THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO - MEMORIAL DAY TRADITIONS AND MORE!
Chicago, as well as its surrounding areas, has a chockfull of events lined up as we "unofficially" kick-off our summer this Memorial Day weekend!
So, without further ado, here's what's up -
Soldier Field 10 Mile is an annual race sponsored by Fleet Feet, and gets started at 7:30 a.m. this Saturday outside Soldier Field located at 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive. This event also features a 2-mile fitness walk and a kids' race, with post-race festivities inside the stadium, so be sure to stick around.
Bike the Drive is an event where cyclists take to Lake Shore Drive (no auto traffic for five hours) for a 15- or 30-mile non-competitive ride. You can begin the course this Sunday between 5:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Afterwards, head on over to Butler Field in Grant Park for a post-ride bash from 8:00 a.m. to Noon with live music and an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast for $7.00 extra. Sounds like a great deal to me!
Chicago's Memorial Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday with the Wreath Laying Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza in Chicago at Dearborn and Washington Streets, and the parade following at 12:00 p.m. at 200 N. State Street, which features marching bands, veterans' groups and Gold Star Families. You certainly don't want to miss this parade billed as one of the largest in the country!
Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade is a patriotic tradition by this Chicago neighborhood that has continued undisturbed for over a century. The parade starts off from Onahan School located at 6634 W. Raven on Monday at 11:00 a.m., and brings out the entire community!
Fete for the Vets held at The Tin Lizzie in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at 2483 N. Clark Street, will have guest bartenders who have served in the armed forces slinging up drinks this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. ALL tips will benefit veterans and their families, so get our there and have one for a Vet!
Randolph Street Market Festival officially opens this Saturday and Sunday for its 7th annual European-style fair with themed mini-markets, a pet-friendly outdoor market, kids' activities and more. This festival is located in the West Loop neighborhood at Randolph and Ada Streets (1350 W. Randolph Street). Also, get free admission on Sunday if you participate in Bike the Drive!
Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival now in its 26th year will feature local, regional and national bands this Saturday and Sunday. This popular street party is held at Sheffield and Belmont Avenues (3200 N. Sheffield Avenue) in the Lakeview neighborhood.
The Arboretum of South Barrington Memorial Weekend Block Party is an all-day event which features live entertainment including performances by the 10,000 Maniacs and Michael McDermott this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in South Barrington at Higgins and Route 59 (100 W. Higgins Road), which is a suburb of Chicago. This 2nd annual block party also includes food, shopping, rides, face painting and more. But, more importantly, this event will benefit the Heart of the Marine Foundation and spread awareness about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International!
Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest is an annual event which features live music, storytelling, theatrical performances, kids' entertainment, Irish merchandise and much more! It even includes unlimited carnival rides!! This fest is located in Gaelic Park at 6119 W. 147th Street in Oak Forest, a suburb of Chicago.
Memorial Day Fireworks at Navy Pier kicks off its season on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. at Navy Pier located at 600 E. Grand Avenue with a spectacular display of colorful fireworks that are synchronized to the music of soundtracks and runs all summer long!
So, on this Memorial Day weekend, as you are out celebrating with family and friends, please take a moment to honor all our Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country so we can enjoy wonderful events such as those taking place this weekend.
Special Sports Announcement:
Stanley Cup Finals -- Chicago Blackhawks v. Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1, Saturday, 7:00 pm., NBC; Game 2, Monday, 7:00 p.m., NBC
MAY GOD KEEP BLESSING AMERICA AND THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS!!
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
