HUMBOLDT PARK — The 606, Chicago's elevated park system connecting four neighborhoods, is turning one next month. To mark the milestone, organizers are planning a massive block party with music, crafts and community processions along the 2.7-mile-long Bloomingdale Trail.
Set for 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, the party will begin with a festival at Humboldt Boulevard between Wabansia and Cortland Avenues on the western end of the trail.
There will be two music stages, one with acts presented by Vocalo and Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, and the other featuring Summer Dance-style programming. The stages will offer performances by Luis Palermo and the Barsa All-Stars (Salsa), The Flat Five (Alternative Country), Los Vicios de Papá (Latin Ska /Reggae), and two-time Grammy nominee Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players.
Throughout the day, the Chicago Park District’s Kidsmobile will provide crafts at Julia de Burgos Park, 1805 N. Albany Ave. in Humboldt Park and "family recess games" at Walsh Park, 1722 N. Ashland Ave. in Bucktown.
Additionally neighbors and friends of The 606 are invited to show their community spirit by forming their own processions along the Bloomingdale Trail toward the Humboldt Boulevard festival, which will offer food and 30 booths with hands-on activities.
"Gather your people and suit up for a procession that you design, with whatever bells, whistles and bling you like," The 606 posted on its website.
The party will conclude with an “Illumination Hour” procession on the Bloomingdale Trail from 8 to 9 p.m. using illuminated objects that artist will help marchers make onsite.
In a post on The 606's website, Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised the park, which he described as "an abandoned rail line that used to divide four neighborhoods is now uniting them and bringing residents from across Chicago to walk, bike, or simply enjoy this unique public space."
“In just the first year, the 606 has become a true community corridor and one of Chicago’s great promenades. On this special first anniversary, I want to congratulate everyone from the community who never gave in and never gave up, as well as all of the partners who helped make the 606 a reality," Emanuel said.
The Reva and David Logan Foundation, Comcast, NBC Universal and Northwestern Medicine Bucktown are the official partners of The 606 Block Party, and Goose Island is the official beer sponsor, according to The Trust for Public Land, the city's public-private partner tapped to oversee the design and construction of The 606, which was named for the 606 prefix found in every ZIP code in the city.
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