Released on: May 30, 2008, 8:01 am

Press Release Author: Anna Wilson

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: Downtown Oak Park\'s Dine-Around \"Thursday Night Out\" series
starts June 5. Each Thursday this summer will feature a different festival theme as
well as live music and other entertainment for the whole family.

Press Release Body: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Pat Zubak
May 27, 2008 Executive Director
Downtown Oak Park
(708) 383- 4145
pzubak@downtownoakpark.net

Downtown Oak Park jump-starts long summer weekends with "Thursday Night Out" Event
Series

Oak Park- Downtown Oak Park is gearing up for a summer full of special events for
the entire family. The ever-popular Dine-Around "Thursday Night Out" series will
kick off the first week in June with "Bluegrass in the Oaks" featuring the bluegrass
Leadfoot String Band from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 5.

Leadfoot is known for their Chicago-style bluegrass flavor inspired by jazz, blues,
and metal sounds and have mastered instruments such as the mandolin, acoustic
guitar, upright bass and banjo. The band's high energy, soulful performances are
guaranteed to entertain.

In addition to music, watermelon eating contests will take place downtown from 6
p.m. to 7 p.m. Contests and prizes will be divided into different age categories.
Registration at the Information tent is required by 6pm.

Each Thursday night from June through August will feature a different theme that
will showcase appropriate music, entertainment, dance lessons, arts and crafts. June
will feature:
June 12- Mardi Gras on Marion will feature Creole music from the band "Cajun
Vagabonds from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as well as tap dancers from "Trans-Rhythm Tap".
"About Faces" will be painting special Mardi Gras face art from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Carlton the Mime and a balloon artist will also entertain. Other evening events
include, mask making and bike decorating
June 19- Passport for Fashion will be a weekend event starting Thursday showcasing
"Gypsy Rhythm Project" as well as Friday night Salsa lessons and Saturday night
Creole entertainer "Midway Ramblers" from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
June 26- Cool nights Hot Salsa will feature "Cuban Essence" from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
as well as Salsa lessons and dancers.

Thursday Night Out is a unique event that is back for its sixth year in Downtown Oak
Park. $12.00 buys a Dine-Around book of 4 coupons that constitute a progressive
dinner to be enjoyed in the district's 16 restaurants. 54 course options feature
menu items in four categories- appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages.
Participants can use them all in one eatery, or have each course in a different
location. Books can be shared, and used throughout the 13-week long event.

Shopping is also part of the fun, and it is assisted by late hours and a free $5
gift certificate given to those who purchase two Dine Around ticket books.

Everyone is encouraged to ride their bike to these events to reduce traffic, save
gas, and build up a hearty appetite. For more event details please call the Downtown
Oak Park office at (708) 383- 4145 or visit our website at www.downtownoakpark.net

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Web Site: http://www.downtownoakpark.net

Contact Details: 1101 Lake Street Suite 202
(708)383-4145
(708)383-4975 (fax)
intern@downtownoakpark.net