After 35 years, the World’s Largest Block Party at Old St. Pat’s has ended.
The church announced on its website Tuesday that it will not host the iconic event because they “feel it’s time for us to start imagining and creating events that will launch us into the next chapter of our community life.” But a new event is coming, the church revealed.
Over the years, the block party has attracted thousands of people to the city church and become a “one of Chicago’s signature summer-time festivals.”
“We are so proud of the amazing run of the World’s Largest Block Party we have enjoyed for these past 35 years. Without those significant funds, much of what we do today at Old St. Pat’s would never have been realized,” Father Tom Hurley wrote in a message to supporters.
Hurley said the church is now, however, a “much different place” and the summer event scene is growing more crowded in Chicago.
“We are grateful for where we have been and we are excited as we look to the future and starting to plan events, experiences, and programs that reflect where we are going,” Hurley said.
Instead, the church is planning to throw a new block party for St. Patrick’s Day.
Local
The all-ages event, called “Shamrock’n the Block” will be held in the West Loop neighborhood in front of the church.
Few details on the “pop-up pub” were revealed, but organizers said it will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on March 14.
