Come to Mount Prospect's block party

Stop by the Mount Prospect Midsummer Downtown Block Party today where you'll find a vintage Rolls Royce, blue martinis and free roses.

In its ninth year, the party has a few new treats this year, just to keep it interesting, said Jim Uszler, executive director of the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, which is sponsoring the event, along with the village.

"Basically, we have more of everything," Uszler said. "Each year, we do try to make it a little more interesting, exciting and a little bigger."

It's from 4 to 9 p.m. in front of the village hall at Emerson Street and Busse Avenue. Admission is free.

New this year is the display of a 1928 Rolls Royce, in addition to vehicles that were there last year - a vintage American taxi and a 1937 Busse Flowers truck. And the Mount Prospect Bluesmobile is expected to make an appearance as well.

Also, don't miss "The Little People," a group of children's entertainers, who dress up in costumes and sing to the kids. Chris Petlak, an acoustical guitar player, will be new this year also.

And special for the occasion, the Blues Bar will be making a blue martini for the party.

But there will be those who will make a return.

The Fairlanes, a 1950s to 1980s rock 'n roll band, will be playing again. A jet ski will be raffled off, Uszler said. Busse Flowers is expected to be handing out flowers.

Free kids activities will include a moonwalk, climbing wall, pony rides, mini Ferris wheel, face painting and Goofer the Clown. Also returning will be slot car races where kids can control their own mini cars by remote control.

Kids activities will be available from 4 to 8 p.m.

The point of the party is to bring people to the downtown, so they can enjoy all it has to offer. It's expected between 5,000 and 6,000 people will stop by, Uszler said.