Chamber Honors Best of the Best

Organizers of the Oak Forest Community Awareness Fair celebrated top exhibitors with an awards banquet Wednesday, Nov. 3 at .

Sponsored by the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the fair encourages business owners and residents to explore everything their local business community has to offer.

During the Oct. 16 fair, outside voters picked the top exhibitors in six categories: Best Professional Exhibit, Best Public Service Exhibit, Best Community Service Exhibit, Best Display by a Chamber Member, Best First Year Exhibitor and Best of Show.

Eighty-six exhibitors participated in this year's event — 49 chamber members, 24 non-chamber members and 13 city organizations. The event has grown in size each year of its 30-year existence. The original 1980 fair hosted 12 exhibitors.

Organizers hope the fair draws businesses and residents together in a supportive, open environment.

"To me, it's very powerful marketing," Chairman Frank Wolski said. "You can't buy that type of marketing."

The fair also included a blood drive, silent auction, raffle and visit from former Chicago White Sox slugger Ron Kittle.

Winners included:

• Best in Show: Oak Forest Green Steps Commission
• Best Display by a Chamber Member: Dr. Ken Kirschner
• Best Public Service Exhibit: Oak Forest Park District
• Best First Year Exhibitor: Illinois Barbershop Harmony Society
• Best First Year Exhibitor: Edward Jones Investments
• Best Professional Exhibit: John Amico School of Hair Design
• Best Community Service Exhibit: St. Damian School and Church