South Loop Journal August 2015

VOL.1 NO.3

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August 2015

A NEWSLETTER FROM THE SOUTH LOOP COMMUNITY

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Jubilant festivalgoers flood South Loop streets

Get to know community groups The summer festivals revitalized South Loop but left residents feeling dirty and tired.

Lollapalooza crowds on S. Michigan Ave. Photo credit: Daniel Patton.

By Michael Heinley | Community Contributor

By now everybody has had the opportunity to see the South Loop transform rapidly into the epicenter of Chicago’s festivals and special events culture. For many, this rightfully brings the excitement of unparalleled access to some of the city’s biggest events.

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Those events include Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, Grateful Dead’s “Fare Thee Well Tour,” American Beer Classic, the NFL Draft, Spring Awakening, and many more.

The economic benefits of these events are undeniable for local business owners with hotels being full at premium rates, and convenience-store items becoming neces-

sities for thousands of people.

But to South Loop residents, festival season can fatigue even the most enthusiastic person.

Festivals bring along issues that are inevitable for such affairs: traffic, long restaurant lines, litter, and overall gridlock. People dressed in Turn to Festival, Page 4

Page 8

Calendar of Events South Loop P10

2 / AUGUST 2015

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SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

NEWS

By Tracey Lewis | Staff Writer

Fire Fest moves to Northerly Island

New Wingers USA restaurant opens

McCormick Place redevelopment

tenants. This area will allow customers to purchase carryout meals. The makeover is expected to cost more than $1 million.

A new Wingers USA restaurant recently opened at 606 S. Wabash Ave. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a late-night menu. A variety of dishes are served ranging from omelets to wings and burgers.

Construction is underway to create a development, which includes the Marriott Marquis hotel and a data center at McCormick Place. The new, 51-story hotel will be located at 2215 S. Michigan Ave. and will have 1,200 rooms, and a Pelli-Clarke-Pelli designed stadium that will seat 10,000 people.

The new stadium will be used for DePaul University’s athletic programs.

Northerly Island update

Chop restaurant opens Field at Northerly Island Courtesy of Redmoon

Experimental theatre company Redmoon will host the 2015 Chicago Fire Festival at Northerly Island, a free event from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 26. The new location will allow more people to attend and provide more space for the performance, said organizers.

Last year the fire festival was held on the Chicago River by DuSable Bridge and a number of the show’s building replicas did not light as planned.

This year the show is planned to “go up in flames!”

Divvy bike rental increase

Restaurateur Jovanis Bouragoub opened a new steak restaurant called “Chop” at 1017 S. Delano Court as part of the Roosevelt Collection in the South Loop. It is an upscale restaurant that is 2,300 square-feet and seats up to 99 people. Their menu focuses on burgers, steaks, and wine. The restaurant serves grass-fed, locally sourced burgers and steak dishes.

Their hours are Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight This is Bourgoub’s fifth restaurant, which adds to his collection of barbecue-inspired porkchop restaurants in the Loop, West Loop and Hyde Park.

Roosevelt Road bike lane construction The new bike lane is finally finished on Roosevelt Road. The new lanes are part of a pilot program by the city of Chicago that will allow cyclists to have a faster and safer commute. The path will extend from State Street to Indiana Avenue.

Photo by Tracey Lewis. Cyclist on Roosevelt Road

Be prepared to pay more to rent a Divvy bike. As of June 22, the daily rate increased from $7 to $9.95. This is more than a 40 percent increase.

The price hike is due to a deficit and increasing costs to run the system, according to Divvy officials. The yearly membership will stay the same at $75.

Expensive homes coming to the Prairie District Seven luxury row homes will be built at 1834-1940 S. Calumet Ave. The new homes are expected to be completed by summer 2016. Prices will range from $1.1 million to $1.7 million for 400 to 4,600-square-feet in size.

C.I.T.Y. Club Gymnastics Center opens Five-time world gymnastics champion Natalia Yurchenko has opened a new gym at 1723 S. Michigan Ave. Recreational classes are available for all ages. The facility will also host birthday parties and other celebrations. For more information, visit cityclubgymnasticsacademy.com or call 312-888-9080.

AUGUST 2015 / 3

Manny’s Deli renovation Photo Credit: Rendering courtesy of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority The future Marriott Marquis hotel at McCormick Place.

