The Village of Stickney marked the 50th anniversary of its annual Old Tyme Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 6, drawing residents and former neighbors to 43rd and Ridgeland Avenue for free admission, live music, and fireworks.
Food trucks from Buona Beef, Rainbow Cone, and Water Works Pizza lined the event. The Hello Weekend band performed from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by Arra playing classics from 7 to 9 p.m. The evening concluded with fireworks. “I think these fireworks are always better than any others around every year,” one resident said.
The kids’ zone featured a petting zoo, balloon twister, face painting, and jump houses. A zipline made its debut this year as a new attraction, drawing youngsters back repeatedly.
Adults played bingo from 2 to 4 p.m., and competed for raffle prizes including a 40-inch television. Mayor Mitch Milenkovic and village officials greeted attendees throughout the day.
The event began in 1976 to mark the nation’s bicentennial and was originally intended as a one-time celebration. Its success led to annual repetitions, though there was a few year gap when funding dried up during difficult economic times. Once the tradition was revived, it’s been run every year since.
“We have food vendors, drinks, kids’ games, inflatables, always some great music, a lot of fun,” Milenkovic said. “A lot of residents come back that have moved out and residents that are still here, their families come to visit.”
