1

New Year's Eve got off to a fast start at our friend Rochelle's crib in Wicker Park. Not one of the 10,000 person downtown blowouts by any means, but what an awesome spread of food!!! And it's always great to hang with a crew you normally don't run with. Key learning tho - I totally should have skipped dinner.

Party #2 was the nightcap at what was my first iteration of the infamous Carrie and Michelle New Year's Eve blowout at Addison and Ashland. While my favorite Sunday afternoon NFL gamewatching crew at Finley Dunn's doesn't throw many house parties, this one was one for the record books and was to be a repeat event for New Year's Eve 2005!

2

In on of our first 20/30 Club outings (which is now run by our friend Jack Rothstein as president) we hit the pre Winter Carnivale happy hour, a $20 all-you-can scarf down drinks and celebrity appearances by Pam and Sophia, Kristen's crew, Heidi's crew, and many others combined to make for a surprisingly fun outing for a Friday night in the middle of January. It is one heck of a long death march back across Irving Park back to the Sheridan Red Line Stop!

And now that our good friend Jack is President of the 20/30 Club, look for more of their events on the 2005 Top 25 List!

3

JDogFest 2004 and Southport Bar Tear
(Saturday, January 24)

This was one of those murderous Saturdays that started in Milwaukee with the Waukesha HHH Frozen Tundra Run in Bayview (South Side of Milwaukee), a quick visit to my friend Claire's post holiday party on the East Side of Milwaukee (hey, I was already in town and how often do you get to hang with a native-born French interior designer), and then blasting back down to Chicago for the main event, our buddy Jonas' house party on Southport and postpartyage at Blue Bayou. Holy Cow, by the end of that day I think I consumed enough alcohol to kill a small horse, but a great time was had by all.

  4

Sharon and Heidi's Birthday Party at Kelsey's
 (Saturday, February 7)

Headcount-wise, these events are never big blowouts on a total, but somehow a Heidi party manages to sneak into the Top 25 based on the outrageous consumption per capita!

9pm - 12midnight $20 All you can drink - Beer, Wine, Well Drinks and...snacks, so you can drink some more! Need more incentive? Heidi and Sharon were born in 1969. Do you know what else happened that year? Woodstock / Debut of Penthouse Magazine / Apollo 11 lands on the Moon. These girls were born into a world of parties, nudity and out of this world adventures... On February 7th, we re-lived it all!

5

Pre St. Patrick's Day Wipeout at Parkway and Winter Carnivale
(Saturday, March 6)

The description on the email invite says it all - "Those of you that have been there in the past know the drill - this is a free six hour party that usually tops out at around a thousand people. If you like free beer and lots of drunk Irish people (and who doesn't?) - this is the party for you." I still have yet to figure out who our benefactors are for this wonderful event, but all I can say is GOD BLESS YOU!

This year it was on the same day as the 20/30 Club Winter Carnivale Party at North Beach, so after an entire day of drinking on a date other than March 17, stick a fork in me - I'm done!!!

6

Patrick Cooney's Guinnessfest
(Friday, March 12)

Although the festivities of St. Patrick's Day Saturday can overshadow this Friday night classic, the flip cup races in the basement (geez Louise I haven't done that in years!), the copious amounts of green Bud Light, the kegs of the good stuff (Guinness and Harp kegs - can anyone say Black & Tan??), lack of a closing time (no liquor licenses at personal residences!) and the modest five buck cover charge at the Iowa Boyz Party Palace on Orchard & Diversey put this one on the list yet another year. May Cooney's Guinnessfest be forever a part of our traditions!!

7

Doug's Trolley in the Downtown Parade and Postpartyage
(Saturday, March 13)

St. Patrick's Day Saturday partyage fell off the list in 2003 because Guinnessfest and the South Side Parade simply eclipsed its already awesome partyage. Fret not because our buddy Doug rented out a trolley, complete with on-board beer dispenser (keg) and took us up Michigan Avenue to march in the downtown parade. Despite the fact our originally trolley blew a gasket and lost almost all its engine oil, a replacement trolley was quickly secured (although they left the "Sheet Metal Workers Local 73" banner on its side, and the party went on. Bonus amusement when our buddy Shaun got back to the trolley late and was almost left behind downtown were it not for a heroic last minute sprint worthy of a Ryan Newman run for the checkered flag!

