June Newsletter 2025

First and foremost, congratulations to the Class of 2025! WAO is proud to celebrate the achievements of graduates from Oglesby Public School, Holy Family, St. Bede, LP, and IVCC. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, way to go!


Lehigh Park & Memorial Park Beautification Recap

A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring new life to Lehigh Park and continue to support improvements at Memorial Park. These projects wouldn't be possible without the time, energy, and generosity of our amazing community.

Lehigh Park Landscaping Volunteers:

Michelle, Zac, and Harper K • Joe L • Elaine L • Rich B • Angie P • Nick N • Krista P • Christian Z • KE Employees (3)

Donations Received:

  • Plants donated by Tony & Mary Anne S, Christina M, and Rich B
  • Pavers N More – provided the landscape border
  • Dave T – donated the use of a tiller

And a special thank you to the Oglesby Parks Department for their continued partnership and support!

City of Oglesby Summer Fun Fest is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for this year’s celebration packed with entertainment, food, and community spirit. Keep reading for key info on all the exciting events we’re kicking off.


Our first WAO Member Mixer was a fantastic success! Thank you to everyone who joined us! Looking ahead, we’ll be hosting our next mixer on June 18th at Bulldogs Bar!

DUCKY DERBY is making a splash again this year! Don't miss your chance to participate in one of our most fun (and competitive!) events of the summer. Secure your ducks early, we expect a quick sell-out! $10 for one duck or 5 for $40. You can Venmo @WeAreOglesby with your name and phone number to secure your ducks!


Movie Night will kick off this weekend with family-friendly fun under the stars this Friday. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and community spirit for a perfect start to the festivities. Concessions will start at 7:30pm and movie will play at Dusk. Thank you to this years movie night sponsor Walmart!


SFFKO (Summer Fun Fest Kickoff) is coming in hot this Saturday! Join us for a high-energy start to the party weekend, full of surprises, community connections, and summer vibes.

  • Inflatables for kids from 3-6pm
  • Cookout
  • Bake Sale
  • Cake Walk
  • Ducky Derby race at 5pm
  • Live music from Tim and Wally Band from 6-9pm
  • Beer garden hosted by Oglesby Elks from 5-9pm
  • & lots more!


A BIG thank you to our SFFKO Sponsors!

  • City of Oglesby
  • Bulldogs Bar
  • Johns Service and Sales
  • Oglebsy Caseys
  • Walmart
  • Dynasty Party Rentals
  • Knobelsdorff
  • ZK Sound
  • H & S Contracting
  • Daryk Brayton - Edward Jones Financial Advisor
  • Surf Internet


50/50 Raffle:

Tickets are on sale now at participating locations: Archway Tap, Bulldogs Bar, Garzanelli's, Lizzie's Lounge, & MP Automotive.

During Summer Fun Fest you can also purchase tickets at our booth:

  • Thursday, Friday, & Saturday: 5 PM–10 PM
  • Sunday: 5 PM–8 PM
  • Drawing will be at 9PM on Sunday night!
  • Reminder: You must be 18 or older to win.


All proceeds from our Ducky Derby, Kickoff Party, and 50/50 help us to continue to provide community improvements to Oglesby! Including expaning on this years Winter Event and Parade!


We can't wait to see you soon at all the exciting events happening in the next couple of weeks!

Announcements

Bi-Monthly Member Spotlights

Knobelsdorf


Knobelsdorff Enterprises (KE) is a family-owned business that started in a small Minnesota garage over 35 years ago and has grown into a national leader in electrical, automation, energy, and power services. Today, KE serves a wide range of industries including food and beverage, manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy. Despite its growth, KE remains grounded in its core values: Safety, People, Passion, and Performance, which guide every project and partnership.

In spring 2025, KE expanded its reach by opening a brand-new 80,000-square-foot facility right here in Oglesby. This investment brings over 50 new jobs to the area and strengthens their ability to serve clients across the Midwest. KE also supports future workforce development through initiatives like Operation Trades Awareness, a program that introduces students of all ages to career opportunities in the skilled trades. With its strong commitment to both innovation and community, KE is a welcome and impactful addition to our region.


Connect with Knobelsdorff:

Web  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn

Illinois Valley Community College


Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) has been a cornerstone of higher education in north-central Illinois for nearly a century. Established in 1924 as La Salle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College, IVCC has grown into a comprehensive institution offering associate degrees and certificates across various disciplines. The college's mission is to provide affordable, high-quality education that fosters personal and professional growth for students and the community

IVCC's vision emphasizes innovation, program expansion, and facility enhancement to meet the evolving needs of its diverse student body. The college ensures personalized attention and support to all students. In addition to academic offerings, IVCC provides a range of student services, including counseling, career services, and extracurricular activities, all aimed at enriching the student experience and preparing graduates for success in their careers and communities.


Connect with IVCC:

Web  Facebook

Upcoming WAO Events

Ducky Derby Tickets are On Sale Now!

$10 per duck or 5 for $40

$1,000 WORTH OF PRIZES! Prizes for first duck, last duck & lucky duck!

To purchase, Venmo @WeAreOglesby or text (815) 202-6433.

All proceeds to benefit We Are Oglesby.