Manny’s Deli, 1141 S. Jefferson St. is getting a makeover. This old-school Jewish deli known for its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches will now be open on Sundays. In addition, the restaurant added 1,500 square-feet for retail

The southern 40 acres of Northerly Island has undergone development that has transformed the area into a new ecosystem and wildlife sanctuary.

Bob O’Neill from the Grant Park Conservancy said the south end of Northerly Island would open in August.

Eventually there will be six ecosystems: savannah, prairie, wetland, emergent marsh, aquatic emergent environment and also some kind of woodland. There is also a large lake that was formed by digging out to reach Lake Michigan water and it is connected to the lake by a small stream. New hills were constructed from the excavated dirt. There will be camping and all sorts of environmental education.

Federal fish and wildlife grants paid for much of the work which is managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers.

Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of Grant Park Conservancy.

New park “The Rooftop” open to public The new public park above the British School (161 W. 9th St.) in the South Loop is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The fields have artificial turf instead of grass for sports and recreational activities.

There are also several real plants, trees and flowers in the new park. A dog run is also situated in the park.

Photo by Dani Camargo

4 / AUGUST 2015

Festival Continued from page 1 everything from tank tops, flipflops and shorts to pretzel necklaces and football jerseys, fill nearly every public crevice for blocks and blocks.

Detours abound and numerous street closures; pedestrians consume sidewalks, and commuters crowd buses and trains.

Columbus Drive is closed for nearly every one of these events, diverting traffic from Lakeshore Drive into neighborhood streets. Michigan Avenue and East Roosevelt Road generally bear the brunt of these diversions for blocks. In one of the more egregious examples, the Taste of Chicago setup was in place during three Grateful Dead performances.

Much less amusing than daily inconveniences are crime at festivals.

There were three arrests for marijuana during the Grateful Dead concerts, and 34 arrests during Lollapalooza, according to Chicago police.

As we approach Labor Day, things don’t seem to ease up with Chicago Bears fans swaggering down streets as football season gets into full swing. And let’s not forget about the megastar British boy band, One Direction, and the associated tsunami of female fans invading the area in August.

So is festival fatigue a real thing or is it the lamentations of a few curmudgeonly people who want to throw a wet blanket over any good time? An informal poll suggested that many South Loop neighbors feel the same animosity from time to time as summer wears on.

But as anyone who has lived in more mundane locations can attest to, what the South Loop has in terms of access to summer entertainment and events are an anomaly that very few places in the country, and maybe the world, get to truly enjoy.

Isn’t that worth a few extra minutes at a stoplight?

Are the festivals fantastic or fatiguing? Share your thoughts on the summer festival season at info@ southloopnews.com

SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

Noise, crowds, garbage: Events take a toll on residents

By Daniel Patton | Community Contributor

Terri Fron, a South Loop resident. Photo by Dan Patton

Greg McGowan, a South Loop resident.

How do you feel about the festivals in South Loop?

“It makes you feel younger, if you’re older. The one fest that really tried my patience was the Deadheads, which wasn’t really a fest. I wish I could’ve gotten away for that because of all the garbage that was left on the street. But other than that I thought they were a great group of people. I love living in this area with all the fests. Naturally, I gotta do Taste of Chicago. Every so often we might hit Blues Fest or Country Western or something like that.” –Terri Frona South Loop resident.

Lives a block east of S. Indiana Street on 18th Street; the thoroughfare that connects the neighborhood to Soldier Field, the Museum Campus and the lakefront.

Photo By Dan Patton

When the Grateful Dead came around here it was the worse concert ever. Not because they’re bad people, but because of the mess they leave behind and the city doesn’t clean it up. Mostly at the events, like Soldier Field and Bears games, it’s pretty orderly. The cops do a decent job of controlling the traffic and controlling the people.

But there are some games that are happening on Saturday or Sunday evenings when people get drunk all day. And by the time the game starts or after the game they’re peeing all over the place.

(What do you think of the fests in Grant Park?)

Bob Williams, a South Loop resident.

Photo by Dan Patton

“You got to avoid the crowd sometimes.

Some of the crowds aren’t nice. Subsequent to each concert over there or Bears game or whatever event is there, you got to deal with beer cans and beer bottles.

