Hundreds of people gathered on Chicago Avenue for The Lantern’s Second Annual Old Naperville Block Party. But despite the name, it’s actually the third block party put on by the 52-year old tavern.
“Three years ago the lantern had its 50th anniversary and we decided to do something fun,” said Manger of The Lantern, Teri Feldott. “We shut down most of the block and had a big old block party and it was a very big hit.”
It was such a big hit that the mayor proclaimed Old Naperville day be an annual celebration of Naperville’s hometown spirit.
And the small, one-street scope of the block party helps achieve that, in comparison to the giant events that are The Last Fling and Ribfest.
“Naperville’s changed a lot over the years, in my perspective for the better, but there’s a lot of people who have lived here for generations who miss the old Naperville,” said Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico. “This is a day for all the old Naperville people to come together, and everybody else as well, to celebrate friendship and our community.”
Festivities included live music, food from local shops and restaurants, including a pig roast from the lantern, balloon animals and face painting, and of course, drinks and companionship.
Making Old Naperville Day an almost old-fashioned celebration of our city’s community spirit.
Naperville News 17’s Blane Erwin reports.
