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You could take a cue from Rizzo and the rest of the Pink Ladies and bring along a bottle of "Sneaky Pete" (cheap dessert wine) and a box of Twinkies. Or, class it up with some of these old-school dishes:

• It wouldn't be a retro party without a batch of Chex Mix. Try the original recipe, or a spicy curried version.
• A traditional Waldorf salad won't disappoint, or try our version with a twist.
• Break out the Jello mold (or a bowl) for a Jello and fruit salad. Try Grandma's Pineapple Cucumber Lime Jello Salad from Simply Recipes.
• Danny's Polar Burger might be hard to transport to the park (and no grills are allowed), but a meatloaf sandwich would be just fine served cold. Go for a beef/pork/bacon mix, or a leaner turkey version. Serve on good bread with ketchup or spicy mustard.
• For a really special treat, try this New England Lobster Roll from Food Network's The Best Of: '50s Favorites.
• For dessert, how about a Whoopie Pie or a Root Beer Float Cake?
• And to drink, your favorite retro soda. A Green River, perhaps?

Whatever you're eating, here's to making the most of these last few "Summer Nights." See you next year!

• IMDB: "Grease"


• Chicago Outdoor Film Festival

Related: Movies in the Park Menu: An Affair to Remember

(Images: Paramount, and jslander, VirtualErn and NCBrian, licensed under Creative Commons)