We need some kind of tax break. I mean we’re consistently putting up with this.

We need to get it knocked down a little bit. They utilize this lakefront you know, … I’m not criticizing the usage of the lakefront, I think that’s great. But for us to be putting up with this consistently, you know, like week after week after week, all summer long. Parking is extremely difficult as well.” – Bob Williams

I think it’s good for the city. I like the excitement. I really do. I don’t mind living over here. I just wish there were more city involvement after these events because there’s garbage everywhere. And it takes three weeks [to get it cleaned up].

People have to clean it up themselves as they go along.

I recently went to a Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) meeting at the police department and they already knew it was a problem. And they are working on that. I give them credit. They just have to figure out how to do it. – Greg McGowan

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SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

Community Voices

AUGUST 2015 / 5

Photos

South Loop Boundaries

For me, the South Loop encompasses the area from Roosevelt to Cermak roads, and from east to west includes Museum Campus, Prairie District, and Printer’s Row (north of Roosevelt but only west of State). On the southern end it overlaps with Motor Row and Chinatown.

I think of Pilsen as distinct because there are no businesses on 18th Street between Michigan and Halsted avenues, which is a no man’s land except for Mariano’s and Ping Tom Park. We really need an eastwest bus route on 18th to unite the two neighborhoods. The intersection of 18th and Halsted Street has an artisanal chocolate shop and a great spa, but it takes 45 minutes by bus from 18th and Michigan Avenue. I can walk there faster! (Which is fine, but not in the winter because there are sections with no sidewalks.)

-Hilary

Photo credit: Elizabeth Rhodes. Triplets Conor (left), Patrick and Alasdair Rhodes in front of the Field Museum on the July 4, 2015 waiting for the fireworks show.

Photo credit: Amy Moy. South Loop resident Madison Moy pictured with her dog Bailey Moy at Coliseum Park 1466 S. Wabash Ave.

According to what I have read, the Loop divides N, S, W, E at Madison and State and South Loop was otherwise bounded

by Roosevelt Road and the lakefront.

However, most consider that the South Loop extends until at least McCormick Place and perhaps as far as 26th Street.

For me, the Loop is now almost entirely the South Loop with the Magnificent Mile above it. While traditionally the Loop is divided as four corners at Madison and State streets, the shops along Roosevelt Road even beyond the river consider themselves as “South Loop,” (e.g., Home Depot). That being the case, Chinatown might now be considered a division of the South Loop.

-AGF

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Photo credit: Tracey Lewis. Guest engagement volunteers at the Shedd Aquarium. (From left to right) John Kierig, Tracey Lewis, Denise Schmidtke, Annie Vollar, and Kathy Jordan.

Photo credit: Kumar family. Sushma Ramesh Kumar (mom), Nishant Srinivasan (husband) Smriti Srinivasan (daughter).

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Please submit your photos to info@southloopnews.com

SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

AUGUST 2015 / 6

Fitness outside the Lakefront Trail There are plenty of places to exercise that don’t involve the trot east

By Michael Heinley | Community Contributor

From the looks of literature and websites, it seems like anyone who is paid to be a fitness contributor in Chicago has the easiest job in the world. The advice is always the same: head east to the Lakefront Trail.

Want to go for a leisurely stroll? Long or short run? Maybe you want to ride your bike? What about swimming or kayaking? The answer is the same–The Lakefront Trail.

The 18 miles of uninterrupted paved pathways are certainly a unique Chicago institution.

However, for those contemplating outdoor activities, the lake does tend to be the first thing that attracts the eye—everyone’s eye.

In an effort to occasionally avoid the lakefront crowds and mix things up, I have listed a few alternatives that South Loop residents may want to consider:

For a speed run The neighborhood surrounding South Loop Elementary (1212 S. Plymouth Court) offers a nearideal setup for fast runs with a goal in mind. The neighborhood loop that runs from the school, down Plymouth, through the aptly named Cotton Tail Park (44 W. 15th St.),

and back up Federal Street is almost exactly a half-mile. Enter from 14th or Plymouth Street and scout out the route for one or two test loops.

