Skokie 2021 Block Party Of The Year Award-Winners Revealed

SKOKIE, IL — Village officials announced the winners of the 2021 Block Party of the Year Award, recognizing a trio of blocks for sharing the true spirit of what block parties are all about.

Residents of the award-winning blocks will receive a sign from the village to place on their block.

Maria Monastero-Bueno, chair of the human relations commission, said there were 63 block parties authorized in Skokie last year. Of those, 16 applied for the award.

"Upon reviewing the applications for the Block Party of the Year award, the human relations commissioners were impressed by the creativity and themes among our Skokie neighbors," Monastero-Bueno said, recognizing the awardees at the July 18 Skokie Village Board meeting.

The 8000 block of Lowell Avenue received the most votes from commissioners, Monastero-Bueno said. With the theme of "Lowellpalooza," residents of the block just north of Oakton Street had a water balloon toss, sidewalk chalk, a neighbor potluck dinner and various kids and adult activities.

"The neighbors came out in full force with a parade, eating together as neighbors, and a full gathering," she said. "A true spirit of bringing a 'palooza' to Skokie."

The 4300 block of Madison Street, from Lowell Avenue to the alley before Kostner Avenue, was awarded for its block party, which every year has a "Bring Your Own Pumpkin" theme. This year, it included a large pumpkin jump house, costume contest, pumpkin carvings and more.

And residents of the 8100 block of Kostner Avenue, from Cleveland Street to Keeney Street, welcomed residents of other blocks to their party, which featured a donut-eating contest, face-painting, bounce house and bike parade during the day.

After dark, organizers set up a projector and the kids watched a movie outdoors while adults shared stories about the block from the older neighbors to the new neighbors, Monastero-Bueno said.

More information about how to apply for a block party permit or consideration for next year's block party awards is available online.