The Skokie tradition continues this year when the Backlot Bash takes over Downtown Skokie Friday, Aug 28 through Sunday, Aug 30. Skokie residents can spend the last weekend of August listening to bands and riding carnival rides as summer comes to an end.

It will kick off this Friday with an abundance of rides and games to play, including the start of the Bingo Bash. There will also be a performance from blues rock band The Fabulous Thunderbirds ft. Kim Wilson for one unforgettable night.

The party continues on Saturday with the Backlot Dash 5K and Kid’s Fun Run in the morning.

“It’s a great community event and everyone should get involved. The 5k is a great thing for everyone if you want to run, jog, or run.” Karin Wick fitness and health teacher said.

The run is followed by the library showing both classic films “It Happened One Night” and “Casablanca”. Bands will begin playing at 11:30, while the Classic Car Show is vrooming through the ages with cars from the 50’s and on.

For vikings there will be the DM Dunk Tank where students have the opportunity to dunk their favorite teachers…or least favorites. With a small fee students can aim and fire from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Relay For Life will also be fundraising their cause with exhilarating games of Bozo Buckets.

In the evening beginning at 7 p.m., there will be an all teen dance party. For others, the 70’s rock band The Psychedelic Furs will play, promising hits such as “Love My Way” and “Pretty In Pink”.

To end the festivities on a softer note, Sunday starts with a pancake breakfast only costing $6, showings of “The Philadelphia Story” and “Fantasia”, and the Farmer’s Market. Rides and bands continue throughout the whole day, ending with Tributosaurus making a tribute to The Cars.