Member Corner

Member Specials & Events

American Legion Post #237

410 Clark Street - Oglesby


Taco Night

Wednesday, June 11

4:30-7:00pm

Carry out or dine in

Call (815) 883-3214


Steak Fry

Thursday, June 26

5:00-9:00pm

Archway Tap

730 N Columbia Street - Oglesby


Tuesday Special

Happy Hour 4-6pm

$2.50 domestic bottles

$2 Busch Lights


Friday Special

Happy Hour 4-6pm

$2.50 domestic bottles

Bulldogs Bar

201 E Walnut Street - Oglesby


Bulldogs Bar in Bloom

Thursday, June 5, 6pm

CortiLeno's

101 E Walnut Street - Oglesby


Cortileno's Roll'In 25

Saturday, June 7, Starts at 6pm

ATV & Golf Cart Show at 6 PM

Regal Beagle begins at 7 PM

Awards given at 7:30 PM


Tim & Wally

Saturday, June 14, 9pm-Midnight


Cortileno's 2025 Golf Outing benefiting the Oglesby Fire Dept.

Saturday, June 21, 2025 10 AM

Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Course


Blind Reality

Saturday, June 28, 2025 8-11 PM

Deer Park Golf Club

100 Deer Park Ln - Oglesby


Check Out What's Happening this Month!


Click the image or HERE to view the full size flyer.

Garzanelli's Supper Club

750 N Columbia Street - Oglesby


Prime Rib Special

June 14 & June 28

Oglesby Elks Lodge #2360

800 E Walnut Street - Oglesby


Flag Day Ceremony

LaSalle Veterans Home, June 14


Queen of Hearts every Thurday

(Except during Summer Fun Fest)

Drawing starts at 7pm


Bingo every Sunday!

(Except on Father's Day)

Doors open at 2:00pm and starts at 4:00pm. Mini games are played between 2 and 4.


There is an Abe game and Dual Dab game that both have a jackpot. Also, the last game Coverall is now a guarantee $500 game! 


Kitchen is open from 2 until break.

Bingo info and jackpots posted on the Oglesby Elks Facebook page every week.

Oglesby Public Library

111 S Woodland Avenue - Oglesby


As a reminder, beginning May 1, 2025, the library will be temporarily close on Fridays.


Click HERE to view the full size flyer of events.

Starved Rock Lodge

1 Lodge Lane - Oglesby


Check Out What's Happening this Month!


Click the image or HERE to view the full size flyer.

The Rootbeer Stand

225 N Columbia Avenue - Oglesby


Car Show

Friday, June 6, 4-7pm

Saturday, June 14, 5-8pm

Member News

Looking for the Perfect Spot to Start or Relocate Your Business?


The west side of Zamin Insurance & Tax Preparation's building is available for rent! This 600 sq. ft. space is in a prime location right on the main street in Oglesby, offering great visibility and foot traffic. Whether you're launching a new venture or moving your current business, this is an excellent opportunity! For more details or to schedule a viewing, call 815-883-3514.

Derek Kessinger: State Farm Agent Teams Up With The Rootbeer Stand


On June 17, Derek Kessinger: State Farm Agent is teaming up with The Rootbeer Stand to bring the community a cool summer treat! Stop by their booth at The Rootbeer Stand and enjoy a free ice cream—just for saying hello. They are excited to partner with this beloved Oglesby landmark and share some sweetness with their neighbors. Don’t miss it!

Who is Knobelsdorff?


We’re new to town, so let’s introduce ourselves!


Knobelsdorff is a family-owned, Minnesota-based company that designs, builds, and maintains complex electrical, automation, and renewable energy systems. From farms and food processors to manufacturers and solar farms, we help power the facilities that keep America running.


We’re excited to be part of the Oglesby community and are actively hiring. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, there’s a place for you on our team.


Come meet us in person at the Oglesby Summer Fun Fest Kickoff Party on June 7.


We’ll be handing out free ice cream and grilling up food. It’s the perfect time to learn more about what we do, say hello, and discover career opportunities with Knobelsdorff.


We can't wait to see you there!

WAO Bucks Are Here!


We’re excited to announce that WAO Bucks are now available, and they work just like a Mastercard! Two lucky winners of our upcoming Ducky Derby will take home $300 and $200 in WAO Bucks to spend at participating member locations.

If your business accepts credit cards, don’t miss out! Register to accept WAO Bucks today! Simply email president@weateoglesby.net or call Angie (815) 202-6433 to get started. It takes 2 minutes to complete the registration process! Let’s keep those dollars local and flowing through Oglesby!

First Responder Highlight

Want to sponsor a First Responder? Contact us directly or email support@weareoglesby.net.

2025 Corporate Members

2025 Non Profit Members

Dickinson House Foundation

LaSalle County CASA

Oglesby Elks

Oglesby Public Library

Oglesby American Legion

If you're a member of We Are Oglesby and would like your monthly events, important information, or specials featured in our newsletter, please email the details to marketing@weareoglesby.net.

Community Events

City of Oglesby

Want to join WAO?

Online sign up now available HERE!

Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to volunteer with us?


Non-members are welcome to volunteer too.


Email president@weareoglesby.net if you are interested in volunteering!

Tag Day 2023

Have a Suggestion?


We want to hear from you!

Your suggestions are important to help us continue to grow and revitalize Oglesby.


Click here to submit your suggestion!

We Are Oglesby is a non-profit organization made of

volunteer residents and business owners.


Our mission is community improvements and economic growth.



Our vision is to revitalize Oglesby, highlight existing businesses, welcome new businesses, and to host and promote events.

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