Approximately 2,500 local families attended the annual @GLMVchamber’s Extreme Block Party Family Expo and Taste of the Towns on May 3 in Mundelein at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.
The five-hour Saturday midday event was free to attend and drew more than 50 exhibitors by local businesses, restaurants and more.
The event was produced by the GLMV Chamber of Commerce (based in Libertyville) which serves Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein and Vernon Hills. GLMV considers itself Lake County’s largest chamber of commerce.
“Our block party was wildly successful thanks to the many participating local businesses and expo visitors, seeking products, services and resources for their home or office, plus entertainment, food and beverage and an enjoyable day too,” said GLMV president/CEO Scott Adams.
“Our businesses enjoy the opportunity to build their network and meet local families.” adams said.” We appreciate the support of all who gathered to make this event possible.”
Karen Kay Lavris of Libertyville, formerly of Mundelein, marketing director and figure skating teacher at Glacier Ice Arena of Vernon Hills, is a GLMV board member.
About Libertyville being a part of GLMV, “In my heart, I don’t think there could be another chamber that could have the love for the town,” Lavris said.
“Libertyville is so unique, and so is Mundelein, Vernon Hills, so is Green Oaks, all four towns are phenomenal, and we help people.
“I’ve been with the chamber for 50 years,” Lavris added. “It’s like another family to me.”
Attendee Donna Myers of Mundelein was observed walking from table to table.
“I love Mundelein,” Myers said. “I’m having a good time here.”
People could enjoy complimentary light bites such as barbecued ribs, chicken nuggets, iced bundt cake samples, and choice of flavors over shaved ice in cups.
Philip Watkins of Barrington was seen carrying son Micah, 3, on his shoulders.
“I think it’s a great event,” Micah’s father, Philip, said. “He’s (Micah) having a lot of fun.”
Damian Mena, 6, a kindergartner from Vernon Hills, attended with his mother, Martha Mena.
“We came mainly for the reptile show,” Damian’s parent said. “It’s a really nice event, it’s really nice to see all the businesses from around the area.”
Giveaways were numerous, such as small plush animals for kiddies, packaged snacks, tote bags and educational information to take home to consider.
Tesla staffed a resource table. Libertyville Recreation also had an exhibitor spot, promoting summer camp and other programming with its colorful banner and slogan, “Let’s Play.”
Representing Gracepointe Church of Mundelein was Nicole Baker of Vernon Hills, the church’s office manager.
“One of the great things about having faith is that we are called to love each other and be together in unity, no matter where we’re at on our path,” Baker said. “That’s one of the reasons why we’re here, we want to get to know our neighbors, know that we are a resource for people when they do need help.
“They can come to us,” Baker said.
The Mundelein Pageant program had a rhinestone tiara presence. Miss Mundelein 2024 Natalia Gutierrez, 18, of Mundelein said, “It’s important to support our businesses in our community.”
Gutierrez was among audience members who watched a morning (and second Expo year) performance by Libertyville’s Improv Playhouse Training Center, which draws students from Lake County such as Gurnee, Grayslake and Buffalo Grove.
Mansie O’Leary of Libertyville, executive director of youth programming for Improv Playhouse, said, “I love Libertyville.
“We have an incredible amount of talent in this town.”
Maggie Paden of Libertyville, of the Libertyville High School Class of 2023, and a teaching artist at Improv Playhouse, said, “Libertyville is always supportive of the arts.
“It’s great that they (performers) have the massive support behind them with our town,” Paden said.
Julia Butler, 4, of Libertyville sat with her mother, Charmaine Butler, as Julia’s sister Adelle sang with Improv Playhouse peers.
Adelle’s mother is, “so proud of her, she works so hard and has so much love for what she does and it’s amazing that she has a space to do this at Improv…just so filled with pride.”
Regarding Libertyville as a hometown, Charmaine Butler added, “There’s so much opportunity to do singing, and acting, and dance.
“I’m so thankful for many of the opportunities that my family has because of where we live.”
Visit https://www.glmvchamber.org/
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
