O.A.R. Plays At Glencoe Labor Day Bash

GLENCOE, IL — There’s sometimes talk about “Christmas in July,” but this past weekend in Glencoe, the scene was more “July in September” as thousands of people attended two fun-filled nights.

In April, the Village of Glencoe and the Glencoe Park District announced that they would postpone their normal July 4 fireworks celebration to Sep. 3. This past weekend, Glencoe enjoyed two celebrations: a concert, fireworks, and carnival hosted by the Glencoe Park District Friday night, and a smaller concert called Glencoe Live hosted by the Village of Glencoe Saturday night.

On Friday, roughly 2,000 people attended the Park District’s free “Summer’s Last Blast” celebration at Lakefront Park. The event featured a concert by Chicago-based rock band The Empty Pockets and other live music; children’s games like a giant inflatable soccer dart board and inflatable soccer billiard table; food trucks from local restaurants like Little Louies, Fat Shallot, Big Mama’s Kitchen, La Humita on Wheels, and Ravinia Brewery; and finally, fireworks.

Photo courtesy of Erin Classen

Photo courtesy of Erin Classen

Photo courtesy of Erin Classen

“It was great – it was a positive experience for everyone,” Park District spokesperson Erin Classen told Patch.

The Park District recommended masks at the head of the crowded event, but Classen admitted to Patch that she didn’t see many people wearing them. Still, the large outdoor space allowed for social distancing, she said. “It went okay – people did keep their distance and really spread out. All of the kids’ activities were designed for more contactless play,” Classen said, noting that attractions like the bounce house were not available this year.

Glencoe Beach was closed all day in preparation, the city said.

On Saturday night, the Village of Glencoe hosted the Glencoe Live concert downtown. About 3,000 concertgoers watched singer-songwriter and Glencoe native Lauren Gottshall open for Maryland jam band O.A.R at a sold-out show. To attend, guests had to show either proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test, according to a report in the Record North Shore.