Visiting Park Ridge
A special focus of the year 2010 is being placed on Park Ridge’s Centennial year as a City with celebration of the 100 years continuing from May 24, 2010 through May 24, 2011. A series of special programs and tours is being promoted by the Steering Committee for the City Centennial including "Albert Buchheit Day," named in honor of the City’s first mayor who was elected on May 24, 1910. As part of the centennial observance a variety of historic tours are being offered. These events are included in the online calendar from the Spokesman. Detailed information about registering is also noted in the calendar. Special celebrations are also offered on the Kalo Foundation website.
The City of Park Ridge is home to many famous native sons whose prominence may also bring visitors to our community. City tours administered by the Chamber of Commerce will also highlight the accomplishments of these Park Ridge natives. Concerts during the Centennial year will feature works by John Alden Carpenter, world renowned Park Ridge composer.
Perhaps you are in town to shop at one of the many fine business establishments that make Park Ridge their home: found in Uptown, South Park, and along Dempster Street and Higgins corridor. Many local businesses are involved with the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce which sponsors events and activities to showcase the business area, such as Winterfest. The "Taste of Park Ridge" is an annual summer event (in July) which includes samplings of many foods plus live entertainment. A business expo is also featured as part of the event.
Farmers Market
From May through October a wide assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables are found at the Farmers Market located off Prairie Street just south of the Metra train tracks. Vendors from throughout the Midwest are at the Market every Saturday to bring the freshest products available. So stop by and visit, and while you are there be sure to enter the monthly drawing to win a basket of Farmers Market products. A citizen committee helps provide oversight and direction for market operations.
Another City attraction which brings many visitors into town is the
Park Ridge Civic Orchestra which performs at the historic Pickwick Theatre in Uptown Park Ridge. The PRCO won a first place Governor’s Home Town Award in 1998, and in 2000, was named "Orchestra of the Year" by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. Learn more
HERE.
An outdoor concert-going experience is afforded by
Park Ridge Fine Arts Society. It presents a series of summer concerts presented at City Hall adjacent to Hodges Park on Friday evenings throughout the summer months. The concerts are free. Many of those attending bring a picnic lunch to enjoy during the presentation.
History Honored
The
Park Ridge Historical Society addresses many issues concerning the City’s rich history. Currently, the society is in the process of relocating to The Youth Campus, a historic setting in the community; and will be house in a landmark building which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Society will enter its 39th year of preserving and honoring the history of Park Ridge, with the unique opportunity to shape this new home as a model for the collection, display and dissemination of local history.
The Kalo Foundation focuses on the City’s cultural heritage—It starts with the arts—shaping us from then ‘til now. Learn more at its
website. A series of events sponsored by the Kalo Foundation is being offered in conjunction with the City Centennial year at the
Park Ridge Nonprofit Center, 720 Garden St.
The City has adopted a Historic Preservation ordinance and steps are being taken to assure the historic buildings of the City are recognized and preserved. A Historic Preservation Commission provides oversight for this activity.