Hundreds of Park Foresters came to the Village Green on Wednesday night to enjoy the Resident Appreciation BBQ, followed by the opening of the Main Street Nights concert series.

The DownTown was filled with people converging at the intersection of Main Street and Cunningham Drive. As the lines wrapped around Village Hall, people could participate in giveaways and win prizes. Local vendors were also selling items or passing out informational packets. Village staff sported golden 75th anniversary-themed shirts while serving residents. The menu included various Polish sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers, and more. 

Cultural Arts Supervisor Victor Blackful, who puts together the Main Street Night concert series, said it was a perfect evening in Park Forest.

"Everything came together and made the night one to remember," Blackful said. "We had stellar entertainment and plenty of food. It was a great kickoff to Main Street Nights."

The entertainment started around 6:30 p.m., as tumblers performed various acts which wowed the crowd. Later in the evening, the Windy City Ramblers, a high-energy Cajun band from Chicago, took the main stage. Blackful called the event a success.

"The opening night always sets the tone for our concert series," Blackful said. "I believe residents are going to be excited about what's to come every week over the next several weeks."

Blackful said the next event will be the Juneteenth celebrations. Park Forest is hosting two events, one on Wednesday, June 19, as the Main Street Nights concert series continues, and another on Saturday, June 22, hosted by the Commission on Community Relations.