Almost everything you would ever want to know about…
…Skokie’s Backlot Bash
Q: What is Skokie’s Backlot Bash?
A: After its smash debut in 2007, Skokie's Backlot Bash will again offer area residents an action-packed downtown summer festival in 2008! The name “Backlot” pays tribute to downtown Skokie’s heritage as a major silent film industry back lot set between 1907 and 1915.
The event is a collaboration between the Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie (IMODS), the Skokie Park District, The Village of Skokie and the Skokie Chamber of Commerce.
Q: When is Skokie’s Backlot Bash?
A: In 2008, Skokie’s Backlot Bash will be held on Friday, Aug. 22 from 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 24 from noon to 8 p.m. Oakton Street will be closed from Friday at 10 a.m., through Sunday at midnight.
Q: Where will Skokie’s Backlot Bash be held?
A: The event will be held in a closed off, two-block portion of Oakton Street, between Lincoln and Laramie Avenues adjacent to the Village Hall. In addition, most parking lots within two or three blocks of the Bash will be closed in order to host event attractions.
Q: What attractions will I find at the Bash?
A: The event will feature continuous live music on a main stage located on Oakton Avenue near the Village Hall, including regional and national acts. The event will also feature an amusement park/carnival, a classic auto show, a business expo and sidewalk sale, fun teen activities, food and beverages, including a beer tent, and more to be announced.
Friday - August 22
6P - Green Tangerines
6:45P - 72Hours
8P - Tributosaurus as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Saturday - August 23
11A - TBA
12:30P - Indika
2P - Forte
4P - Hello Dave
6P - The Shadows of Knight
8P - The Romantics
Blues Sunday - August 24
12P - Kraig Kenning
2P - Alex Wilson Band
4P - Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater
6P - Lonnie Brooks Blues Band
Q: How much will the Bash cost?
A: Except carnival rides, food and beverages, and any sale items, all attractions at the Backlot Bash will be free!
Q: Will the event create traffic detours in downtown Skokie?
A: Yes. Traffic will be rerouted around a two block stretch of Oakton Avenue beginning Friday at 10 a.m. through Sunday at midnight. Recommended alternate routes are:
For Westbound traffic - Traffic driving westbound on Oakton Street will be diverted at Lincoln Avenue, northwest to Gross Point Road, then southbound, back to Oakton Street. A notification sign will also be posted east of Skokie Boulevard so that drivers will have the option of taking Skokie Boulevard north or south, or proceeding to Lincoln Avenue.
For Eastbound traffic - Traffic driving eastbound on Oakton Street will be diverted at Gross Point Road, north onto Lincoln Avenue, then east/southbound onto Lincoln Avenue back to Oakton Street. Local residents will be able to access their neighborhood. The western end of the Oakton Street closure will physically begin at Laramie Street.
Q: Where can I park to attend Skokie’s Backlot Bash?
A: Please check the Traffic/Parking page for updates to the Backlot parking map.
Q: Will there be security at the event?
A: Yes. Skokie police officers will handle traffic. They will be assisted by private security on the event grounds.
Q: Will the noise level be addressed during the event?
A: Yes. Inherent in an event of this size is a higher than normal noise level. The event will end at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Ending times will be strictly enforced.
Q: Will the event be postponed or moved in the case of bad weather?
A: If the Skokie Fire Department determines that the weather presents a danger to festival attendees or participants, the event will be cancelled for that day. Events will not be moved or rescheduled. Cancellation will only occur if the weather is determined to be dangerous.
Q: Who will take care of any refuse problems?
A: Any and all garbage left as a result of this event will be picked up during and immediately following the event.
Q: How will beer be regulated on the event grounds?
A: There will be one designated beer tent on the grounds, where IDs will be checked. Further, beer will not be allowed outside of the tent at any time during the event.
Q: How can I get involved in helping with the Bash?
A: If you, or your group or business, are interested in volunteering at the Bash, please email FMKhan@SkokieParkDistrict.org. Click here to download a volunteer application.
Q: Who would I talk to about becoming a sponsor of the Bash?
A: Potential sponsors may call the event’s sponsorship coordinator, Janet Rosenberg, at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2156
Q: I have other questions and concerns regarding Skokie’s Backlot Bash. Is there a number I can call to voice these concerns?
A: Yes. Please leave a message with your name and telephone number at (847) 674-1500, ext. BASH (2274).
Q: Will there be food at the Bash?
A: Several food vendors will be set up at the Bash.
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Backlot Bash Vendor Information
Information for vendors participating in Skokie's Backlot Bash can be found in the following downloadable files (pdf's).
Please mail all applications to:
Pamela Zeid
c/o Skokie Park District
Oakton Community Center
4701 Oakton St.
Skokie, IL 60076
Merchandise Vendor Application
Classic and Antique Car and Motorcycle Show participants
To participate in the Backlot Bash car show on Saturday, August 23 or in the Backlot Bash motorcycle show, download the following guidelines and application (pdf).