Cheers to 150 years: Wilmette punctuates sesquicentennial year with block party

Despite its advanced age, the Village of Wilmette partied all day and night Saturday, Sept. 10.

The Wilmette Block Party drew hundreds upon hundreds to downtown Wilmette for a slate of activities in honor of the town’s 150th anniversary.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE WILMETTE BLOCK PARTY

The Village of Wilmette was incorporated 150 years ago — in September of 1872 — and town officials and volunteers built a year’s worth of celebrations to mark the occasion.

The piece de resistance was The Wilmette Block Party, which took place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and included a parade, a live music lineup, a Kids Zone and stage, and plenty more spread throughout the village’s downtown.

Numerous local organizations participated in the affair from local businesses to local schools. Performers from New Trier, Regina Dominican and Loyola Academy high schools all contributed to the day, as did students from Avoca West and Marie Murphy.

On the main stage, local band Antler Chandelier and One Night Band warmed up the crowd for Tributosaurus, playing as the Rolling Stones.

Restaurants and shops were open and hopping, and the beer and wine were flowing.

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