In 2001, about 25,000 people attended Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party, including cast members from MTV’s “The Real World Chicago” and two local singles, Bobby Logue and Kelli Knowles (pictured, right). We don’t know how the cast members fared, but love was the reality for Logue and Knowles, who married in 2006 and have since started a family. According to Old St. Pat’s church, the Logues are among 80 known couples who married after meeting at the fest. Does this singles sensation confirm the myth of block party magic? Or is it simply the work of beer and sunshine? We asked the Logue family for the juicy details.
Did you go with the intention of meeting someone?
Bobby Logue: I think anytime you go to a street festival ... you're thinking about that. You want to have fun, you want to drink, you want to hang out, but you're hoping you'll bump into someone.
How did you meet?
B.L.: We met at the entrance, walking in. I saw this really pretty girl wearing this baseball cap and she had something on her foot.
Kelli Logue: I dropped a hammer on my toe, and I had one of those big boots that keep your feet straight. It was awful.
B.L.: The first thing I said when I saw her was something like, ‘Do you need help getting through [the gate]?’ [Laughs] We didn't say anything more to each other after that. ... Later, in line to get beer tickets, I turn around and there's this girl. And I'm like, ‘She's stalking me.’
K.L.: In total, we ran into each other at least five times. We'd go watch bands and all of a sudden I'd turn around and there he'd be. And I was getting more and more frustrated because I'm like, 'He's acting like he likes me but he's not even asking for my number!' And then he'd walk away and I'm like, 'He's never going to see me again.' And then we'd run into each other again.
B.L.: Tell them what you really thought.
K.L.: I told my friend, ‘What a slime ball. I think he must have a girlfriend.’ … And then it was funny because the next day I was in line at Sheffield Garden Walk … at Brother Jimmy's to get pulled pork, and he was in the same line. And I needed two more tickets to get the cole slaw. So I yelled out, ‘Bobby Logue! Can I have two tickets?’ And again, we ran into each other a couple of times. … And he didn't ask for my number again.
B.L.: I got her name. And I knew where she lived. And I knew where she worked.
K.L.: So he called information. Well, my name is spelled K-n-o-b-l-e. So he was looking under 'N.' Couldn't find my number. So Monday morning … He just called Lincoln Park Zoo and asked for ‘Kelli.’
Where was your first official date?
Both: We went to Cullen's.
Obviously you hit it off, right?
B.L.: It was just really easy to talk to her. It was a really nice day. ... We were sitting outside.
So maybe there’s something about being outside that makes it easier to meet someone?
B.L.: You know how miserable the winters are. … We're all so excited for spring and summer. I think that's what makes the street fests more exciting. Girls are wearing less, guys are wearing less. We all feel a bit better about being out.
Considering your story, do you think there's some sort of magic at the block party?
B.L.: I don't know if it's the magic, but one of the neat things about Old St. Pat's is ... it's huge. So you're not packed. ... You can get away from people. … You feel more comfortable, a little bit more at ease talking to people.
So it's not street-festival magic in general?
K.L.: Old St. Pat's has a great community. … Who knows how many people might have met at Sheffield Garden Walk.
B.L.: Obviously, when you're 23 or 24 you're thinking, 'Hey! I want to go down there and have a great time. I want to party.' But I think afterwards, that's a really true statement, that it is all about the community. Maybe that's the magic.
Do you have any tips for singles this summer?
B.L.: I think groups are critical. It's just a lot easier. You can have some common interaction with a group versus 'I think you're really cute.'
Less like a stalker.
B.L.: Exactly. You don't feel like a stalker hounding people.
K.L.: Be social and outgoing and enjoy it.
Rebecca Palmore is the Metromix events producer; Lisa Balde is the Metromix print editor. rkpalmore@tribune.com; lbalde@tribune.com