8

Dante's South Side Irish Parade Bus Trip
(Sunday, March 14)

In what is rapidly gaining momentum as a PPC affiliate classic, our buddy Dante pulled it off yet again loading a couple of motor coaches with beer and revelers and taking all those crazies down to the South Side Irish Parade at 112th & Western.

A post-parade trip to some massive New Orleans-themed bar in the South Side capped off a perfect day. Pictured Left to Right are my friends Carrie, Stephanie, Kerry and me. Too bad Dante's gonna be in Italy for the 2005 SSIP but plans are in the works for an even better bash as we have several new friends that have houses (can you say HOUSE PARTY??) within blocks of Western Ave!!!

9

PPC's First Annual Spring Break Pub Crawl
(Saturday, March 27)

In the PPC's first charity fundraiser event since our 9/11 disaster relief party back in October 0f 2001, over 100 hardy souls gathered for a grand romp up Southport starting at Will's and ending at of course, Joy Blue in the PPC's first annual Spring Break pub crawl and raised hundreds of dollars for the Racine Women's Resource Center.

Pictured to the left are some of my crew of die-hard former co-workers, Renee, Jean and Erin who roadtripped all the way out from Michigan to enjoy partyage in Chicago! These chicks absolutely ROCK!!

10

The Arlington Home for Men's 10th Annual Masters Pub Crawl and Sabby's Martini Party (Saturday, April 10)

In the largest non-Festa pub crawl I know of in the city of Chicago, this annual classic started off once again at Augie's on Wrightwood with 400+ people scattered across three separate flights. Special thanks to my 2004 Masters teammates, Jen and Craig whose kept us on Eagle pace (drink a pitcher at each bar in five minutes or less!) for the first five bars! Jen, who I believe went to Northern, flipped me like a cheese omelet in the last few bars throwing down those pitchers like a pro. Remind me never to send my kids to that school.

Then, on to Sabby's martini party in Wrigleyville, as if drinking over three pitchers of beer earlier that day just wasn't enough alcohol in the system yet! Another one-two punch kind of day that is a K.O. waiting to happen.

11

Roscoe Village Charity Pub Crawl and Post Crawl Karaoke (Saturday, April 17)

Okay, so the Roscoe Village Neighborhood Association does these twice a year. They always use the same route, start at Black Rock (can't complain about free pizza and dollar drafts tho) and end at Roscoe Village Bars way too small for the 200+ people that usually turn out for this, charge $20 cover, give you a t-shirt which may or may not be from that days' event, so how did this make the 2004 Top 25 List?

One word: KARAOKE. After a fun-filled afternoon of drinking and cramming into the tiny bars of Roscoe Village, the crew really got into it and worked out the pipes at Four Treys. To a sober person this probably looked like a bad train wreck (or worse), but alas, we were not.

12

Post Kickball Cinco De Mayo at O'Brien's
(Wednesday, May 5)

It just so happened that Cinco de Mayo 2004 fell on a Wednesday, right after my Wednesday night kickball league, so what happens when you mix dozens of thirsty kickballers, with a Cinco de Mayo party sponsored by Beechwood (the Milwaukee Anheuser distributor, similar to Chicago's River North) at our favorite Washington Park watering hole, O'Brien's? More carnage on a school night than I have ever seen outside of March 17th.

Special thanks to Jo at Beechwood for the mile wide sombreros and great games. Thank heavens nobody got an eye put out by those things! Pictured from bottom left are my teammates Jed, Kathy, me, Fletch, and former unindicted co-conspirator Rob (I think).

13

Ten Innings at Wrigley CH3 Pub Crawl
(Friday, May 14)

Another new pub crawl debuted on the calendar in 2004 called "Ten Innings at Wrigley" combined the PPC pub crawl regulars with a bunch of folks from the Chicago Hash House Harriers going from Chicago's Blarney Stone and ending at Holiday Club (yes, venues close to the Red Line!).

