CHICAGO — The Oriole Park Advisory Council and city park district officials are teaming up on Friday to turn the park, 5430 N. Olcott Ave., into a one-night honky-tonk bonanza.
Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Smokey's BBQ & Grill, 5481 N. Northwest Hwy., will sell pulled pork, barbecue chicken and smoked brisket sandwiches alongside beans, corn bread and coleslaw at the park.
At the same time, a volunteer rodeo veteran will give roping lessons.
Free line dancing lessons will be offered starting at 7 p.m., and the country and bluegrass band Whistling Dixies will perform starting at 8 p.m.
When council president Liz Dechant asked members to suggest a music genre to tie the planned festival together, they "overwhelmingly" voiced a preference for country-western music, she said.
"We did a Facebook poll, and more people voted for it than have even turned out at some of our events," Dechant said. "Honestly, I had no idea how many people loved the country theme around here."
Council members will also sell drinks and candy while administering a 50-50 cash raffle to benefit the park.
