Bags were hitting the boards in Flossmoor’s South Commuter Lot on Saturday, Oct. 4, where 16 teams faced off in the Flossmoor Service League bean bag tournament, part of this year’s OAKtoberfest.
“Well, I’m 80 years old,” said Sylvester Wills, laughing between rounds. “My grandson-in-law asked me to play; I was his second choice, his brother was first, but we love to play at home, so I said, ‘Yes, why not?’” Wills added, “I’m having a great time, this weather is incredible.”
The day stretched from a tree walk in the morning to live music that night, with food, bean bags, and good vibes.
Mary Gehrling, corresponding secretary for the Flossmoor Service League, said the group partnered with the Village to add something new.
“The village asked if we’d be interested in hosting something to enhance OAKtoberfest,” she said. “We didn’t know what to expect. There’s a lot of excitement, we just wanted to kind of bring the party.”
A whiteboard near the tent listed all 16 teams: names like Ryan and Chris, Bob and Scott from the Flossmoor Fire Department, and Hartwell and Sylvester, competing for the marked winner.
“There was a small entrance fee,” Gehrling said, “just so we could support the different organizations that we love.” Winners would receive gift baskets and certificates from local businesses.
For Anthony Tabascio, who came from Oak Lawn with his mom, Karen, the tournament was more than fun.
“We actually do unified bean bags through the Oak Lawn Special Rec,” Karen said. “He loves it. This is just practice for him right now.” It was their first time at OAKtoberfest, and both said they plan to return.
Earlier in the day, the celebration began in Flossmoor Park (intersection of Brassie Avenue and Flossmoor Road) with a tree walk led by Village Arborist Dave Becker. By the time the tournament started, the park setting had shifted into an afternoon crowd of food, music, and games filling the lot.
Theresa Harris and her golden doodle, Bailey, made their rounds.
“She was here last year,” Harris said. “We love gathering with friends and family.”
A few steps away, brothers Roman and Malachi Ford spent part of the afternoon drawing with chalk along the sidewalk.
As things carried on, the focus turned to the stage. DJ Emilio kept the energy up between sets from ReTurn2Soul and Ring of Music Band & Orchestra.
A full day in Flossmoor, start to finish.
