The Village of Park Forest Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health will host its first Fireside Conversations series at Somonauk Park on Friday, May 17.

The event will run from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. and will focus on the evolution of Hip-Hop. Recreation Supervisor Adina McCollough said the Fireside Conversations will take place on the third Friday of each month until September and will highlight various topics.

"The idea for Fireside Conversations sparked after I attended a similar event last year," McCollough said. "The diverse perspectives shared around the fire were enlightening and deeply engaging. It was an enriching experience that I wanted to bring to our community, particularly to highlight the beauty and potential of our newly revamped Somonauk Park."

McCollough said for $10, participants will get three tacos, chips, and a drink from Nacho's Tacos. She said hosting Fireside Conversations aims to foster a sense of community among Park Foresters.

"It's a platform for people to engage in meaningful dialogue on various topics, from cultural trends to local issues," McCollough said. "More so, it's a chance for neighbors to meet and mingle in a relaxed setting, essential for building stronger community bonds."

As mentioned, this Friday’s event is about celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop. McCollough said the topic was chosen because the genre reflects a vibrant aspect of modern culture that resonates across generations.

"Recognizing that our recreational programming was somewhat lacking for the adult demographic, we saw this as a perfect opportunity to engage adults in contemporary and nostalgic discussions," McCollough said. "At the event, we plan to cover the evolution of hip-hop, its impact on society and other art forms, and discuss pivotal moments and figures in hip-hop history."

McCollough said having the discussion will allow them to relive some iconic music moments and explore their significance over tacos and the soothing ambiance of the crackling fire. She added that Fire Conversations would also introduce the community to Somonauk Park, which was recently renovated last year. 

Spaces are limited, so you can reserve your spot by clicking here.