Kankakee United/City of Kankakee in partnership with the Illinois Coalition for Community Services, Harbor House, States Attorney’s Office, Duane Dean, Kankakee Public Library, YMCA, Project Sun, Kankakee Forgives, Still I Rise, and City Life are delighted to announce a Safe Summer Initiative, with several Pop-Up Kickback Events throughout the City of Kankakee. We will be kicking off our initiative at the Juneteenth event in Pioneer Park on June 17, 2023, On July 8, 2023, we will have a community block party in the Upper Riverview area at the corner of River and Elm. On July 22, 2023, we will be hosting a Game Day (location TBA). With the closers being a double Back 2 School Event – Back 2School Bash on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 12pm – 3pm in the parking lot across from Paramount theater. Lastly, A Back 2 School Fresh Look Braid and Cut -A-Thon Event on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Kankakee Public Library from 9am-5pm. Our goal for each event is to bring the community together and celebrate the summer and upcoming school year. Family, friends, neighbors, students, young and old are all welcome to this event.

These are free events and have a variety of activities, which will include: bounce houses, face painting, group activities, and so much more. Food and snacks will be provided by local vendors. DJ IlliestNoize will be providing entertainment for the duration of these event.

The Back 2 School Bash gives the residents of Kankakee County the opportunity to celebrate the start of a new school year and the chance to partner with community agencies on a personal level. This event will give everyone a chance to connect with the local organizations, play games, listen to music, enjoy different kinds of free food, interact with friends, family, other residents, and receive school supplies.