The Friday night feature was the Bucktown All Stars!

It was a weekend of picture-perfect weather for the 2019 Back to Banks Bazaar! Jesuit’s campus was full of smiling faces as students, parents, alumni, and friends enjoyed clear skies and temperatures in the 70s throughout the two-day event.

View the Back to Banks Bazaar Photo Gallery

The party started on Friday night with Lenten seafood selections and music by the Bucktown All-Stars. The MCJROTC kicked things off with a presentation of the colors and the playing of the national anthem for the opening ceremonies. Guests were greeted with goodies by a crew of volunteers at the all-new Welcome Tent. Alumni received a coupon for a free soft drink or water, new students were given Jesuit gear, current students enjoyed complimentary french fries, and Jesuit faculty and staff were treated to 10 dollars in Blue Jay Bucks.

Fr. Fronk and Bazaar co-chairs Missy Martin, Caroline Wegmann, and Amy Burke share a laugh as the winning raffle ticket is pulled.

Then on Saturday, Bazaar-goers returned to soak up the sun and enjoy a day full of the joys of spring. Confetti lined the pavement and music filled the air at Carrollton and Banks. The Jesuit cheerleaders and Jayettes wowed the crowd with their spirited routines; the Jesuit Jazz Band kept things cool with their stylish repertoire. The afternoon featured a fierce student volleyball competition, from which Homeroom 1208 walked away as champions. The Philelectic Society gave a sneak peak of their spring musical Into the Woods before the J-Troup had the audience in stitches with their improv comedy set. The fun continued well into the afternoon as the band After Party took the stage to close out the festivity.

And while all this was happening, the Bazaar standards of mouth-watering food, exciting game booths, and valuable items for sale and auction gave attendees plenty to enjoy. Guests with a green thumb could visit the Plant Booth, while those looking to stock their pantry could do just that at the Frozen Food Booth or Sweet Shoppe. The Boutique and Blue Jay Shop were open for business selling Blue Jay themed crafts and apparel. 

“Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s Back to Banks Bazaar,” said Jesuit president Fr. Chris Fronk, S.J. “In particular I offer my gratitude to the chairs of this Bazaar, Caroline Wegmann, Missy Martin, and Amy Burke, to all those who invested in sponsorships or donated items, and to our volunteers, whose gifts of time and talent made this community-wide event possible.”