Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner

08/14/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

First, another huge CONGRATULATIONS to our Antioch girls softball team on winning the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! What an incredible accomplishment. I’m sorry I had to miss the celebration last night because I was traveling, but I was definitely there in spirit. Congratulations to the players, coaches, families and everyone who supported them along the way. You made Antioch proud!

I did get a chance to spend a few days away with my family last week in San Diego and catch up with two of my high school buddies Captain 0-6 John Kajmowicz, U.S. Navy, and family and Matt “Tree” Klansnik. We took in a couple of baseball games and got to see some of the incredible U.S. Navy warships along the San Diego waterfront.

Tree was our “Wild Thing” pitcher back in high school, and John and I were both his catchers over the years. Tree at 6’7 could throw hard — where it was going was sometimes a different story. John and I took our share of bruises, and being a little vertically challenged, I didn’t exactly provide Tree with the biggest target. 🙂

It was great spending time with old friends and our families, and I’m especially proud of John and his service to our country. I’ll share a few pictures below.

And just like that, summer vacation is coming to an end and everyone is heading back to school.

To all our students: study hard, listen to your teachers (and maybe even your parents), do your homework and get some sleep. Who knows, if you study hard enough, maybe you can be Mayor someday too. I love being Mayor — just don’t choose it for the paycheck. 🙂

Parents, good luck to you as well!

There’s still plenty happening around Antioch. Chicago Experience, a tribute to Chicago, takes the stage Thursday, August 20 at 7 p.m. at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center. Come downtown, enjoy some music and support our local restaurants and businesses.

The Antioch Farmers Market is also back tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sequoit Creek Park. Stop by and support our local vendors. The market returns August 22, with Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots performing from 11 a.m. to noon.

Election season is almost here again — and anyone who’s been through a local election knows it can occasionally turn into “silly season.”

Next spring there will be several important local races, including school board seats and three four-year Antioch Village Trustee positions. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, consider running for local office. We spend plenty of time talking about Springfield and Washington, but some of the decisions that have the biggest impact on our everyday lives are made right here at home.

For anyone interested in running for Antioch Village Trustee, courtesy petition packets will be available at Village Hall beginning Thursday, August 20 at 1 p.m. The petition circulation period is August 25 through November 23, and candidates can file their petitions November 16 through November 23.

And as election season gets underway, one small request: whether you’re a candidate, supporter, opponent or one of our beloved Facebook keyboard warriors 🙂, let’s try to be kind to each other. We can disagree, have a little fun and still be neighbors when the election is over.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer, support our local businesses and spend some time with your neighbors.

And to all our students heading back to school — have a safe, successful and fun year. Work hard, be kind and make Antioch proud.

And remember, do your homework. You might need the practice if you decide to run for Mayor someday.

Have a great weekend, Antioch!

Mayor Scott Gartner

08/07/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

Thank you to everyone who came downtown last night for the Car Show and the Blooze Brothers. It was another great summer night in Antioch. Congratulations to all of our Car Show winners, and thanks to everyone who brought out their cars and helped make the night a success.

There’s plenty going on this weekend. The Antioch Farmers Market is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sequoit Creek Park. From 11 a.m. to noon, PM&L Theatre’s Center Stage Singers will perform “America the Beautiful” in celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary.

On Sunday, the Fishing Has No Boundaries fundraiser will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Limerick Lounge. This is a great organization that helps provide fishing and outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities. Thank you to Tom and Sheila Dvorak and all of the volunteers who continue to put so much work into this event. Stop by if you can and support a great cause.

Next Thursday will also be a special night as we finally get the chance to properly recognize our Antioch Community High School Girls Softball Team and their 2026 Class 3A State Championship!

Our original celebration had to be cancelled because of the air quality issues, so I’m glad we were able to get this rescheduled.

We’ll start at 6 p.m. at the Metra station with a procession to the Bandshell. Once we arrive, Hannah B. from 102.3 FREE Country will join us as we recognize the players and coaches and celebrate the state championship trophy they brought home to Antioch.

Congratulations again to the entire team and coaching staff on winning the first softball state championship in school history. It’s a tremendous accomplishment and something our entire community can be proud of.

Then at 7 p.m., Totally Taylor, a Taylor Swift tribute band, takes the stage for our next It’s Thursday concert.

It looks like another busy summer weekend in Antioch. Get out, enjoy the community, support our local businesses and organizations, and hopefully I’ll see many of you around town.

Have a great weekend!

Scott

07/31/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

Another great week is in the books, and as always, I want to take a moment to recognize the people and organizations that make our community such a special place to live.

First, thank you to everyone who came out to the William E. Brook Entertainment Center last night for another fantastic It’s Thursday concert. A special thank you to The Complex for putting on a terrific performance. It was wonderful to see so many families, friends, and neighbors enjoying another beautiful summer evening together. These Thursday night concerts have become one of the highlights of the summer, and they simply wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, volunteers, Village staff, and everyone who comes out each week to support them.

