The Orland Park Crossing retail center, located at 143rd Street and Route 45, has struggled because of road improvements at the intersection. It's an unwelcome problem for retailers in an already tough economy.

Ann Scully, of First American Bank, had an idea to help out the businesses and bring their customers back for some "fun in the sun" with retail therapy. When she contacted the Orland Park Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Orland Park about the "Fun in the Sun: Operation Construction" event, they were happy to help.

"They provided the permits we needed at no cost and local businesses like Costco, P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Granite City Eatery pitched in with free food and we were able to pull together this great event at no cost to our customers," said Scully.

Orland Township Youth Commission teens volunteered as face painters and also hosted games for the kids. The retailers held sidewalk sales and First American Bank held a scavenger hunt. Food as well as bottled water and samples from vendors were also available.

While final sales numbers are not yet known, the parking lot was full and stores were very busy. Patch was there, camera in tow, to capture some of the fun. Check out our gallery to see what was happening at Orland Park Crossing, as the road construction crews worked feverishly to repair the pavement.