Fun Run Start: 10:30am
Parade Start: 12pm
Location
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.
If you already paid for early-registration for the 5K, you’ll receive an email in the next several days with an option to donate your registration fee or to request a refund.
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
This October 18, 2020, building on the established success of the Roscoe Village Neighbors Halloween Parade, which is attended by over 5,000 people per year, RVN hosts its 3rd annual Roscoe Village 5K race and Fun Run the morning of this annual event, the parade now in its 20th year.
This will be an all-day celebration of Halloween and the Roscoe Village community which will include the following schedule of activities:
8:00am – 8:45am On-site packet pick-up and on-site registration will be available for $50/person for the Roscoe Village 5k, and $20/person for the Fun Run.
9:00am – 10:30am 5K race winding through the streets of Roscoe Village, costumes will be encouraged
10:30am – 11:00am Age 10 and under kids Costumed Fun Run down Roscoe Street. All kids participating will receive a finisher’s medal
12:00pm– 12:30pm The 20th Annual RVN Halloween Parade, beginning at Oakley and proceeding to Damen
12:30pm – 4:00pm Crafts, a photo booth, food trucks, activities, and much, much more
The race, featuring the streets of Roscoe Village, is geared toward all ages and competition levels! All proceeds will go back to directly benefitting the community and its neighborhood programs.
Costumes are encouraged for all in attendance. There will also be food, music, and beer booths. Whether you are a serious runner, or just love to celebrate Halloween, the event will bring together running enthusiasts, school supporters, neighbors and party-goers of all ages.
This year’s post-race activities (located between Hoyne and Hamilton on Roscoe) promise to be the biggest ever. We’ve increased the number of craft and activity tables, commissioned a photo booth and arranged for food trucks to be in place.
From tents set up along Roscoe to dancing, costume-contests, food vendors and photo vignettes they’ll be something for everyone. Dress up in your costumes and come see why Roscoe Village was rated #1 for best trick-or-treating!
Refund Policy: Email [email protected] for refunds
USATF Course Certification Number: IL18045NM
Weather Policy: Race officials will be monitoring any inclement weather throughout the weekend of the race. The event will continue as scheduled in the circumstance of rain but will be delayed if any lightning moves into the area. The race will begin no later than 9:30 a.m. If inclement weather causes a delay that would result in a start time after 9:30 a.m., the event will be cancelled. Any updates related to weather will be distributed via speakers at the event and on StarEvents official social media channels.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected], and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
NOTE: Between 8:00am – 8:45am on the day of the race, on-site packet pick-up and on-site registration will be available for $50/person for the Roscoe Village 5k, and $20/person for the Fun Run.
