Vendors Choose Bolingbrook for its Atmosphere and Involvement

Despite the scorching hot temperatures, over 40 vendors line the streets of The Promenade Bolingbrook every Thursday to sell their products and interact with the people who make The Brook great.

People love the festivities, music, crowds, food, and weather that make the town sustainable and enjoyable. When observing the social climate, it is easy to see that Bolingbrook is ultimately the place to be on Thursdays.

Vendors collectively agreed that Bolingbrook emanates a strong sense of community and features teamwork, and that is what sets it apart from other towns who host street markets. Anyone can see that people have collaborated on numerous diverse projects, many of which were orchestrated by the mayor, Roger C. Claar.

Little Jimmy’s Italian Ices commemorates Claar’s dedication to expanding Bolingbrook through its golf course, promenade, and park district. Brad McAvoy’s truck is well known locally, as he appears at Thursday street markets, rain or shine. Since he began his work in 2003, he has noticed improvements and feels that now is the time for small businesses to flourish. Their authenticity is what makes them so valuable. People continue to visit the vendors not just for the products but to expose themselves to the inspiration, ideas, and creativity.

The Rabbit Hutch Embroidery, located in Darien, is a minority female-owned small business. With seven machines, the business is the result of a big investment and is personal to customers. Randy Balkus, one of the owners, heavily encourages people to purchase products from small businesses, for when they do, consumers are getting better products than at large wholesale stores, corporate or commercial-owned operations, or overseas. Businesses like these start locally and build credibility with the people in the community, helping them understand what it takes to successfully run a small business.

Michael R. Jaham, who works for New Art Rivals, created by Audwynn Newman, enjoys working for a small business because all operations can be closely monitored. Consumers must understand that their products are not mass produced, so they are the results of long hours and minimal pay. The endless amount of labor pays off and helps bring people together.

Kim Schuch of Tabletop Beanbag Games and More, who has been in Orland Park for 15 years, emphasized that the street markets and concerts in Bolingbrook have a way of bringing people together in comparison to others she attended. To her, small businesses serve as the face of “The American Dream,” demonstrating the demanding work citizens put in for a rewarding result. When people give back to their community, they also become more connected by acknowledging each other’s differences and embracing them to better the place they call home.

We all have a lot more in common than we think. In simply talking to people and learning what they are passionate about, people gain new insight. That is what living in Bolingbrook is all about: having struggles but coming together to make life better for everyone. Where there is a strong community founded on teamwork, there is opportunity. Never give up on your dreams, especially not in Bolingbrook. Visit The Promenade Street Market before it comes to a close in September.