Party Like a Rockstar Balloon Bar is ready for you to pop in its new Roscoe storefront

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROSCOE — A locally owned business that helps you transform your party into a vibrant celebration with unique balloon arrangements and LED marquee letters is preparing to open its first storefront.

Party Like a Rockstar Balloon Bar will celebrate its grand opening from 3-6 p.m. Thursday at 10514 Main St., which was Velvet Robot Coffee Lab before the cafe closed that location on Sept. 7.

The storefront will offer grab-and-go party needs such as balloons and cards, and it will showcase some of its more elaborate party services. Party Like a Rockstar can create custom balloon towers, bouquets and arches, as well as unique foils, tassels and backdrops. It also offers sleepover tents, LED marquee letters, photo booths, inflatable cinema and complete party planning services.

“We want to be a one-stop party shop,” said Sarah Doyle Hillabolt, who owns the business with her husband, Rich.

Party Like a Rockstar has been in business since January 2023, originally operating from a storage facility. With the loss of stores such as Party City, which ended operations after nearly 40 years in business, Doyle Hillabolt saw a renewed need for a celebration-focused storefront.

“I want them to walk in and feel joy,” she said. “I want them to see color and balloons and all the options of what we can bring — whether it be a few helium balloons or all the custom things that we can do.”

When you step inside the store you’ll see a wall of colorful balloons waiting to be inflated. There are more than 60 colors in various sizes ranging from 11 inches to 36 inches. The storefront also has a variety of cards, balloon towers and other decor on display.

Doyle Hillabolt previously ran Board and Brush Roscoe on Main Street, a do-it-yourself workshop that allowed you to create and craft with friends, co-workers and others in a social setting. She closed that after about six years of business in October 2021 amid the pandemic and her late husband’s battle with cancer. Shane Doyle, Sarah’s high school sweetheart, died in November 2021 at age 44. They had been married for 24 years.

“I loved owning a business. I needed a little time to find my way again for what was next,” Doyle Hillabolt said. “Being a widow, losing my husband to cancer. I feel like one thing I’ve taken with me in his loss is that life is short and we’re meant to celebrate all the little things.”

Doyle Hillabolt said Shane used to call her a rock star in running her business. She kept that name in mind while forming Party Like a Rockstar Tents and Events nearly three years ago.

“Starting this business and incorporating that and taking him with me on this journey was also really important to me,” she said.

Doyle Hillabolt said she missed having a downtown storefront, and is excited to welcome people into the colorful new venue. She runs the business with her husband, Rich, and a small team of employees.

“I’ve always loved hosting events, planning events, decorating,” she said. “I think balloons bring joy.”

Grand Opening | Party Like a Rockstar Balloon Bar

What: Party Like a Rockstar Balloon Bar will celebrate its grand opening with complementary snacks, giveaways to the first customers and chances to win prizes. Fork it Foods of Crystal Lake will have mocktails, lemonade, cider, a full grazing board and there will be apple cider donuts. The first 25 purchases will get goodies, including a coupon for a future visit. There is also a drawing throughout the grand opening weekend for a free party with balloons and LED marquee letters. Anyone who buys $100 worth of gift cards will get a party in a box (while supplies last), a $25 value.

When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16

Where: 10514 Main St., Roscoe

Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Info: partylikearockstartentsandevents.com

Phone: 815-270-0757

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas