Vidia Naranjo Crowned Princess of the Park

Royalty gathered on the great lawn at Lake Park for the Des Plaines Optimist Club’s free Friday Night Movie in the Park on August 9. Children were invited to come in costume to celebrate the screening of the Disney animated classic, Cinderella. Over thirty little ladies came dressed as their favorite princesses including Jasmine, Ariel, Belle, and, of course, Cinderella. “We traditionally have a costume contest at the final Friday Night Movie,” said Jennifer Boys, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation for the Des Plaines Park District, and a member of the Des Plaines Optimist Club. “In the past we have shown The Wizard of Oz, and had witches, lions, and Dorothy’s in every shape and size. This year, we had dozens of beautiful princesses.”

Just prior to dusk, all the princesses paraded before the judges. Vidia Naranjo was crowned Princess of the Park. Gabi Michalowski was first runner up, and Jelena Torres was second runner up. Each of the three received a small cash prize, and all of the participants were invited to choose a snack from the concession table.

The Des Plaines Optimist Club is a 58 year old service club, that partners with the Des Plaines Park District for family friendly activities including a fishing derby, a junior golf tournament, a kite fly, and the annual summer Movies in the Park nights.

The next Optimist sponsored event at Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, 2200 Lee Street, is their annual tree and wreath sale, which begins on Friday, November 29. For more information about the tree sale visit www.dpoptimist.org.

September 13-15, across all of Lake Park, The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, The Des Plaines History Center and the Des Plaines Park District will present Fall Fest, their annual three-day family-friendly event. Free entertainment kicks off with a performance by JakTripper, at 6:30pm Friday night. Admission to the fest, and the main stage entertainment, is free. This year it includes music by Vintage Blue, Your Villain My Hero, 7th Heaven, and Tony Lucca from The Voice. For more information about Fall Fest visit www.FallFestDesPlaines.com or call 847-391-5700.