O.A.R. helps Glencoe end summer in style

Thousands took in summer-punctuating celebrations in Glencoe over Labor Day weekend, as local officials jammed all they could into a seasonal grand finale.

The weekend was highlighted by a jam-packed concert featuring O.A.R, the popular jam band out of Maryland that attracted 3,000 locals to downtown Glencoe on Saturday, Sept. 4.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE WEEKEND OF EVENTS IN GLENCOE

The show, dubbed Glencoe Live, doubled as a fundraiser for Glencoe Schools PTO. Glencoe native Lauren Gottshal and the band The Samples opened for O.A.R.

Concertgoers needed to provide proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 test to enter the sold-out show.

In April, Glencoe officials teased the prospect of a “big-name” coming to town for a concert funded by a local family foundation. Two months later, they announced that performer was O.A.R., which is known for its smash hits “Crazy Game of Poker,” “Hey Girl” and “Shattered,” among others.

A night before the concert, Glencoe residents descended upon its lakefront for the Summer’s Last Blast, an improvised event that was developed to make up for the canceled Fourth of July celebration.

Attendees enjoyed family games and activities, food from a handful of food trucks, drinks from Ravinia Brewing Company and live music from a handful of acts on Friday, Sept. 3, at Lakefront Park.

Erin Classen, the Glencoe Park District’s superintendent of marketing and communications, said the district wanted to do something for residents after having no Fourth event in 2020 or 2021 because of COVID-19 precaution.

A number of children’s games, like a giant inflatable soccer dart board and inflatable soccer billiard table, were spread across the park’s tennis courts.

Food trucks, such as the Fat Shallot and Big Mama’s Kitchen, lined Park Avenue near the stage. Deerfield band The Empty Pockets performed leading up to a fireworks show over the lake.

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