University News

Build a Better Block Macomb Hosting Backstreet Bash Saturday in Downtown Macomb

July 13, 2021

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MACOMB, IL – With assistance from the Western Illinois University Peace Corps Fellows program, the Institute for Rural Affairs at WIU and the TKO fraternity, Build a Better Block Macomb will host a "Backstreet Bash" in downtown Macomb from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 17.

The Backstreet Bash will bring a wide range of Macomb organizations together to show the potential of the backstreets and alleys in downtown Macomb. Saturday's event will be held in Ewing Way, between Century 21 realtors and CMK Jewelers, and wrap around to the alley behind the East Side Square block (from CMK Jewelers to H&R Block). The Bash will feature live music, games and activities for the whole family and photo opportunities.

Event partners, and their activities, include:

• The Macomb Park District – Mini golf game

• The Macomb Centennial Morning Rotary Club – Backstreet Bags

• The Lions Club – Children's fishing game

• Macomb Arts Center – Art and Gift Market and a surprise photo opportunity

• The WIU Multicultural Center – Spin the wheel game

• Good Food Collaborative – Cooking demonstrations

• Big Brothers Big Sisters – Activity for kids

In addition to these activities, three local musicians will play live on the south side of Macomb City Hall, including:

• Bill Maakestad – 10 a.m.

• Dennis DeVolder – Noon

• King Neptune – 2 p.m.

The event will also feature a few projects to beautify the area, and create great opportunities for taking pictures. Build a Better Block Macomb hopes the event will create lasting memories for those who attend, as well as show the potential for underutilized spaces in the community to become vibrant public spaces.

For more information on the event, visit our Facebook Page at facebook.com/BetterBlockMacomb or tinyurl.com/2fekx4wc.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing