Partygoers, Flamingos Flocking Soon to Village Lawn

NORTHBROOK, IL - Pink-clad partygoers and flamingos will flock to the village hall this month for an annual lawn party meant to kick off summer fun.

Flamingo Fridays return to Northbrook on May 19. The first of the season's soirees starts at 5:30 p.m. that evening, which will double as an opportunity for the village to host a"Welcome to Northbrook" celebration for new residents.

Thereafter, neighborhood Flamingo Friday gatherings will take place each week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A different resident offers up his or her driveway for the party every Friday and neighbors bring lawn chairs, drinks, snacks, kids and anything else necessary to have a good time.

So, where do the flamingos come in, you ask?

"Whoever volunteers to host the upcoming gathering obtains a plastic lawn or door knob flamingo from the previous host and displays it on their lawn or knob starting the Monday or Tuesday before the next event," the village website says. "Thus, the host signals to the neighborhood where to gather for the next Flamingo event. No fuss, no RSVPs, no pressure,no strings. Just look for the flamingo!"

Representatives from the Village, the Northbrook Library, Northbrook Park District, Northbrook Police and Fire Departments, and the North Suburban YMCA are scheduled to participate in this year's kickoff to help new and seasoned residents learn about local resources and services.

Northbrook officials encourage residents to share their fun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag, #nbkflamingofriday.