I also want to extend a huge thank you to the Antioch Lions Club for another outstanding Chicken BBQ and Auction. From everything I’ve heard, this may have been one of the most successful years they’ve ever had. That’s a reflection of the incredible generosity of our community. Whether you purchased dinner, donated an auction item, placed a bid, or volunteered your time, thank you. The Lions Club gives so much back to Antioch throughout the year, and it’s always inspiring to see our community come together to support one of their biggest fundraisers.

Looking ahead, next Thursday, August 6, is one of my favorite nights of the summer! Join us downtown for our annual Car Show, followed by another great It’s Thursday concert featuring The Blooze Brothers beginning at 7:00 p.m. Stroll through an incredible collection of classic and custom vehicles, visit our downtown businesses and restaurants, bring a lawn chair, and enjoy another great summer evening at the Bandshell. I hope to see everyone there!

Another event I’d encourage everyone to support is the Fishing Has No Boundaries Fundraiser on Sunday, August 9, at The Limerick. This outstanding local organization, led by Tom and Sheila Dvorak along with many dedicated volunteers, provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of fishing. It’s an amazing cause that has touched so many families over the years. If you’re able, please consider stopping by to support this wonderful organization and the volunteers who make it all possible.

And while you’re making plans, don’t forget to mark your calendars for one of Antioch’s biggest events of the year!

Small Town Smoke Out
Saturday, September 19
William E. Brook Entertainment Center

Admission is FREE!

The BBQ and Beer Garden open at 3:00 p.m., with live entertainment throughout the day:

• Jimmy Nick – 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
• Lil Timber – 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• The Good Stuff (Kenny Chesney Tribute) – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Icons of Country (Zac Brown & Miranda Lambert Tribute) – 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

There will also be a mechanical bull, great BBQ, cold beverages, and plenty of family fun. Whether you’re a country music fan, BBQ enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day with family and friends, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Before I wrap up, I’d also encourage everyone to check out our Destination Downtown Antioch video series. One of the things that makes Antioch so special is our locally owned businesses and the people behind them. These videos highlight their stories, their passion, and why choosing to shop local matters.

If you haven’t watched them yet, please take a few minutes to do so and share them with your friends. You can find them on the Village of Antioch page or by visiting:
https://www.antioch.il.gov/destination-antioch

Supporting our local businesses isn’t just about making a purchase—it’s about supporting our neighbors, strengthening our local economy, and helping keep downtown Antioch vibrant for years to come.

As always, thank you for everything you do to make Antioch such an incredible community. I hope everyone has a safe, relaxing weekend, and I look forward to seeing you around town!

Scott J. Gartner
Mayor, Village of Antioch

07/24/2026

Happy Friday, Antioch!

I hope everyone has a chance to get out and enjoy another great summer weekend. From everything I’ve heard, Billy Elton drew another terrific crowd at last night’s It’s Thursday concert. It’s always great to see so many people downtown enjoying live music, supporting our local businesses, and spending time with family and friends. If you missed it, don’t worry—next Thursday, The Complex takes the stage, and they’re always a crowd favorite.

This Sunday is one of Antioch’s great traditions—the 67th Annual Antioch Lions Club Chicken BBQ, Pig Roast and Auction at Williams Park. The event opens at 11:00 a.m., food is served beginning at 11:30 a.m., and the live auction starts at 1:00 p.m. This is the Lions Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and the money raised goes right back into our community through scholarships, vision programs, assistance to local families, and many other worthwhile causes. Tickets are $20 at the gate, and if you know a Lions Club member, you may still be able to purchase a pre-sale ticket. If you’re looking for something to do Sunday, come out for a great meal, enjoy the auction, and support an organization that has given so much back to Antioch over the years.

On Sunday, Lisa Fisher and the incredible volunteers with the Antioch Traveling Closet will host another free clothing giveaway from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 311 Depot Street. They continue to make a real difference for so many families in our community, and I’m grateful for everything they do. If you know someone who could benefit, please help spread the word.

While you’re out Saturday morning, stop by the Antioch Farmers Market, support our local vendors, and enjoy everything downtown has to offer.

And one last request…if anyone knows a good rain dance, now would be a great time. I know my front yard could certainly use it, and I’m guessing I’m not the only one!

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Thank you for continuing to support the volunteers, nonprofits, local businesses, and community events that make Antioch such a special place to call home. I hope to see you around town!

Scott or

07/23/2026

07/17/2026

Mayor’s Friday Update

Happy Friday, Antioch!