For an outing with the kids If there were an official street-bystreet per-capita measure of people pushing strollers and carrying coffees, Indiana Street would be near the top of that list—probably worldwide. This is with good reason: wide streets and sidewalks are almost completely shaded on sunny days and the traffic, barring special events, is minimal. And with three parks flanking the east side of the street and two great places for coffee and food along the route, Indiana Street could easily keep everyone content for a fair amount of time.

For a shady jog Many years ago Nike produced a commercial with a runner maneuvering her way through a heavily urbanized area, all the while avoiding glaring sunlight by running in the shade. With Chicago’s occasionally muggy and bright summer days, many of those who are treadmill-opposed are looking for a way to do the same.

To do so, start in the shadows of Indiana Street (see above) and continue down Prairie Street to McCormick Place. Then, using the shade of the largest convention center in America, runners can easily complete an impromptu jog with long straightaways and lots of shade. And, yes, it can be as much of an adventure as it sounds.

For access to water

Photo by Michael Heinley. Residents who are looking for a shady local jog choose S. Indiana Street.

The South Loop’s best access to water comes via Tom Ping Memorial Park (300 W. 19th St.) on the edge of Chinatown. The park has a community swimming pool with a depth of nine feet, and it maintains a full calendar of events from swimming lessons to aqua exercise classes. Perhaps less well known is that the park also offers easy access to the river and has an organized kayak tour group located onsite to exercise outdoors.

Your paper, your voice.

We are South Loop.

SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

AUGUST 2015 / 7

Doorperson of the month - It’s Showtime!

By Michael Heinley | Community Contributor

How to contact us

A: Because I’m always on! I’m always making people feel like they are welcomed and they are family here at the hotel. My favorite thing about the job is greeting and talking to people who are arriving or leaving.

I know that sounds cliché but I do love it.

info@southloopnews.com

(708) 628-3652

Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@southloopnews.com Managing Editor: Tracey Lewis tracey@southloopnews.com Staff Writer: Angela Gagnon angela@southloopnews.com Copy Editor: Kari Greczek Community Contributors: Michael Heinley, Scott Rowan, Daniel Patton, Dani Camargo, Kaycee Militante, Wendell Hutson, Mary Cummings South Loop Journal is published bimonthly by Eastside Enterprises LLC. South Loop Journal uses and values community writers and contributors.

Views expressed by community contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of South Loop Journal. South Loop Journal does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. South Loop Journal is independently owned and operated.

Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.

Get published Share your story with us

South Loop Journal is about you and what you care about. We use and value community contributions and we are committed to bringing you relevant and useful content written by South Loop residents for their fellow neighbors.

Submit photos and stories to info@southloopnews.com

Q: Why does everyone call you Showtime?

But perhaps what people remember most is that he is a man that needs only one name, and that’s “Showtime!”

The South Loop Journal sat down with him to discuss his job, Chicago, and what Showtime is really all about.

Q: What’s your best story from your time here?

A: I have been here for 16 years.

A: One of the guests who was displaying at the Chicago Comic Expo asked me one morning if I would work at his booth for a little while. So I went there and worked for a couple hours. After the conference, he said I did such a good job he wanted me to represent his product at another convention out of state. He offered to fly my wife and I out for the weekend just so I could work at his booth again. I didn’t know anything about comics coming into all of this!

Q: What advice do you give guests for things to do in the South Loop?

Q: Is there anything else about you that people should know?

A: For breakfast lunch or dinner I recommend Café Meli. For fried chicken it’s Harold’s Chicken.

For Thai food it’s Amarit. As far

A: I have a philosophy I truly do believe. And that’s in this world there is no better time than Showtime.

Q: Are you from Chicago?

Anyone who has visited or passed by the Hotel Blake likely has a story about the eccentric, energetic doorman, who runs full blocks to flag down cabs, doles out advice to all who ask, and speaks to everyone as if he has met them a hundred times before.

as things to do you have to go to Grant Park and you have to see the fountain. If you are in from out of town there is no way around that.

A: I was born and raised in Chicago.

I still love and hate the winters and summers. But I always love coming downtown no matter what the season.

Q: How long have you worked at the Blake?

Kidical Mass

By KayCee Militante | Kidical Mass organizer

The South Loop Kidical Mass, a free bicycle-riding group, was established September 2013 and meets on the second Sunday from April to September. We start each ride at Cottontail Park (44 W. 15th St.), allowing the kids to play and adults to talk bikes.

