Rockin’ the Blocks in downtown Palatine this weekend

Downtown Palatine will rock this weekend as the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its second annual Rockin’ the Blocks community block party.

The free two-day event, highlighted by live music, family activities and some of the best festival food the village has to offer, kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday in the BMO Harris Bank parking lot at the corners of Brockway and Slade streets.

The live music starts at 6 p.m. Friday with the Allison Wonder Band, followed at 8 p.m. by popular cover band Alex and the All Stars. The music continues Saturday, concluding with a performance by headliner Trash Martini from 8:30 to 10:45 p.m. Other Saturday acts include Arthur Ritis and Slipped Discs, and Mustache Pete.

Food options will include a pig roast from Brothers Ribs, treats from Hot Dog Richie’s, pizza from Pasquale’s Pizzeria & Delicatessen and sweet treats from Signature Sweets and Rock N Roll Ala Mode.

The Rotary Club of Palatine will host the pop and water tent and d’Vine Wine will be on hand with a variety of wine choices. The beer garden will feature Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy and Fat Tire, and will be open for the duration of the event.

Family activities will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, and include an obstacle course, watermelon eating contests, dance and martial arts performances and demonstrations from the Palatine Police K-9 unit.

Throughout the afternoon, LegoLand will host Lego building contests, and a roaming balloon artist will be present along with numerous kids games. Positive Stokes Art Gallery will offer free face painting, a mosaic art booth and a community painting project.

For a nominal fees, a highlighted activity on Saturday include the Palatine Sings contest. The contest is open to all 6 to 19 year olds and registration is available in advance through the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce. The Palatine Jaycees will host a dunk tank to raise funds for their organization.

A portion of the funds raised throughout the event will benefit Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce scholarship programs.

Lead sponsors for ‘Rockin’ the Block’ are BMO Harris Bank and Weber-Stephen Products, LLC. Other sponsors include Allied A/C & Heating, Northrop Grumman, Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, and Palatine Bank & Trust.

For more information contact the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce at (847) 359-7200, visit www.palatinechamber.com or email info@palatinechamber.com.