to watch the first World Series game at Wrigley Field in
Chicago since 1945. (Photos by Ashley Cady/
H-F Chronicle)
Editor’s note: The village of Homewood will host another World Series viewing tonight at 6:30 p.m. on Martin Square just north of the intersection of Martin Avenue and Ridge Road.
The Chicago area has been overcome with excitement since the Cubs made it into the World Series for the first time since 1945. That is, if you are counting, 71 years.
For those fans unable to make it to Wrigleyville for this historic event – and fork over hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to be there — the village of Homewood made it easy to celebrate the Cubs’ World Series drive.
On Friday, the village hosted a viewing party at Martin Square for Game 3 of the World Series. The brisk, 62-degree October evening was a perfect night for close to 100 community members who were there to cheer on the North Side squad.
A giant inflatable screen, bleacher seating and popcorn replicated the feeling of being at the ballpark. LaVoute Bistro and Bar offered patio seating and alcohol sales, with snacks available from TJ’s Kettle Corn.
“We really wanted to offer something to our residents to bring them downtown to highlight the Cubs making it to the World Series, to bring people out and bring a sense of community out here in Homewood,” said Zach Thomas, the village’s marketing and events director.
“We kind of put this together in just a few days. Obviously, once we realized that the Cubs were going to the World Series it was like, ‘Well, what do we want to do about this?’”
Thomas said he’s seen other communities celebrate regional events with viewings or outdoor parties.
“You know we’ve got this beautiful Martin Square. [So we thought] ‘Why don’t we rent a screen, keep it really low key for those first couple of times and see what the reception is like. Let’s just have an outdoor party, invite the village out, get it out there on social media and the newsletter and have a big party out here in the street.’”
After going to several Cubs games this season, Carrie Curran decided to bring her children to Martin Square once she read about the event on Facebook.
“This is great for the community,” Curran stated.
Lifelong Cubs fan Steve Ploum notes that an event like this brings great morale to the village.
“[This is] good community building, even on the South Side,” he said.
With the Homewood water tower lit up in the background, the crowd watched as the Cubs tried to make their hometown proud.
The Cleveland Indians ultimately prevailed Friday night, scoring one run to win the game. But, regardless of the outcome, Homewood’s presentation of the game was obviously a success.
