Ravinia District Hosts “Wheels and Deals” Event for Third Thursdays

More than 100 years ago, the early citizens of Ravinia constructed a civic center dedicated to residents for their appreciation and enjoyment of the arts, literature, and music.

This historic building came to be known as The Ravinia Village House which soon gave birth to a burgeoning community of local shops, businesses, and restaurants.

Located by the Ravinia Metra train station along Roger Williams Avenue, is the town’s business district.

This year, the Ravinia District is hosting “Third Thursdays”— continuing in the century-long tradition of family fun and entertainment.

Each month, the District presents a themed event night offering the public the chance to experience some of Ravinia’s best shopping, dining, and local services.

April’s “Design and Dine” event launched the entire series, featuring receptions hosted by the District’s home-centered businesses that included raffles, complimentary product samples, home design projects information, and a public reception and more.

This month’s theme “Wheels and Deals,” is our personal favorite here at Lexus of Highland Park.

On June 18th from 5-8 several vendors presented their own collection of unique and antique vehicles while local businesses offered great deals on products and services.

The event showcased a collection of rare, antique toy trucks from the 50s, 60s and 70s —sponsored by the Arthur M. Feldman Gallery and a vintage International Metro refurbished by Vintage Step Vans of Chicago.

Private collectors like Dan Beelow owner of Beelow’s Northshore Restaurant and others, displayed their vehicles, swapping stories, and taking pictures.

The event also featured a prize wheel, where one lucky person won passes to see Pink Martini and Aimee Mann at the Ravinia Festival on July 1.

For the family, Ravinia Barbecue held a “Wheel-y fun” trivia contest in conjunction with the Highland Park Library.

In the spirit of giving back, a Hotdog Barbecue was held by Design Quartet @ Ravinia.

As part of the mission to raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, restaurant owner Steve Westlund accepted donations for his July ride in the Scenic Shore 150, a bicycle ride from Milwaukee to Door County.

Anyone who donated $10 or more was automatically entered into a raffle for their chance to win either a pair of ninth row tickets to see the Cubs vs. the Milwaukee Brewers or a blue Giant Escape hybrid bicycle.

As a special Father’s Day treat, merchants like Baker Boys, Calm Massage Therapy, and Style Hunters opened late to host the Ravinia School 3rd grade art show titled “Why I Wheel-y Love My Dad.”

Don’t miss out on all the fun at the upcoming Jammin’ In Jens Jensen free music series on Saturdays, the Wednesday morning’s Farmer’s Market, and the continuing Third Thursdays series.

But the tradition of the village house founders wouldn’t be complete without October’s Ravinia District Fall Festival, a historic celebration of music and art.

We here at your Lexus dealer in Illinois, are looking forward to it.