Hundreds of people turned out Sunday for the community block party Oak Park-River Forest High School threw to mark the end of its 150th anniversary celebration, but school officials say the crowd wants the school to host the event again.
Oak Park-River Forest High School District 200 spokeswoman Karin Sullivan told Pioneer Press that an estimated 400 to 500 people attended the “Community Block Party,” held on the school campus in Oak Park.
“The weather was perfect, dozens of alumni brought chairs just to hear the Jade 50’s, and the activity tables run by our students were constantly busy with young kids and even adults,” Sullivan said.
She previously explained that the purpose of the block party was to celebrate the community for its support of the school — the lone one in District 200 — and showcase students’ talents, clubs and interests.
The block party, set to run for three hours, was held on the west side of the campus, and featured food trucks, face painting done by the school’s Cosmetology Club, and other activities billed as family-friendly.
Entertainment was by The Jade 50’s, a band made up of OPRFHS alumni.
Sullivan said the band members were OPRFHS students in the ‘70s when they were asked to perform for a ‘50s-themed week of history lessons.
They were a hit decades ago and again Sunday.
“We’ve received a ton of positive feedback, with lots of questions about whether we’re going to do it again next year,” said Sullivan.
