Skokie's Backlot Bash 2010 Packs a Punch

As the local rock band Rolling Thunder pumps up the growing crowd with an original tune Lost Generation, a father-and-son tandem glides down the triple Fun Slide at the nearby carnival lot.

Marie Hanna of Mi-La Snacks briskly stacks up tomatoes, sauerkraut and onions on a hot dog at her concession stand, while a group of teenagers wanders around exchanging chuckles and other children wait in line for their turn at the mechanical bull ride.

It's a warm and clear Friday afternoon, and summer still sizzles at the opening of Skokie's Backlot Bash 2010 edition.

"It's an incredible way of Skokie getting together and celebrating the end of summer," Skokie Park District President Mike Reid said shortly after the kickoff.

"It's a great event because the music is free, and people come here and just want to have a good time," Reid said.

The festivity, which started four years ago as a back-to-school carnival, takes place Aug. 27-29.

An estimated 30,000 people are expected at this year's event near Oakton Street and Lincoln Avenue in downtown Skokie.

On Saturday at 8:30 p.m., the nationally acclaimed band Presidents of the United States of America will headline the main stage. The Beatles tribute band American English will perform Sunday at 6 pm.

Aside from free live music, carnival attractions and food tents, the event also features the popular car show, arts and crafts, farmers market, a pancake breakfast and the 5K Backlot Dash.

According to Reid, the beer tent has been expanded to accommodate a bigger crowd. "We've taken the safeguards to make sure that people" are secure, he added.

This year, the event pays tribute to the centennial of Skokie's cinematic past.

Starting in 1910, Skokie, then called Niles Center, was a favored "movie backlot," where many short films, including Charlie Chaplin and Western movies, were made.

In fact, the name Backlot Bash was inspired by that historical connection. Back then, saloons and wood frame buildings dotted the dirt roads of Oakton and Lincoln, which resembled an old prairie town.

As part of the homage, The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be shown at the  Skokie Theatre on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Admission is $20. Proceeds will benefit the theater, which is facing a financial crunch.

On Sunday at 2 pm, the theater will also present silent movies accompanied by live piano.

Barb and Paul Trottier, who moved near downtown Skokie from Wilmette a year ago, said they did not find out about the event until they heard the music playing.

"It's a lot of fun," Paul said, adding that it was a good way of getting acquainted to his new community.

Nate Ureta, his wife Irene and their children, Izabel and Jarrett, also came out to relax on a Friday afternoon.

"It's for the kids," Nate Ureta said. "It gives the kids the opportunity to wind down from school and give them time to relax because the school just started."

"I think it brings the community together, and you get to see other people that you have not seen for a while," Irene Ureta added.

Penny Luytgaarden, a 39-year Skokie resident, said, "I love it. It's not only bringing money in, but it's making the people love the community they're in."

Joe Marzigliano, a 14-year Skokie police and crime prevention officer, said an "action plan" was in place to keep the event safe.

"All the officers and the supervisory staff have quite a bit of training in crowd control, so we're pretty much prepared," Marzigliano said.

"Most of the people come here -- in general -- are here for a good time. So most people are very well-behaved," he added.

The event is organized by the Skokie Park District in collaboration with the Village of Skokie, the Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie, the Skokie Public Library and the Skokie Chamber of Commerce.