This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. For me, this moment is deeply personal. I was raised by my grandfather, a proud veteran whose quiet strength and unwavering values shaped the way I show up in the world — with purpose, pride, and a deep commitment to service. His legacy is one I carry with me every day.

In that same spirit of gratitude and resilience, we’re looking ahead to the very first River Forest Business Bash — a brand new celebration of local businesses and community connection. It’s a reminder that while we reflect on the past, we also have the opportunity to invest in the future — together.

Wishing you peace, pride, and community this Memorial Day.

Warmly,

Darien Marion-Burton

Executive Director

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

KEEP THE MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION GOING

Right after the 100th Anniversary Memorial Day Parade, keep the celebration going at the Chamber’s brand-new Memorial Day Business Bash in Keystone Park. This community event is all about honoring the day, supporting local, and having some good old-fashioned fun.

Enjoy live music, food trucks, an inflatable obstacle course, and plenty of family-friendly activities—plus a vibrant vendor fair featuring local and veteran-owned businesses.

Vendor lineup includes:

• Blackout Baking Co.
• River Forest Chocolates
• Katr2UII
• Collaboration for Early Childhood
• Special Strong of Western Chicagoland
• Joy Milk Tea
• Romano Orthopaedics

• Smoothie King
• Gilling & Co.
• Analog Yoga
• Smoothie King
• Way Back Inn
• Zemi Coffee Cart
• Tigerbird Spices
• Village of River Forest
• …and more!

Come for the parade—stay for the bash. Let’s celebrate the start of summer together in River Forest.

BE A PART OF THE MAGIC - VOLUNTEER!

Out in the Burbs is more than a celebration — it’s a community-powered movement rooted in joy, visibility, and belonging. Step in, show up, and help us make it unforgettable.

Your presence matters. Let’s build something meaningful — together.



Click the button below to join us!

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!

COMING UP THIS WEEK

PLAN FOR YOUR MONTH

JOIN US AT A DAY IN OUR VILLAGE ON JUNE 1

Celebrate community and promote your business at one of Oak Park’s most beloved events! The Chamber will host a shared tent at A Day in Our Village, and Chamber members can sign up for a one-hour slot to engage with residents, pass out materials, and connect with neighbors.

This is a great chance to raise your visibility—bring branded gear, giveaways, and your best pitch for why local business matters.



Spots are limited—one per member.

SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE WITH BLEND

BLEND — Oak Park’s Black & Latine Business Support Network — is more than a program. It’s a platform for building power, connection, and community among local entrepreneurs.

Through peer collaboration and expert-led conversations, BLEND supports both emerging and established business owners with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to thrive. We’re here to celebrate brilliance, amplify voices, and grow a more inclusive local economy—together.

Are you a business leader with knowledge to share?

Click the button below to learn how you can get involved as a speaker and help shape the future of entrepreneurship in Oak Park.

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce

1101 Lake St., Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301

708.613.0550 | info@oprfchamber.org | www.oprfchamber.org