We then head out at 11 a.m. to a nearby destination. Each route is planned so as to include residential streets, bike lanes, mixed-use paths, and some quieter streets so our youngest riders can get a feel for riding in those settings with some friendly support.

It is suggested that kids who can take direction well and have progressed beyond training wheels participate on their own bikes, while others catch a ride with mom and dad. It is an opportunity to see lots of family

bike setups, including trailers, seats, cargo bikes, and more, as well as to have some fun. Routes are typically about three miles long and take 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes with breaks.

If you’re interested in joining, follow our page on Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/ChicagoKidicalMass) or send questions to kaycee. militante@gmail.com.

Photo by Kaycee Miltante.

Kidical Mass - a family friendly bike-riding group at Ping Tom Park.

SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

AUGUST 2015 / 8

Get to know your community organizations

South Loop community groups help raise important issues with city government, spearhead volunteerism Submitted by community groups and edited by South Loop Journal.

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) provides an environment where neighbors can meet, exchange ideas, prioritize projects, propose solutions, and implement plans for the neighborhood. PDNA serves thousands of South Loop residents within the Prairie District, Central Station and Museum Park, the South Michigan Ave Corridor, Motor Row, as well as other areas of the Near South Side. Their mission is to be socially conscious and supportive neighbors, creating an inclusive and welcoming community. This group is concerned with issues that affect the quality of life in the South Loop community.

Issues such as: education and schools, proposed residential and commercial development, zoning regulations, traffic and infrastructure improvements, as well as social activities and events that strengthen the neighborhood.

Additionally, the PDNA organizes an assortment of community projects and programs such as neighborhood festivals, block parties, seasonal celebrations, crime prevention activities, historical and educational programs and beautification plans for upgrading neighborhood parks as well as delivering a variety of comprehensive community surveys.

Website: pdnachicago.com. Email: pdna.chicago@gmail.com

Photo by Kaycee Militante

The Grant Park Conservancy (GPC) is a 501c(3) not-for-profit with a mission to provide a permanent body that enables Grant Park to respond and adapt to the changing needs of its users, as the park passes from generation to generation. Some of these needs relate to landscaping, infrastructure, design, cultural activities, and environmental issues. Currently the GPC assists the Chicago Park District in improving landscape design and maintenance and operates a volunteer Grant Park stewardship program. The organization helps nurture an environment conducive to the arts, and education and helps plan spaces for use by the adjoining communities. The GPC works with the Chicago Park District and Lollapalooza to plant hundreds of new trees in Grant Park and advocates for public dollar expenditures in Grant Park as well as developing ways to reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation links into to the park. As these needs materialize into specific projects, the Conservancy will work closely with the Chicago Park District, the Grant Park Advisory Council, and other organizations, helping to raise private sector dollars to match with public funding, so that the completion of each project can become a timely reality.

Website: www.grantparkconservancy. com or Email: boboneill@ grantparkconservancy.com

South Loop Neighbors is a non-profit membership based organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in South Loop’s neighborhoods and preserving the area’s landmark districts.

South Loop Neighbors represents South Loop residents who are concerned about: • Ensuring high-quality, reasonablysized real estate development as well as infrastructure improvements that respect the unique character of our community • Preserving and protecting the area’s Landmark Districts, including Printing House Row and Historic Michigan Boulevard • Promoting quality education, recreation, services, retail, community activities, and events • Maintaining a socially, culturally, and economically diverse neighborhood • Developing strong relationships with key city officials to ensure they respect, hear, and act on the concerns and ideas of the South Loop community Website: www.southloopneighbors.org Email: info@southloopneighbors.org

Launched in 2008, Sloopin.com is a hyper-local website and blog with the simple mission of being an information resource for people interested in Chicago’s South Loop.

Community members can submit, pictures, news tips and stories to the editor, who in turn posts it on the blog. Community participation drives this website which provides up to the minute submissions from online users about everything South Loop.

As the years have gone by, the site continues to be a trusted place for anything and everything related to the South Loop. Whether it’s a new restaurant review or a community concern. Sloopin. com has become a must-read for anyone wanting to stay informed.

