Friday, May 29, 2026

Dear River Forest residents, 


Thank you to everyone who participated in and attended the annual Memorial Day Commemoration, that honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Special thanks to everyone who helped make this longstanding community tradition a great success. I particularly want to highlight our Grand Marshal Donald Ferrone, a 100-year old World War II veteran. You can read more about his impressive life story here.



Also, congratulations to the Class of 2026 from Oak Park-River Forest High School, Trinity High School, Dominican University, Concordia University Chicago, and Triton College. Best wishes to each graduate as they begin the next chapter of their lives.


Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Join the Pride Walk

Residents are invited to attend the 5th annual Pride Flag Raising & Pride Walk on Monday, June 1 at 6 p.m. The celebration will begin at Village Hall with a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony before the Pride Walk through the community to nearby Keystone Park. The event will include free Kona Ice treats, giveaways, and more. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony

All community members are invited to attend the Village’s annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, presented in partnership with the River Forest Public Library on Wednesday, June 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will include a flag raising ceremony in the Library garden, followed by a program inside focused on reflection, remembrance, and community. Guests can also support several women- and minority-owned vendors offering items for purchase, while enjoying refreshments. The celebration will conclude with a performance by the Jackson Wolff Band. Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and come together to honor this important moment in our nation’s history. Learn more here.

Junior Citizens

Police Academy

Applications are now being accepted for the Junior Citizens Police Academy, a free, week-long program for youth ages 10–15 that offers a hands-on look at law enforcement through activities like K-9 demonstrations, crime scene investigations, and interactive team exercises. The academy will take place July 13–17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the River Forest Police Department and is open to River Forest and Oak Park residents only. Applications must be picked up and submitted in person to the police department located in the applicant’s community. River Forest residents can contact Officer Megan Drake for more information, while Oak Park residents should email elocke@oak-park.us or rmurphy@oak-park.us. Space is limited, and priority will be given to first-time participants.

E-Scooter Safety Reminders

E-scooters are an increasingly popular and eco-friendly way to travel, but riders and parents are reminded that they must follow State and local safety laws in River Forest. Laws require that riders be 18 years of age or older and E-scooters are prohibited on roads with speed limits over 35 mph, and on State highways. Riders have to wear a helmet, ride alone (no passengers), and stay off sidewalks, while also obeying all traffic laws like stopping at stop signs and yielding to pedestrians. When riding at night, a white front light and red rear light or reflector are required, and operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Following these rules help to ensure safer streets for everyone. Learn more here.

Lincoln Elementary Finalist for Blue Ribbon Award

Lincoln Elementary School has been selected as one of only 50 public schools in Illinois that can apply for the prestigious Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Award. Schools are chosen based on rigorous criteria, including academic excellence or significant progress in closing achievement gaps. From the invited group, 16 schools will be named Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools this fall. Learn more here.

Explore River Forest History

Residents are invited to discover the history and architecture of River Forest during the Oak Park-River Forest Museum’s “Street of Dreams” walking tour on Saturday, June 13 at 10 a.m beginning in the parking lot of River Forest Methodist Church. Participants will learn more about the community’s oldest commercial building, the architectural significance of the train station, and the “power couple” who helped bring the 1893 World’s Fair Columbian Exposition to Chicago. Learn more here.

National Bike Month

Warmer weather is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to get outside, explore the community on two wheels, and consider biking as an alternative to driving for short trips around town. Riding offers many benefits, from improved physical health to reducing traffic and the environmental impact of vehicles. Residents can review the Village’s Bicycle Plan for information on preferred bike routes, shared lane markings, and designated paths by clicking here. Bikers can also take advantage of the public fix-it bike repair station located near the Keystone Avenue entrance to the River Forest Depot, which was installed to help riders with quick repairs and maintenance. Additional information about the station’s tools and bike maintenance tips can be found here.

River Forest Business Spotlight

State Farm Agent Mike Grant provides a range of insurance services to meet the needs of local individuals and families. Services include auto, home, renters, and life insurance, along with personalized coverage reviews to ensure customers have the protection that fits their lifestyle and budget. Mike Grant prides himself on delivering responsive, personalized service and guiding customers through every step of the insurance process - from a first policy to updating coverage or filing a claim. Clients also benefit from convenient online policy management, quick quotes, and flexible appointment options designed to fit busy schedules. To learn more about available services, click here.



Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. If you’d like your business to be featured, please send us an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.

What's Happening in River Forest?

Visit the River Forest Community Calendar at rfhappenings.com
to find out, today!

Village of River Forest


400 Park Avenue

River Forest, Illinois 60305

708-366-8500


vrf.us

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