Once again, not the biggest blowout of the season, but the pictures speak for themselves... you know folks had a great time. Another great new success and look for Ten Innings 2005 at the end of May!

14

PPC's 13th Annual Chicago Fourth of July Party (Saturday June 26 - Saturday July 3). 

The PPC's Flagship Event. 2004 Marked a sad milestone with 13th annual and last ever Scavenger Hunt Pub Crawl starting at Party Central. But 2004 also marked a new beginning as we combined our boat Cruise / Hangge Uppe postparty with the 20/30 Club of Chicago for our biggest cruise EVER. Pictures from Last Ever PPC 4th of July Party BBQ Picnic, as well as Last Ever Scavenger Hunt Pub Crawl Album #1 / Album #2.

Although many of the old guard has fallen by now (heck, Mahu now has two kids!!) our constant evolution forced us to sunset this storied tradition, the PPC will soldier on with newer events which better reflect our changing demographic, but fret not, PPC 4th of July events will continue with the Boat Cruise/Hangge Uppe, Fireworks & Concerts in Grant Park, and even baseball games as ticket opportunities present themselves.

15

 
Ivy's Luau Party in St. Louis (Saturday July 24).

Not much will get me out of town the weekend of Taste of Lincoln Avenue (D'oh!!!), but my good friend Ivy was having her annual Luau party/ run that weekend which she's been talking up for like forever so it was time for a roadtrip. What an awesome party!!

I did however learn that while St. Louis is an easy five-hour drive from Chicago, that same drive coming back inbound with a huge hangover made for a not very fun drive. Next time it will be Southwest Airlines for 85 bucks!! But mad props to my friend Ivy for organizing and hosting the party, and providing wayward out-of-towners like myself with great non-floor crash space. Album #1 / Album #2
 

16

Shuman's 'Excuse to Have a Party"
(Saturday, August 7)

The second party of the year at the new Shuman Estate on Lincoln by Jonquil park was met with great weather, great food, great drinks, and great times. Tequila shots pretty much kept my evening under wraps, but also an appearance by our good friend Alberto and his infamous tequila punch pretty much sealed the deal.

Regular gluttons for punishment that night included Kurt & Felicia, Matt, Sandy, Laura, and even a rare Valerie (Mike's sister who is also on the UM cool list and throws a kick-ass cookie baking party each December which overlaps the 12 Bars of Christmas!). And ya gotta love folks that will throw a great party on even the slightest excuse. Mike, you DA MAN!

17

6th Annual Post-Air & Water Show & 15th Annual Taste of Hoevel (Saturday August 21)

This is my largest party of the year along the lines of a Festapalooza! 200+ people in the Big Backyard at Party Central. Once again we rented a porta pot to ease the 45-minute restroom lines we had in 2002. Great crowd and very fun & diverse. This year no appearances by the cops and no rain! Despite more resupply efforts than the US Military in Baghdad, every last drop of vodka in the place was gone by 1:45am. At least the three kegs of beer made it to the bloody end!

This year for the first time we combined the traditional Taste of Hoevel postparty with Post Air & Water Show and the combined crews really got the numbers out!

18

Nora's Birthday Outing at Wrigley and Postpartyage at Cubby Bear (Friday, August 27)

This year our friend Nora grabbed a bunch of Cubs tickets for her birthday, and we started out with a classic tailgate party at the Big Backyard at Party Central, then off to Wrigley to catch the Cubs game, and then afterwards, more carnage at the Cubby Bear.

Doesn't sound like anything particularly wild, but the pictures tell it all. Special celebrity sightings included Nora's parents and our good buddy from Argentina, Rodrigo as well as the "other Nora". Good weather, good friends, the Cubbies, and Wrigleyville bars... it just doesn't get any better than this!! CRAAAZY!!!!

19

Marietta's Chicago Visit Partyage
(Friday, October 8)

One of the few remaining PPC old guard party organizers and our good friend Marietta was back in town visiting from London so it's time to get the old school crew together (Mahu, Barnum, Fitzie, Tina, etc.) and party like it's 1998 again! Started off grabbing at bite to eat at Tilly's on Halsted and ended up, where else, at the Hangge Uppe. For just a brief moment, it was just like being back at 1834 N. Howe St. A classic party and a taste of the good ole days!!! Also, Tina's Pix

Update 2/18/2005: Congrats to Marietta on her recent engagement!!! Just please don't have the wedding in London as that would kill us all!!!