Website: www.sloopin.com or Email: sloopin@gmail.com

Greater South Loop Association The Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) works with City agencies and government bodies to help keep the South Loop community informed of planned development, safety issues, and cultural affairs, providing a forum where GSLA members can voice opinions. Their website states that “the GSLA keeps in touch with local aldermanic, ward and city offices, to put forward cohesive and meaningful dialog expressing the neighborhood’s needs.”

Website: greatersouthloop.org

SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

AUGUST 2015 / 9 N

Farmers Market feeds, entertains South Loop residents

A T U R A L P E

Come for the food and drinks, stay for the free massage and yoga class.

Every Thursday afternoon the South Loop Farmers Market brings the farm to Chicago, with as many as 20 vendors offering a wide variety of food, drink and entertainment options to an area of Chicago that was once known for its grocery deserts, not its wide selection of choices. The days of having a difficult time finding healthy, fresh food options are over in the South Loop, thanks, in part, to the work of SLFM co-founders Tina Feldstein and Stephanie Lu Jokich.

“We’ve got so much more here than just fruits and vegetables,” Feldstein said. “We have activities for the children like face painting and sidewalk chalk. We have ice cream and honey farmers and some of the best fresh bread. We even have free massages for anyone who wants one and free yoga classes too.”

Located in the parking lot adjacent to the Second Presbyterian Church

T

By Scott Rowan | Community Contributor

at 1936 S. Michigan Avenue, the vendors at the SLFM offer a grocery list of variety: fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers, plants, nonalcoholic beverages and prepared foods ready to take home for dinner like empanadas, kale burgers, and several dessert options. With vendors alternating from week to week, there’s always something new to see, taste, try and learn.

For dog lovers there’s an added bonus: the fun, casual atmosphere has become a gathering spot for local owners to bring their four-legged friends to play with other dogs and get some special attention.

“Dogs are part of the family, too,” Feldstein said. “We have speciallyprepared foods for dogs here. We want everyone to come and have fun.

There’s no reason to leave anyone at home. Come on out!”

July 11th

The SLFM is every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. until October 8.

Sushi Roll Dogfish Head August 8th Boom Shakalaka Goose Island

OUR MONTHLY TAP

TAKEOVERS NOW COME WITH A SIDE OF

LIVE MUSIC… Photo by Scott Rowan South Loop Farmers Market offers fruits, vegetables, ice cream, bread, honey and a wide variety of other grocery offerings: Kids face painting, sidewalk chalk and dog treats.

September 12th 8-Track Two Brothers October 10th Forget Hannah Oktoberfest Doors open at 7pm; all shows start at 9pm. *$5 Cover

TRADITION GASTRO PUB + KITCHEN 160 N. Franklin Chicago, IL (312) 263-0260

10 / AUGUST 2015

SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

AUGUST C ALENDAR *Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information.

Kids Science Labs Camp Kids Science Labs offers camps on different themes for ages 4-12.

Children can enjoy a day/week of hands-on science. There will be different weekly themes in August such as Wizard Chemistry, Builder’s Paradise, and Med School 102.

The South Loop facility is located at 1801 S. Indiana St. on the 3rd floor. For more information about prices and programs go to kslchicago.com/summer-camp-1 or call 312-225-4747.

South Loop Farmer’s Market The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance will have a brand-new independent Farmers Market this summer. It will be held every Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and will run from June 25 through Oct. 8. The market will be located at Michigan Avenue and Cullerton, adjacent to the Second Presbyterian Church.

FREE. southloopfarmersmarket.com

Maxwell Street Market Every Sunday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. 800 S. Desplaines St. Historical South Loop market boasts a variety of deals and international merchandise. The Market also includes a large variety of Mexican and Latin cuisine and well as weekly musical offerings for market-goers.

Wednesday, August 5 Jazzin’ at the Shedd Step out on the terrace at the Shedd Aquarium and enjoy cocktails, jazz, and fireworks. Takes place from 5-10 p.m. every Wednesday night until Sept. 9. Tickets are $20 at the door but $18 online at sheddaquarium.org/Jazzin

Thursday, August 6 Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby This is a yearly fundraiser benefiting the Special Olympics of Illinois. Thousands

Mariano’s South Loop Win prizes throughout the celebration, including a chance to win a vacation or a brand new Vespa. Enjoy $5 daily specials plus anniversary-edition items, including a new Vero gelato flavor, Vero drink, cupcakes and more.

