An estimated 2,000 people attended the 18th Block Party @ St. Norbert in Northbrook Saturday in the parking lot of the church on Walters Avenue.
The event began midafternoon with sunny skies. An evening cloud cover crept in, but the pavement remained dry for dancing and busy midway patron traffic.
“The weather, we got a great day,” said Michael Daly of Northbrook, block party chairperson. “This is the kickoff to the official summer, so it’s here, because we’re having a block party.”
The one-day paid admission event benefited parish ministries with typically $25,000 to $30,000 raised, Daly said.
“We set up on Friday, we tear it all down on Saturday night, the parking lot is ready for Mass on Sunday,” he said.
Daly said the block party is not just a church event, but designed for the entire community. Various providers and organizations had tables or booths set up as a way to engage with attendees.
“I think that is such an important thing,” Daly said.
The day’s activities included children’s games and bags for all ages. Food for purchase included roasted corn on the cob. A lineup of local entertainment took to the professional grade stage.
Daly appeared on stage with the Rev. Christopher Gustafson, pastor at St. Norbert and the Catholic Community of Northbrook. Gustafson presented a new award of appreciation, the Unsung Hero Award, to Daly.
“He’s on my speed dial forever,” Gustafson said, citing Daly’s work for the school and parish.
“We decided to do this honor because we know he’s so humble, he would never put this out on a shelf, but hopefully he’ll put it out on a Christmas tree,” Gustafson said.
Daly thanked those who came out for the event.
I love this place and all of you people make this place so much fun so thank you all, I appreciate this,” he said.
Other memorable moments included smiles and determined faces on children going on inflatable attractions.
Northbrook siblings Maddie Rupnow, 8, a rising third grader, and Weston Rupnow, 6, a rising kindergartner, rode the bumper cars.
“So glad summer’s here,” said their mother, Kelley Rupnow. “This is a great way to kick it off and we just love St. Norbert.”
Ryan Mollet, of Northbrook, sported a Hawaiian shirt while playing bean bag toss.
“It’s all in good fun, nice camaraderie,” Mollet said. “Wonderful to be around everybody.”
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Northbrook siblings Noah Tagge, 5, a rising kindergartner, and Benjamin Tagge, 11, a rising sixth grader, enjoyed riding the bumper cars.
“It’s pretty fun,” Benjamin said.
Their mother, Lynne Tagge, said St. Norbert offers a great block party.
Luke and Amanda Lapointe, of Northbrook, brought their children, Emerson, 2, and twins Blair and Harper, 5.
“This is our first time here and it’s a lot of fun,” Luke Lapointe said.
Amanda Lapointe said she hoped the girls would have “a typical kids’ summer.”
For more information about the church, go to www.northbrookcatholic.church.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter and photographer for Pioneer Press.