A neighborly celebration returned to downtown Naperville on Sunday with the help of DuPagePads.
The downtown Naperville block party returns
The Naperville Neighborly Day block party took over Chicago Avenue from Washington Street to Main Street. The event originally started 10 years ago as a celebration for The Lantern’s 50th anniversary and was called “Old Naperville Day.”
“It continued for a few more years, obviously pausing for the pandemic and then for Washington Street Bridge construction. But now we’re back for one last hurrah here,” said Chad Pedigo, the chief development officer for DuPagePads. “This Sunday afternoon block party truly is to give back to all of the neighbors and community that make Naperville and the surrounding area a special place.”
The day was all about community, with live music, food vendors, family fun area, 50/50 raffle, and a bags tournament. While the event was free to the community, sponsorships, proceeds, and donations directly supported DuPagePads.
“The support of the community means everything to DuPagePads. Today, there are 344 local neighbors experiencing homelessness, including over 120 children. So to be able to bring everybody together as a community and celebrate, but also be aware of neighbors who are in need, is incredibly important to DuPagePads. And celebrating community in a way that is fun and enjoyable is a wonderful thing to do here in downtown Naperville,” said Pedigo.
Supporting DuPagePads
While DuPagePads doesn’t have any concrete plans to bring the block party back next year, Pedigo says the group is hoping to keep the tradition alive.
“The face of downtown Naperville is changing with some upcoming construction next year. So most likely we may not return to Chicago Avenue, but we would like to find a place to continue the Naperville Neighborly Day tradition,” said Pedigo.
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