Lyons block party a hit

Annual event filled with food and fun

By Steve Metsch

Lyons Village trustee Pat Alonzi was taking a well-deserved break Sunday afternoon.

She rested on a folding chair during the annual block party she helps hosts every year in the village.

“My legs,” she confided, “are killing me.”

Alonzi, 81, was tired on Aug. 11 after a late night preparing for the block party.

“I was up until 2 in the morning making pasta, macaroni and tuna salads. Each tray serves 50. It’s a lot of work,” she said.

“But,” Alonzi added with a smile, “I’m glad that everybody came out.”

Konrad Avenue in Lyons was the place to be for the 12th straight year as a block party was held. Photo by Steve Metsch.

Several hundred people attended the block party held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Konrad Avenue and 40^thStreet on the village’s west side.

Sponsoring the party with Alonzi are Mayor Christopher Getty, Clerk Irma Quintero, Trustee Dan HIlker, Precinct Captain Kevin Thomas and the United Citizens Party, which serves as the mayor’s local poltical organization.

Guests were asked to bring food to share, in addition to what Alonzi and other provided.

They dined at picnic tables set up on Konrad beneath large white tents. There were two inflatable jump house set up for kids. Tony & the Affects played live music from the 1950s and ‘60s.

“We have two ponies. We have a petting zoo with six animals in it. The kids are thrilled,” Alonzi said referring to Sarah’s Pony Rides, based in Willow Springs.

While plenty of residents enjoying seeing old friends, Sara Andreas was busy making new friends.

The 22-year-old recently bought her first home and moves into Lyons from Cicero on Sept. 1.

“I enjoy events like this. There’s a small-town feel,” Andreas said. “I had some amazing baked beans, a Polish sausage that was delicious, and I had some great conversations.”

Mayor Getty was busy making sure beverages were kept cold.

“This block party is all about the community, bringing the neighbors together and just having a good time,” Getty said.

“We’ve improved it by having the petting zoo, the pony rides and the potato pancakes, fresh potato pancakes made by hand. Everybody comes together, volunteers, brings a dish. It makes it a great time for everybody,” the mayor added.

Desplaines Valley News

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Steve Metsch

Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at [email protected]