I wanted to start by apologizing for the cancellation of last night’s It’s Thursday concert. After evaluating the circumstances, it was a joint decision to postpone the show in the interest of providing the best experience possible and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. The good news is we were able to quickly secure a new date, and Too Hype Crew will now perform on Thursday, September 10. I know many of you were looking forward to the concert, and we appreciate your understanding. We’re excited to welcome them back this September.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, visit our Farmers Market, and enjoy everything happening around town. There’s no shortage of great reasons to get out and support our local businesses and organizations. (Enjoy Antioch⁠)

Looking ahead, don’t forget about two great community events:

* The Antioch Lions Club Chicken BBQ is coming up on Sunday, July 26. Tickets are on sale now, and it’s one of Antioch’s longest-standing community traditions supporting a great cause.
* The Antioch Traveling Closet will host its community giveaway that same weekend from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you know someone who could benefit, please help spread the word. Additional information is attached.

Today, your Village Board and staff are holding our quarterly strategic planning meeting. These meetings are one of the most important things we do all year. We review our long-term capital improvement plan, discuss projects we want to accomplish over the next several years, and begin identifying priorities for next year’s budget.

I truly believe many of the improvements you’ve seen throughout Antioch over the past several years started in meetings just like this. It’s where ideas become plans, and plans become projects that improve our roads, parks, public facilities, and overall quality of life. Taking the time to plan today helps ensure Antioch continues moving forward tomorrow.

Speaking of progress, I’m excited to share that construction has officially begun on the new Chipotle, work continues around the Raymond Chevrolet Kia dealership, and we’re actively working with several other businesses interested in investing in Antioch. It’s exciting to see the continued confidence in our community, and we look forward to sharing more announcements as those projects move forward.

As always, I encourage everyone to shop local, support our community events, and enjoy everything Antioch has to offer this weekend.

Finally, with the heat and poor air quality we’ve been experiencing, please stay cool, stay hydrated, and take a few moments to check on elderly neighbors, friends, and anyone who may be more vulnerable.

Have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you around town!
— Mayor Scott Gartner

07/10/2026

What an incredible Fourth of July celebration in Antioch!

I have attended many Antioch parades over the years, but I have never seen that many people lining the streets for our Fourth of July parade. The turnout was remarkable, and the energy throughout the community was exactly what makes Antioch such a special place to live.

Later that afternoon, the celebration continued at Sequoit Creek Park with activities for the entire family, DJ Positive and an outstanding performance by Tennessee Whiskey. Thousands of people then remained in and around the park for the fireworks at dusk.

The park was absolutely electric with energy. Seeing families gathered together, children playing, neighbors visiting, live music filling the park and everyone enjoying the fireworks was exactly what the Village Board, trustees and staff hoped for when we planned and built Sequoit Creek Park. We wanted to create a true community gathering place where people could celebrate, connect and make lasting memories. On the Fourth of July, we saw that vision come fully to life.

Thank you to our Parks Department, Public Works Department, Antioch Police Department, Village staff, volunteers, performers, vendors, the Antioch Lions Club, and everyone else who worked behind the scenes to make the parade, Party in the Park and fireworks such an overwhelming success.

The great summer momentum continued last night with Heartache Tonight, an outstanding Eagles tribute band, at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center. It was another beautiful evening of live music and community fun in Antioch.

Next Thursday, July 16, the “It’s Thursday” Summer Concert Series welcomes Too Hype Crew to the Bandshell. Their high-energy hip-hop tribute show begins at 7:00 p.m., and we are expecting another great crowd. Bring your chairs, arrive early and enjoy the evening.

During next Thursday’s concert, we will also proudly recognize our Antioch girls softball team for winning the state championship. These young athletes represented our community with tremendous talent, determination, teamwork and sportsmanship. We look forward to welcoming them to the stage and giving them the community recognition they deserve.

The Fourth Annual Mayors’ Cup Golf Outing takes place next Wednesday, July 15, at Fox Lake Country Club. The shotgun start is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., and the event is open to municipalities, businesses and the public. Registration is nearing capacity, but there may still be time to sign up.

There is also plenty happening this weekend and throughout the coming week.

The Antioch Farmers Market opens Saturday morning at Sequoit Creek Park, with family entertainment and local vendors. Residents can also continue to enjoy the many concerts, activities and community events scheduled throughout the summer.

The past week showed Antioch at its very best. From the largest parade crowd I can remember, to an electric Fourth of July evening at Sequoit Creek Park, to another successful Thursday concert, our residents continue to show up and make these community events special.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered and celebrated responsibly. I hope to see you at the Farmers Market, the Mayors’ Cup and next Thursday’s concert.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Scott J. Gartner
Mayor, Village of Antioch

07/05/2026

When I ran for mayor six years ago, this is what I dreamed the park would become. Happy 4th.

07/04/2026

Rain is over and Tennessee whiskey is jamming.