HYDE PARK — The Silver Room is bringing its annual block part back to Hyde Park July 15 with the expectation that the party will keep getting bigger.
Organizer Eric Williams revived the annual Wicker Park block party and brought it down to Hyde Park in 2016 after moving his store to 1506 E. 53rd St. He expects the event to keep growing.
Williams has launched a GoFundMe trying to raise $7,500 because the block party has now grown past his ability to fund it himself.
Last year the festival grew to 15,000 people coming to Hyde Park for 100 performances on four stages.
“Coming together 15,000-strong for a day of love is the best way we know to speak the truth about who Chicago really is,” organizers said on the fundraising page. “We know that music and art can unite us all.”
The money will be used to help pay performers and cover the city permits and equipment rental and security costs it takes to pull off the block party.
The event is a little less than halfway toward its $7,500 goal with more than $3,500 raised on Friday.
The Silver Room also hosted an auction Thursday to help pay for the event, auctioning 100 pieces of art, each with a starting bid of $50.
The event is expected to release a list of performers and vendors in the coming weeks.
