As just around 20,000 people occupy Libertyville, the town organizes many fun and engaging events to bring together any and all community members. Through events such as First Friday, the car show and the farmers market, citizens of Libertyville, and even neighboring towns, have the opportunity to interact and build community.
First Friday
One of Libertyville’s finest attributes is the variety of small businesses that can be found all across town, especially in the historic downtown area. To promote the community’s unique local establishments, Mainstreet Libertyville holds an event known as First Fridays, held on the first Friday of each month year-round from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. During this event, various shops in the area keep their doors open longer for people to buy, taste and enjoy a slice of what Libertyville businesses have to offer.
“I love going to Oh Olive and sampling some of their different olive oils and vinegars,” Ms. Naslund, an English teacher and a frequenter of First Fridays. “They usually set out little stickers and stuff that people can pick up.”
Libertyville residents and non-residents alike converge on the historic downtown area to indulge in some casual shopping at a local boutique, treat themselves to a sweet at one of the town’s many chocolate, candy and ice cream shops or stop by some of the community’s restaurants of choice to round out the evening.
“It’s just fun to see people from the community all walking around in Libertyville,” Ms. Naslund said. “I must say hi to a dozen people when I’m there.”
This event not only serves to bring the community together to have a fun and memorable time, but to allow residents to support one another and their beloved small businesses that bring life to the area.
Car Show
Car Fun on 21, Libertyville’s very own car show, is one of the community’s most unique and popular events. Held on the third Wednesday of every month from May to September, the event attracts both classic car owners and enthusiasts. During the event, classic muscle cars and other retro auto vehicles dot the streets for all sorts of people to behold and take in a slice of classic history.
“I was maybe around three when I first went,” junior Ryder Allan said. “My Grandpa used to have an old classic car and he would take me there with it.”
The event takes place around Cook Park and the surrounding area. The street is closed off so that residents can wander the show freely and check out some of the mechanical memorabilia on display. Owners can be found standing side by side with their vehicles, happy to answer questions any curious kids or adults may have.
“You can learn a little bit about history, especially for the kids,” Allan said. “You can see a little bit into the past by looking at these older automobiles.”
Farmers Market
Having been in existence for 44 years and counting, the Libertyville Farmers Market brings together all sorts of vendors – ranging from crêpes to dog treats – allowing residents to browse through a plethora of small business stands. The event occurs on every Thursday morning during the summer and early weeks of fall, and it takes place in Cook Park in downtown Libertyville. The Farmers Market brings together all sorts of community, allowing people to interact with new and old friends.
“It’s easier to keep in touch with everyone,” Lauren Clark, a sophomore and worker of a produce stand at the farmers market said, “even on a small talk level, just making sure that the community is staying strong.”
Clark has worked at the farmers market for two years now, after securing this job through her older brother who previously worked at the same booth. With an early morning wake-up call to arrive at 5:30 am, she explains that this does not put a damper on her mood or her attitude towards this job – in fact, if anything, it does the opposite.
During her long shifts, Clark loves “getting to know the workers.”
“Being with them from around 5 am to 1 pm is a long time, and we get to talk a lot about things I wouldn’t otherwise.” Clark said.
Not only does the community gather to experience the farmers market, but they also gather to work at it. The annual Thursday Farmers Market is an experience that brings many people together in various ways, contributing to the overall well-being of the residents of Libertyville.
Sometimes it can be easy to take for granted a community that puts their all into supporting local business, vendors and people with a passion while also curating memorable experiences for residents. On top of these wonderful community events, Libertyville hosts tons of other gatherings such as Libertyville Days, Dog Days, and Lunch in the Park, all of which bring the community together to experience lifelong memories and economically support the town. These Libertyville events are something we should cherish, attend and promote so that the community and its members can thrive for years to come.
