Wilmette Block Party unites thousands of neighbors as it becomes annual tradition

Still young, the Wilmette Block Party is quickly becoming an old favorite.

In its third year, the community bash on Saturday, Sept. 7, again brought thousands of folks to the streets of downtown Wilmette.

“I think it has a great community impact,” said Lindsay Thomas, an event organizer and superintendent of operations for the Wilmette Park District. “… It’s a place where you can go and see everybody, and there is something for everybody. I feel there is a part of the day for everyone.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE BLOCK PARTY

The all-day free extravaganza (noon-10 p.m.) featured live entertainment on multiple stages and for multiple audiences. The popular cover band Maggie Speaks headlined the main stage, while several acts took to the family stage throughout the day.

There was no shortage of food, with vendors peppering the streets and the many area restaurants remaining open.

Thomas said more vendors joined the party this time around, and new this year, the foam party was a big hit for kids as well as adults.

The third-year event is a collaboration between the park district, Village of Wilmette and local chamber of commerce.

The block party was initially a one-time project as part of the village’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2022, but when the public urged officials to bring it back, the village and park district collaborated on a follow-up last year.

Thomas said while the event takes plenty of hard work to develop, it has been worth it and “This one is not going away anytime soon.”

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