicle license is also needed to purchase a parking permit. Vehicle license rates vary by type of vehicle, with discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and active-duty veterans. For more information visit www.oak-park.us/vehiclelicense, call 708.358.7275 or email parking@oak-park.us.

Presentation to focus on improving mental health for veterans

Suicide rates among veterans remain alarmingly high, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness, education and support. Join Thrive Counseling Center, the Village, Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township and River Forest Township for a discussion on veteran mental health at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 19 in the Veterans Room at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. The presentation aims to educate attendees on the specific risks and factors associated with veteran suicide and emphasize the importance of both community and clinical support in reducing suicide rates. While the event is free, counselors and social workers can register and earn one CEU credential for $20.

Bump 2 Baby forum to focus on Black Maternal Health

The Village is partnering with organizations throughout Oak Park and the westside of Chicago for a Black maternal health event. From Bump 2 Baby will bring together four maternal health experts to speak and answer questions. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at PCC Austin Family Health Center. Admission is free, and dinner will be served. Click here to RSVP.

Blast Off to Kindergarten community event this Sunday

All children and families who will be starting kindergarten at any school in Oak Park this fall are invited to the Blast Off to Kindergarten community event from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 18 at Rehm Park, 1000 S. Scoville Avenue. Hosted by the Collaboration for Early Childhood in partnership with Oak Park Elementary District 97 and community partners, this space-themed event is designed to celebrate Oak Park’s little ones while also helping parents and caregivers connect to parent organizations and the “Solar System of Support” that will help jump-start a smooth transition to kindergarten. The event will feature after-school programs, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 staff and administrators, staff from Oak Park kindergarten programs and parent teacher organizations from local schools.