Retro on Roscoe

Dear Villagers,

It’s hard to believe that summer is already upon us!

During normal times, the RVN Board typically would be hard at work this summer, pulling together all of the pieces that go into putting on Chicago’s best street festival – Retro on Rosco. Retro is an extremely important event for our community, not only because of the joy it brings to thousands of residents and visitors every year but also because Retro generates almost 100% of RVN’s budget, which is used to improve the lives of everyone who lives, works, or plays in Roscoe Village.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we have made the extremely difficult decision to cancel this year’s major annual events, including Retro on Roscoe, the Halloween Parade, and the Roscoe Village 5K. We did not make this decision lightly, but, after soliciting feedback from community members, reviewing guidance provided by health professionals, and debating every side of the issue, we have come to the conclusion that hosting our major events in the current climate unnecessarily puts Roscoe Village residents at risk and adds to an already stressful social environment.

Now the good news. Retro on Roscoe 2021 is scheduled for August 13-15, 2021, and we are confident that it will be better than ever! While we will not be not holding our major events this year, we have and will continue to provide support for the community. For example, despite the financial impact of canceling all major events this year, to-date RVN has:
committed at least $15,000 to fund RVN’s annual grant to Audubon Elementary for 2020;
donated $3,500 to the Common Pantry and Roscoe Village restaurants towards the “I Am Your Neighbor” Carryout Meals Program;
dedicated funds to help support the greatest areas of need in our community this summer, including securing basic life necessities for those who are struggling;
worked to develop a soon-to-be-announced opportunity for the community to raise funds for projects benefiting RV residents and businesses;
funded RVN beautification projects such as the planters on Roscoe Street and repainting the bridge mural.

We are a strong and resilient community, and the RVN board is committed to continuing to support this amazing community even if that support looks different this year. Please help your neighbors and local businesses as you are able, and we will all get through this together. As always, we welcome your feedback, and keep a lookout for future messages from RVN with updates and about how you can help.

RVN Board of Directors

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Ever wish you could go back in time? Well here’s your chance! Referred to by Patch as a “Generation X haven”, Chicagoans looking for a blast from the past don’t need to look further than the 24th annual Retro on Roscoe festival. Go back in time with music enthusiasts, families, and gearheads for a back in the day weekend.

Three stages will be spread amongst an eminent six-block stretch in Chicago’s favorite Roscoe Village. Live music will play oldies and throwbacks along with popular hits to keep festival goers moving through the hot summer nights! The soundtrack for the annual Retro on Roscoe will be the bomb!

The beautiful tree-lined streets of Roscoe Village will set the scene for artisans, antique vendors and cool merchants in an offbeat shopping atmosphere that is second to none. Roscoe Village’s top restaurants will also serve up much-desired summer treats that will keep the whole family pleased.

After eating some small bites make sure to head over to the family area that offers prime inflatables, delectable crafts, balloon artists, face painting, music, rides and more. Once the kids have their dose of entertainment, put the pedal to the metal with the Antique and Classic Car and Motorcycle Show. Presented by Four Treys Bar, Retro’s Antique Car Show will showcase over 50 antique, classic and muscle cars throughout the festival weekend.

Admission to Retro on Roscoe is a $10 suggested donation. The Roscoe Village Neighbors are a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers that work hard daily to ensure committed excellence in advocacy of quality-of-life for Roscoe Village, its residents, and merchants alike.