Civic Engagement Festival: "Democracy in Action!"

Update: Due to the weather forecast, this event will be held INSIDE Village Hall, not in the courtyard as previously announced.

To begin Public Service Recognition Week and the 56^th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, both of which run from May 4 -10, the Village of Oak Park and Village Clerk Christina M. Waters will host a Civic Engagement Festival: "Democracy in Action!" The first-ever free festival will be held Sunday, May 4 from noon until 4 p.m., outdoors inside Village Hall (123 Madison St.) featuring face painting and other activities for children, resources, food, entertainment and more.

This event aims to accomplish several goals including: empowering the community, including youth, through civic engagement; showcase the functions of municipal government; provide career exploration and public service opportunities; highlight the importance of participating in democracy; connect residents to local organizations, services and volunteer opportunities and more.

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Event schedule

Noon to 1 p.m.

• Opening remarks from Village President Vicki Scaman, Village Manager Kevin Jackson and other elected officials
• Activities: Resource fair, art project, Collaboration for Early Childhood activities, fire truck tours and Pawfficer Howie
• Entertainment: DJ Maui 

1 to 2 p.m.

• Council Chambers (Room 201): Youth mock board meeting on riding bicycles on sidewalks
• Room 101: Community talk with elected officials on the role of our state, county, local elected officials
• Activities: Tree walk with Village Forester Grant Jones, resource fair, art project, Collaboration for Early Childhood activities, fire truck tours and Pawfficer Howie 
• Entertainment: DJ Maui
• Food trucks: Taco Mucho and Hello Boba food trucks outside Village Hall

2 to 3 p.m.

• Council Chambers (Room 201): Youth mock board meeting on bike helmet requirements
• Room 101: Community talk with OPRF League of Women Voters on voter registration: Why it matters, who can vote, where you vote, when you vote.
• Activities: Tree walk with Village Forester Grant Jones, resource fair, art project, Collaboration for Early Childhood activities, fire truck tours and Pawfficer Howie
• Entertainment: School of Rock performance
• Food trucks: Taco Mucho and Hello Boba food trucks outside Village Hall

3 to 4 p.m.

• Council Chambers (Room 201): Youth mock board meeting on curfew for minors
• Room 101: Community talk all interested parties on what's next for Oak Park.
• Activities: Tree walk with Village Forester Grant Jones, resource fair, art project, Collaboration for Early Childhood activities, fire truck tours and Pawfficer Howie
• Entertainment: DJ Maui
• Food trucks: Taco Mucho and Hello Boba food trucks outside Village Hall

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This free event aims to be a meaningful opportunity for community partners to:

• Share services and mission with community members
• Distribute helpful resources and fun giveaways
• Showcase how local government functions
• Provide career exploration and public service opportunities
• Highlight the importance of participating in democracy and the many ways to do so
• Connect residents to local organizations, services, and volunteer opportunities 

Let’s come together to uplift and inform our community while celebrating this powerful day of Oak Park history and civic pride. We truly hope you’ll take part.

Volunteers are needed to support the event. To share your time and talent at the Civic Engagement Festival, please fill out the volunteer interest form below:

 

Organizations interest in showcasing at the Civic Engagement Festival, please fill out the organizational interest form below:

 

 

When

Location

Courtyard

Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, IL, 60302, View Map