All-store kids’ activities: Decorate a birthday hat every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Weekend children’s activities each Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Mariano’s South Loop. Through August 26.

For more information, please visit marianos.com/anniversary Every Wednesday It’s Wednesday Night- Let’s Pop Enjoy a split of Moet & Chandon with a mini-bag of Mariano’s Signature Mixed Popcorn. Cost is $12 at the bar, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Every Saturday & Sunday Cake and Coffee Social Enjoy cake and coffee from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate Mariano’s 5th anniversary.

Every Monday – Friday $6 Meals at the Grill Get a meal for $6. All meals are

served with your choice of Roundy’s Cola, Diet Cola, Lemon Lime or water. Meal varies by day: burger, Italian sausage, chicken, ribeye sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, or salmon sandwich depending on day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monday, August 24 Miss Jamie on the Farm Miss Jamie and her puppets sing, dance, and play with guests while you learn about the fun of eating healthy. Perfect for kids! The event is FREE, but please register at Mariano’s South Loop. 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.

of people watch more than 50,000 yellow rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River from the Columbus Drive Bridge as they float downriver towards the finish line. Events begin at 10 a.m. Wrigley Building, 400 N. Michigan Ave. There will be entertainment for the entire family: face painting, games, and appearances by several sports mascots. Splashdown for the Duck Derby is at 1 p.m. You can adopt a duck for $5 at duckrace.com.

Kurios by Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago after four years with its newest touring show, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities, performing under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top at the United Center parking lot, 1901 W. Madison St., August 6 – September 20. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or calling 1-877-9 CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783).

Ticket prices range from $35 - $145.

Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz Come out to Millennium Park every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. in August to enjoy live, FREE music.

Each concert starts with a short set by young, aspiring musicians from Chicago-area high schools as part of the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Links Student Ensembles. Until August 27 at jazzinchicago.org

Saturday, August 8 Chicago Bears Family Fest Head over to Soldier Field at 9:30 a.m. to join Coach John Fox and the 2015 Chicago Bears practice.

There will be fun outdoor activities and games, live music, alumni autographs, giveaways, and more at this family friendly event. Practice begins at 11:35a.m. Tickets are $8$12 and to purchase online go to chicagobears.com.

Night Out: Tsukasa Taiko at Ping Tom Park The largest multigenerational community ensemble of Japanese drumming in the Midwest will perform at Ping Tom Park, 300 W. 19th St. at 6:30 p.m. and it’s FREE! Note: The concert takes place beneath the pagoda structure.

For more information go online to greatersouthloop.org/event/nightout-tsukasa-taiko-at-ping-tom.

Sunday, August 9 Kidical Mass Kidical Mass bike rides occurs the second Sunday of each month. This event encourages families to ride their bicycles for transportation, fun, and exercise. Rides are typically 2-4 miles on quiet residential streets. Rides take about an hour with stops. Meet at 10:30 a.m. for 11 a.m. departure at Cotton Tail Park Playground (44 W. 15th Street). For more information, go to chicagokidicalmass.org.

Tuesday, August 11 Movies in the Park- Princess Bride Daniel Webster Park, 1401 S. Indiana St. The movie Princess Bride will begin at dusk and go from 8-10 p.m. Come out and enjoy a FREE movie. Visit: greatersouthloop.org for more info.

Friday, August 14 SWV (Sisters With Voices) concert at 10 p.m.

Known for their hits in the early

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AUGUST 2015 / 11

AUGUST C ALENDAR 90’s, original members of SWV will be performing live at The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash St. The show offers general admission tickets as well as “Meet and Greet” tickets so you can meet the R&B pioneers. For more information, go to theshrine.com.

South Loop CAPS Info Beat 131 and 132 Meeting

Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in two locations.

8/18 & 10/20 Hilliard Apartments 30 W. Cermak Road.

9/15 & 11/17 1st District Police Station in the Community Room.