20

"Pave and Dam's" Wedding (Saturday, October 16)

Our good friend Dave fellow Michigan alum decided to get married on the same day as the Michigan - Illinois football game, thus putting the kibosh on plans for a promising roadtrip that day to Champaign to watch the Illini get demolished. Dave just went from the cool list, to the "people I need to kill before I die list".

But he quickly recovered from this Category Five Party Foul by having one of the most kick-ass wedding receptions of the year. And stumbling distance home from Party Central, not to mention playing the Victors during the reception itself. You just can't pay for this kind of entertainment and one of the few times in 2004 there is confirmed evidence of me out on the dance floor. Album #1 / Album #2

21

Festa's Murphy's Bleacher's Lakeview Shelter Fundraiser Party (Thursday, October 28)

Once again, Festa hit his stride with this Thursday night wipeout at Murphy's Bleachers. Whether it's the super friendly crowd, the cool Wrigley Field venue, or the fact that it's a school night, once again Festa hit one over the fence onto Waveland with one of the most fun Halloween parties of the season. Special thanks to my buddy Jonas for taking pictures of me dancing with whoever that friend of Kevin's was... I totally forgot her name - D'oh!! (just remember, what comes around goes around and payback is a b...tch) ;)

I did score some 2005 Ravinia tix in the raffle, and the Trained professionals among our crew know to definitely take Friday off from work after this one tho!!

22

24th Annual Rush & Division Halloween Tavern Tour (Saturday, October 30)

Due to conflicts in prior years I've heretofore never been able to attend this classic hosted by my fellow party organizer, Camille at the Lodge Group, but not this year. Holy cow was that a great time! You burn through a lot of coin tho as you're pretty much hitting the core of Rush & Division bars without any specials.

Props to Kurt who resurfaced at this event after a disappearing longer than a nuclear ballistic missile submarine under the polar ice cap during the Cold War. Good to see you're still alive!

23

Cheese Fest 2004 at Rush & Division
(Saturday, November 13)

Our friends Keith and Christine resurrected a longstanding tradition of a cheese-themed pub crawl through sum of the cheeseiest bars in the Rush & Division corridor. While I was initially somewhat skeptical, momentum on this event built quickly and this turned out to be one of the great surprises of the year! Running into a bachelorette party at Finn McCool's didn't hurt either, entertainment-wise! Congratulations to our newly crowned "Cheese Queen"!

24

8th Annual PPC 12 Bars of Christmas
(Saturday, December 4)

The PPC's Winter Flagship event broke all previous records crossing 400+ persons (heck, I ran out of wristbands!!)  for the first time ever! Who were all those people?? Once again we took our now classic route through Lincoln Park, starting at River Shannon and ending at Crush and The Union Tavern. We leveraged the 2003 success with the two-bar Kelsey's/Kendall's halftime party and including yet another bonus bar (Wise Fools - okay so it was the 13 Bars of Christmas!) helped ease the congestion and mayhem.

This year someone grabbed a Chirstmas tree at Home Depot while we were cruising up Halsted which we carried from bar to bar!! A great time was had by all and we met some awesome new friends!!! Get ready for the PPC's 9th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas on December 3, 2005!!

25

Festa's TBOX 9 (Saturday, December 11)

This has to be the largest pub crawl I have ever seen and preliminary indications are we had over 1,500 people at this behemoth. New for this year as a nine-bar round robin in the middle (of course I had to do all the bars!).

Started off this time at chez Festa on Newport for the second annual Torch Relay (I hit eight stores before I found tiki torches in December) and ended at Hi-tops hitting all 15 bars (including the three alternates).

Went "wire-to-wire" for the third time in a row and did proud the VIP Badge #0003 that his Festa-ness so graciously honored me with this year. Special props to my wing man Tracey who did all 15 of the bars with me and helped keep me out of too much trouble. Album #1 | Album #2 |  Festa's  Pictures