Happy 175th Birthday, Blue Island!

On a perfect September day, Blue Island Mayor Don Peloquin opened our Welcome Weekend on Friday, September 17 by unveiling the City’s new logo, marking the start of a year of promoting our fabulous history, architecture, and recreational opportunities to family and friends, residents and visitors alike.

Blue Island’s 175th Birthday Party kicked off with a performance from the Eisenhower Marching Band and featured a happy birthday singalong, cake and ice cream, a Welcome Weekend “King and Queen” (the oldest residents in attendance), and mementos shared by the partygoers.

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BI 175 Birthday cake from MetroSouth Medical Center

It's here! Blue Island welcomes a new era

Mayor Peloquin, Treasurer Bilotto, and Larry Garetto of Beggar's Pizza

Royon Williams, BI Clerk Pam Frasor, and BI Chamber Director Greg Lochow

Mayor Peloquin and Dr. Barbara Bellar of MetroSouth

Elias Rodriquez of Restaurante Tenochtitlan and BI Chamber Director Greg Lochow

BI Business owners Candace Carr and Ken Young

Residents cheer after singing Happy Birthday Blue Island

Mayor Peloquin cuts the first slice of birthday cake

BI Special Events Director Rita Pacyga serves cake to BI residents

Everyone loved the cake, ice cream, and beverages! Thanks MetroSouth, Shawn Michelle's, and Ultra Foods

The Queen of our 175th Birthday party - Lois! 83 years in Blue Island

The King of our 175th Birthday party - Herman! 81 years in Blue Island

Residents share mementos with Mayor Peloquin

Residents enjoying the many mementos brought to the party

Bauer Brewery bottle, from BI's first brewery, est. 1850s

Rock Island program from Chicago's Railroad Fair 1949

The first Rock Island train to pull into Blue Island

Residents enjoy the many stories of old Blue Island

Blue Island has embarked on a Preserve America Cultural Heritage Marketing and Outreach effort, made possible with a grant from the National Park Service.

Our Welcome Weekend was also supported by these generous sponsors:

Aldi, Blue Island Historical Society, Blue Island Public Library, Calumet Park Troublemakers Athletic Club, CARR home garden holiday, Darling International, Eisenhower High School Marching Band, George Poulos and Associates, James Street Associates, MetroSouth Medical Center, National Park Service, Restaurante Tenochtitlan, Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream, The Forum, and Ultra Foods – Calumet Park.