Downers Grove Park District to host The Big Bash on May 14

DOWNERS GROVE, IL—Since 1946, the Downers Grove Park District has enriched the community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. In honor of the agency’s 75th anniversary, the District will host a free event of epic proportions. The Big Bash: 75th Anniversary Celebration will take place from 12 to 7pm on Saturday, May 14, at McCollum Park located at 6801 S. Main St., in Downers Grove.

The community is invited to celebrate the Downers Grove Park District’s 75th anniversary and party the day away with free activities, live music, contests and giveaways. From 12 to 4:30pm, stroll the Park District and sponsor booths to enjoy hands-on crafts, sports, games and more. The District will host a free throw contest on the basketball courts, a bags tournament and water balloon toss competition. On the ball fields, visitors can race on a 90-foot obstacle course or roll away on a Zorb ball track. Younger kids can visit the Tiny Toes Music pavilion for music and movement activities. Families can enjoy giant yard games, a scavenger hunt and free miniature golf at Miner Mike’s Adventure Golf throughout the event. Get hearts pumping with free outdoor fitness classes offered by instructors from 4500 Fitness in addition to busting some moves with Chicago DJs.

Entertainment will include Liz and Hala, an acoustic duo will play from 12:30 to 2:30pm. Miss Jamie’s Farm will perform children’s music with dancing from 3:30 to 4:15pm. The Big Bash wouldn’t be complete without a Birthday Parade, which will take place at 4:30pm along the perimeter path at McCollum Park. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed family, pet and trike or wagon. The celebration will conclude with live music and a birthday blowout from 5 to 6:30pm. The Feel Good Party Band will take the stage at 5pm to play party jam hits from the 60s to today.

Food trucks including Dope Sandwich, Burger Buzz and Grumpy Gaucho will have tasty treats available for purchase in addition to Wells Street Popcorn and Carney Brothers funnel cakes and Italian ice. Adult beverages including beer and wine will be available to visitors ages 21 and up for $6 a ticket (ID required) and water will be available for $2 a bottle.

Darby Beasley, Community Events and Sponsorship Specialist for the Downers Grove Park District, is the coordinator for The Big Bash.

“Downers Grove Park District is thrilled to celebrate our 75th Anniversary in a big way on May 14! The Big Bash will highlight the wide array of recreation programs and services that the Park District offers—past to present. We look forward to welcoming the community to enjoy a day filled with fun and memories,” said Beasley.

The event is presented by Grove Dental Associates and sponsored by Community Bank of Downers Grove and True Balance Karate. Event partners and volunteers include Center for Creative Arts Therapy, Downers Grove Public Library, Five Star Soccer Camps, Tiny Toes Music, Little Medical School, Junior Woman’s Club of Downers Grove, Math Plays, LLC, My Robot Think and the United States Air Force. Downers Grove Park District is still seeking volunteers and sponsors for the event! Businesses or organizations interested in participating in The Big Bash can email events@dgparks.org for more information.

A full schedule of activities planned for The Big Bash is available at dgparks.org/75thanniversary with more info coming soon.

About Downers Grove Park District

The Downers Grove Park District enriches our community through natural area preservation and exceptional recreation, parks, and facilities that inspire memorable experiences. With almost 600 acres of parks and facilities, there are thousands of opportunities for individuals of all ages and interests to grow, play, imagine and explore. Learn more at dgparks.org.