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Chamber Advantage
April 27th, 2025
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Pride, patios, and pop-ups—summer at the Chamber is officially in full swing.
Our headliner? Out in the Burbs, the western suburbs’ largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, returns June 7 with DJs, drag, and thousands of joyful humans. It’s more than a party—it’s a platform. If your brand believes in visibility, inclusion, and reaching an audience that shows up, this is your moment. Sponsorships are still open—but moving fast.
We’re also rolling out First Fridays, a new series of street festivals rotating through our business districts with music, vendors, and local flavor. Add in some ribbon cuttings and sun-drenched networking, and you’ve got a season built for connection.
Don’t just soak up the summer energy—plug into it.
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See you out there,
Darien Marion-Burton
Executive Director
Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce
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OUT IN THE BURBS
Out in the Burbs returns on Saturday, June 7, and it's shaping up to be our most vibrant celebration yet. Hosted in Downtown Oak Park, this all-day LGBTQ+ Pride festival is packed with joy—featuring live music, dynamic drag performances, delicious food, local vendors, and a whole lot of community love.
More than just an event, Out in the Burbs is a statement about who we are and what we value—visibility, inclusion, and shared celebration. It’s a space where everyone belongs and businesses have a chance to show up, stand out, and stand for something.
If you’re looking to align your brand with purpose, this is the moment. Sponsorships and vendor spots are still available, but not for long.
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Click on any graphic to get more information about the event and to sign up.
Explore what's in store, including fun and educational activities happening throughout.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the excitement!
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SUMMER VENDING OPPORTUNITIES
Are you a small business owner, artist, or entrepreneur looking to connect with the community this summer? We’ve got three major events coming up—and vending spaces are now open:
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River Forest Memorial Day Parade – May 26
Showcase your business along the parade route and engage with families celebrating local pride and tradition.
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Out in the Burbs – June 7
Join us for Oak Park’s LGBTQ+ Pride festival—an all-day celebration of inclusion, visibility, and community featuring drag performances, music, food, and more.
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Juneteenth Celebration – June 19
Be part of a powerful day honoring Black freedom and culture. This event features music, art, vendors, and community programming in partnership with local organizations.
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If you’re looking to grow your audience, meet new customers, and be part of something meaningful, this is your opportunity.
Vendor spots are limited. Learn more and sign up today
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SUPPORT A BELOVED OAK PARK TRADITION
Oak Park’s A Day in Our Village is back for its 51st year—celebrating community, connection, and local pride. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, neighbors will come together for a day of performances, activities, and civic engagement across the village. Local organizations and businesses are invited to sponsor and be part of this long-standing celebration.
Become a sponsor and help make this year’s event one to remember.
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RIVER FOREST MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the River Forest Memorial Day Parade, and we’re honoring the milestone with the launch of the River Forest Business Bash — a vibrant, community-focused street fair celebrating River Forest and veteran-owned businesses.
Happening immediately after the parade, the Business Bash offers the perfect opportunity to keep the community energy going, spotlight local businesses, and create a new tradition rooted in local pride.
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Visit Oak Park is conducting a short survey to understand how tariffs and trade policy are impacting small businesses like yours. Whether you import goods, rely on international materials, or simply anticipate rising costs, your perspective is important. We will work with the region’s economic development staff, local chambers, and other advocates to work on a strategy or some programming to help the region of the west suburbs.
Your responses will help shape local advocacy efforts that aim to support small businesses facing global economic pressures.
The survey is brief, and your input will help us make sure policymakers understand the real-world effects of trade decisions on small businesses.
Thank you for sharing your experience and helping us advocate for your small business.
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BLEND CALL FOR SPEAKERS
Do you have insight, expertise, or lived experience that can help Black and Latine business owners grow, thrive, and lead? We're looking for dynamic presenters to join us for BLEND—the Oak Park Black & Latine Business Support Network.
Each month, we host cohort-style sessions designed to educate and empower local entrepreneurs. We're seeking speakers and facilitators who can lead engaging workshops, panels, or conversations on topics like business development, branding, legal basics, financial literacy, marketing, mindset, leadership, and more.
This is a paid opportunity to support a powerful local initiative that builds community, fosters connection, and invests in the brilliance of Black and Latine business owners.
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