An alliance once existed among the neighborhoods around Lake of the Isles…
For three decades, Lake of the Isles neighbors of all ages gathered annually to proudly show off their neighborhood colors and mascots.
This winter, the tradition of friendly neighborhood rivalry continues—East Isles Blue Raccoons, Kenwood Red Egrets and Lowry Hill Green Turtles will march again and compete in winter games on the lake on Sunday, January 29 from 2-4 pm.
Brightly dressed and cheering loudly, residents from each neighborhood will march from designated gathering spots to converge at the Lake of the Isles warming house (2500 East Lake of the Isles Parkway) where noble judges will select one neighborhood above all the rest to lift the Parade Award!
A figure skating program featuring skaters from all the neighborhoods will open the Games, followed by pickup hockey and open skating. Don’t let a lack of skates or skating prowess keep you away—there will be free lessons and rental skates for anyone who wants to join in.
ARTrageous will also run a winter creation station on the lake to tap into everyone’s creative powers. So come out to Palio! Stave off the chilly air around roaring bonfires, share treats and warm drinks as you visit and exchange stories with neighbors new and old.
From its start in 1982 when two Kenwood residents transplanted the idea from Italy, Palio has been a neighborhood favorite: 400 residents gathered at this inaugural event in Kenwood Park. Over the years, Palio has raised funds for various Park Board projects, ranging from a new popcorn machine to finishing the sidewalk connecting the east side of the lake to Kenwood Park.
Palio Winter Games will continue this tradition and each year will support the Lake of the Isles ice rink. Palio Fall Games will return to reunite our neighborhoods, and funds raised will continue to support Kenwood Park.
Shanti Mittra lives in East Isles.