1718 S. State St.

1st District Information CAPS contact: Sgt. Chuck Battaglia 1st District CAPS Office (312) 745-4381 CAPS.001District @chicagopolice.org

Thursday, August 13 Chicago Bears vs. Miami Dolphins at 7 p.m. Opening preseason game at Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive. For more information, visit chicagobears.com

Saturday, August 15 Chicago Air and Water Show This is the largest free air show of its kind in the United States.

Featuring daredevil pilots, parachute teams, and jets flying in formation, plus waterskiing and boat jumping. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. both days. The show can be viewed along the lakefront with the focal point being North Avenue Beach. cityofchicago.org

RE|Dance Group at Northerly Island Attend an exciting dance theater experience at Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Drive. RE|Dance Group will take you on a journey through many landscapes and environments created by movement.

7:30 p.m.-9:30p.m. and it’s FREE! For more information, go to chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Night Out: Stargazing at Northerly Island Bring the entire family to enjoy a night of stargazing at Northerly Island, 1521, S. Linn White Dr. A Chicago astronomer will help you look in the sky and learn about planets, phases of the moon, star clusters, nebulae, and more.

7:30PM-8:30 p.m. FREE For more information, go to chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/ Night-Out-Stargazing-at-NortherlyIsland USO Clark After Dark Support Illinois troops and their families with live music, drinks, live auction and a raffle. More than 80,000 troops from Illinois have deployed since 9/11. There will be music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Lineup TBA. A suggested $10 donation will benefit the USO of Illinois. Hours are 5-10 p.m. at Hubbard Street at Clark. For more information, go to starevents.com/ festivals/clark-dark.

Saturday, August 22 Food Truck Festival Enjoy a meal from food trucks and listen to some live music. The festival will be held on Milwaukee Ave. between Division St. and Noble. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and runs through Sunday, August 23. A $5 donation is requested.

For more information, go to chicagofoodsocial.com/home.

Taste of Greektown Enjoy Greek food at this neighborhood festival. There will also be plenty of music and

entertainment, including Greek bands and games for kids and families. Saturday and Sunday, noon-11 p.m. 400 S. Halsted Street at Van Buren Street. Free. For more information, go to chicagoevents. com/event.cfm?eid=287 Chicago Symphonic Winds Performance in the Park A concert of entertaining wind music will take place from 2-3 p.m. at Clarendon Park, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave. Stay after the performance to talk to the musicians and get a close look at their instruments. FREE.

Sunday, August 23 One Direction Concert Mega-star British boy band One Direction will be performing at Soldier Field as part of their 17-city US tour. Parking is available but limited at the stadium site. Public transit is always recommended.

Soldier Field 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive. 7 p.m.

Sunday, August 30 Chicago Triathlon One of the largest triathlons in the country, the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon covers all parts of the South Loop. The swim will begin at Buckingham fountain, the bike will follow on Columbus Drive from the Art Institute to McCormick Place, and the run extends from Randolph St. to 31st Street on the lakefront path. The Hilton Chicago is the host hotel for the event. For more info, visit chicagotriathlon.com.

Saturday, September 5 USA Eagles vs. Qantas Wallabies The U.S. national rugby team takes on the Australian Wallabies in the final match for both teams before the Rugby World Cup in England.

This will mark the second time the Eagles have played at Soldier Field in less than 12 months. The other being their popular match against the New Zealand All-Blacks in November.

August Races Biggest Loser Half Marathon/5K – 7:30 a.m., Sunday, August 2, Soldier Field Chicago 10K – 8 a.m., Sunday August 9, Grant Park Chicago Kids Triathlon – 8:30 a.m., Saturday August 29, Montrose Avenue Beach Fleet Feet Chicago SuperSprint Triathlon – 7 a.m., Saturday, August 29, Montrose Avenue Beach Chicago Triathlon – 6:15 a.m., Sunday, August 30, Monroe Harbor

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SOUTH LOOP JOURNAL

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British International School of Chicago’s South Loop campus proudly delivers rigorous, internationally focused curricula that utilizes the English National Curriculum in conjunction with the International Primary Curriculum culminating in the world-renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. We are the only independent school in Chicago to house 15 grades of diverse students under one roof. Our students benefit from Nord Anglia Education’s Global Campus, which grants our students and teachers access to a consortium of 41 sister schools across 15 countries.

We welcome all inquiries! Call the Admissions Office at (773) 998-BISC. www.bischicagosl.org

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