Glenview Summer Fest came to life on Saturday welcoming thousands of Glenview residents and families for a day of summertime fun.
This year’s Summer Fest took place during the 125th birthday week of the Village of Glenview. Glenview’s birthday, officially June 20, 2024, gave vendors and attendees a chance to commemorate the celebration with special games, swag, and giveaways, linked to the history of the town, and the success of Summer Fest, now in its 48th year.
Along two village blocks of Lehigh, from Glenview Road to Washington, 85 vendors participated.
Glenview Chamber of Commerce executive director, Meghan Kearney says this event has become a best-of-Glenview day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a variety of local businesses, services and unique products, including a special kids’ area with balloon artists, carnival style games, a magician, fire pole and much more.
“There were many new vendors this year — new businesses like Foss Swim School offering swim safety instruction to all ages, the Artsy Heart, a shop featuring handcrafted jewelry, pottery and art, and Pickleball 4 All, Chicagoland’s new indoor pickleball club in Glenview, and others,” Kearney said.
According to Kearney, many civic organizations also took part, like the Northfield Township Food Pantry, serving upwards of 1000 local families suffering from food insecurity.
The Glenview History Museum offered games relating to the history of Glenview and the transformation of businesses, past present and future.
“It’s fun for residents to explore their memory through old photographs in the game, “Who am I” which asked participants to identify images of important figures in Glenview’s history,” Lynne Stiefel, Glenview History Museum Board member said.
At 6 p.m., the street fair transformed into Summer Fest After Sunset a free music fest showcasing local favorite headliner Mad Eye, and opening act, Heard Immunity, with DJ MoreMusIQ who kept the celebration going in-between sets.
Glenview resident Ishan Roy attended on Saturday with his family.
“We love Glenview and moved here from the city. There are so many more opportunities for the kids and we like taking advantage of all summer here has to offer,” Roy said.
“The most important aspect of Summer Fest is to bridge businesses with community residents and to give residents the opportunity to get to know business owners a little bit better and to learn more about the products and services they provide,” Kearney said.
“So much to offer in Summertime in Glenview, and so many family-friendly free events for residents to take advantage of — we want families to make their own memories and to celebrate Glenview’s birthday together with family and with the greater community,” Kearney added.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
