Good Times Roll At Oak Lawn Raiders Winter Picnic This Sunday

OAK LAWN, IL — Dress warm and prepare for your cheeks to get rosy at the Oak Lawn Raiders’ annual Winter Picnic this Sunday, Feb. 16. The winter frolic runs from 1 to 6 p.m. at Homestead Barr, 9306 Central Ave, (Central Avenue and 93rd Street), Oak Lawn.

This is the Oak Lawn Raiders’ biggest fundraiser of the year and has been going on for 44 years, give or take a few. The best part about holding a winter picnic is that you don’t have to worry about ants. Most of the proceeds, minus event expenses, will go to local charities.

There will be plenty of libations and tasty barbecue beneath a heated tent. Pop and water is also available. Homestead Barr will be open during the party. BK Mobile Productions will be spinning the tunes. The picnic also features raffles galore, including split-the-pot and baskets, plus other cool prizes. The big prize is a grill valued at more than $700.

“We also have Yeti coolers, sports jerseys and metal signs,” Oak Lawn Raiders president Adam Clemens said. “We have some cool metal team signs made locally. I’m a White Sox fan and even the Cubs one is cool.”

The Oak Lawn Raiders SAC was founded in 1974 by a group of Oak Lawn guys who wanted to give back to the community. Over the years, the Raiders have raised thousands of dollars for local non-profits, including Park Lawn, COURAGE, community food pantries and neighbors impacted by illness or injury. The Raiders are frequently seen around town throughout the year performing good works or putting their might behind a community event.

Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for children and young adults, ages 12-20. Kids under 11 are free. All libations, pop, water and good is included with the price of admission.

“You’re going to have a good time and probably run into people you know,” Clemens said. “Maybe you’ll win something.”