Shoppers who come upon a bagged meter in downtown Oak Park or in the vicinity of South Oak Park Avenue are in luck. They can park free for two hours.
Beginning after Thanksgiving, anyone can park free for two hours at a bagged meter, in a pay-by-space lot or a municipal garage on Saturdays before Dec. 25. Parking always is free on Sunday.
The program is intended as a thank you for residents and visitors who shop locally. Retail sales benefit not only local retailers, but the entire Village since 2 percent of every retail sale comes back to municipal coffers to fund vital public services.
For many retailers, the holiday season is the most important time of the year. Village officials say they hope this small gesture will increase sales as well as create goodwill among the businesses and their customers.
For more information on parking in the Village, email parking@oak-park.us. Information also is posted at www.oak-park.us/parking.