Business Comings & Goings: Odyssey Fun World Serves Up Holiday Light Show

Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park is continuing a holiday tradition it started last year when it throws the switch on its Christmas Light Show.

The amusement park strung , and played Christmas music that was punctuated by the lights dancing on and off.

“We plan to have the lights in full swing by (today),” said Clint Paraday, Odyssey general manager. “We’ll have more songs this year, and added the Grinch.”

The show will start each night at dusk and continue until about midnight through the first week in January. Motorists can pull over in front of the amusement park at Harlem and Oak Park avenues and listen to the music on 87.9-FM.

New owners for Rokwelz

Rokwelz Bar Meets Grill at 11265 W. 159th St. in Orland Park has new owners, Tracy and Dan Pieczynski. For information, call 708-226-0042 or visit Rokwelz Meets Grill online.

Johnny B’s Barbecue opens kiosk

Johnny B’s Barbecue has opened a kiosk at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. The Orland-based company sells its products at various locations in Kentucky and Chicagoland. For information, call 708- 527-1925 or visit Johnny B’s online.

Sertoma thrift store adds Sunday hours

Alsip-based Sertoma Centre has announced that its Good as New Thrift Store at 4331 Lincoln Highway in Matteson is now open Sundays.

“Being open on Sundays provides a convenient time to shop for our customers who don’t have time to shop during regular business hours,” said store manager Karey Wentz. “It gives shoppers more time to browse the hundreds of new and gently used items which can be found at Good as New.”

New store hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information or to donate used items, call Wentz at 708-481-5627.

Hampton to headline holiday sports luncheon

Bears Hall of Famer Dan Hampton will headline the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Sports Luncheon on Dec. 4 at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

Laura Tews and Randy Simmons, this year’s Holiday Sports Luncheon co-chairs, said they are thrilled Hampton accepted the invitation to one of the Chamber’s most anticipated annual events.

“This is always such a gala and well-attended affair,” Tews said. “Last year, more than 500 people were there.”

The day starts at 10:30 a.m. with a cash bar and silent auction featuring exclusive sports memorabilia, tickets to games, lavish hotel weekend packages and much more. The auction benefits the chamber’s foundation scholarships.  

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.ChicagoSouthland.com or by calling the Chamber at 708-957-6950.

PWN annual luncheon

The Professional Women’s Network will hold its annual “Picking the Brains of Really Smart Chicks” luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Odyssey Country Club, 19110 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Tinley Park. Tickets are $25 per person. For information and to reserve a ticket, call 708-937-5525 or email info@pwncentral.com.

Center for Integrated Medicine Family Day

Families are invited to visit the Center for Integrated Medicine at 9442 W. 179th St. in Tinley Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 1. Kids can get a free picture with Santa and a free gift from a balloon artist while adults can get a free 10-minute soft tissue massage. Refreshments and snacks will be served. For information, call 708-532-2346 or visit Center for Integrated Medicine online.

Tinley Christmas parades

Tinley Park will kick off the Christmas season with its Toyland Parade at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 1 and its Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. on Dec. 2. Both parades will march down Oak Park Avenue to Zabrocki Plaza.

The weekend starts with the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday in Zabrocki Plaza and will have a Holiday Market in the Metra train station parking lot from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For information and an entertainment schedule, visit www.tinleypark.org.

Bridge Teen Center hosts Business after Hours

The Bridge Teen Center at 15555 S. 71st Court in Orland Park will host a Business After Hours for the Orland Park and Tinley Park chambers of commerce from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Nov. 28.

There will be live music, karaoke, games, door prizes and food from Corner Bakery Cafe, Sam's Club and Old Town Pizza Co., who will provide a culinary demo.

RSVP to Bridge Executive Director Priscilla Steinmetz at 708-532-0500.

Orland Chamber holiday party

The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce will usher in the holiday season with its annual party at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at Papa Joe’s Restaurant, 14459 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. There will be a cash bar and free appetizers.

Guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or an unwrapped toy.

RSVP to the chamber by Dec. 1.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bob@chicago-patch.com.

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