The Krain Blog

12-10pm

on Chicago Avenue

btw Damen Ave. & Wood St.

www.westfestchicago.com

WEST FEST TO PUT SPOTLIGHT ON WEST TOWN, JULY 11TH AND 12TH
 
LOCAL H & Red Red Meat Headline Weekend Full of Local Favorites!
 
There is something for everyone at West Fest, the Chicago street fair that reflects the eclectic persona of its West Town environs.  Held on Saturday, July 11th and Sunday, July 12th on Chicago Avenue at Damen, the annual two-day party features live cutting edge music and mixes on three stages; Kid Fest, Pet Fest, Miss Illinois USA 2009, a fashion show, and a multitude of vendors including popular neighborhood restaurants and retailers.  What makes this fest unique is that it's locally planned and managed by the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is all-things "local," from the food to the talent. 
 
The Music
The biggest difference between West Fest and other cookie-cutter Chicago street festivals is the high quality music.  West Fest is all about local artists playing original music on three stages. This year West Fest welcomes homegrown powerhouse LOCAL H - hot off their latest album, Twelve Angry Months, to the main stage on Saturday night; while Chicago blues-alt-rockers Red Red Meat close things out on Sunday.  The full weekend lineups on all three stages are as follows: 
 
The Main Stage (at Chicago & Damen): 

The Adventure Stage Chicago Kid Fest Stage (at Wolcott & Rice):  

Saturday, July 11
5:00   Jeanie B!
4:00   Chang's Martial Arts Demo Team
3:15   Kiara
2:45  Commercial Park Rock Band
1:45  Mad Science
1:00  Rock and Roll Dad
12:00  Mr. Singer
 
Sunday, July 12
5:15   Jason Kollum (variety juggling)
4:30   Scribble Jim
3:45   The Mime Company
3:15   Commercial Park Rock Band
1:30   The Schnozberries
12:45  Pullman Park Jazz Improv (Rock for Kids)
12:00  Hogwash IO

The Activities:

Kid Fest (on Wolcott & Rice): The 4th annual Kid Fest will be held in conjunction with West Fest, from noon to 6 pm both days.  A jammed packed two-day event, Kid Fest features family fun including stage performances programmed by Adventure Stage Chicago, including JeannieB, Scribble Monster, Mr. Singer, Mary Macaroni and others; as well as bounce houses, a petting zoo (Sat), pony rides (Sun), face painters, games, crafts and lots more.  Kid Fest is sponsored in part by American Eagle Bank of Chicago, Gymboree, Baker's Joy and Building Blocks Toys.  All proceeds to benefit improvements at local play lots - Snowberry, Superior and Honore.
 
Pet Fest (near Wolcott at Chicago): Each year West Fest features Pet Fest with pet product vendors, canine bathing pools, and plenty of pet activities for charity.  This year, West Town's own Doggy Style Pet Shop will be hosting PUPfest (Protecting Urban Pets) and the Suds for Strays charity dog wash!  PUPfest will concentrate on educating Chicago's pet owners on how to keep their city pet happy, healthy and safe while navigating the city streets. 
 
In addition, within PUPfest you will find the Suds For Strays dog wash to benefit Greyhounds Only (a fantastic Greyhound rescue organization) and Alive Rescue (a brand-new no-kill animal sanctuary!).  For just $10, your dog can go from hot and dirty to cool and clean.  An additional $10 donation to these great charities will get a Doggy Style T-shirt!  Doggy Style Pet Shop has pledged to match donations to these two amazing organizations.  
 
DressFest: SoKo Fashion is partnering with Chicago Avenue Salon to present 'Dress Fest', a live fashion show at West Fest on Sunday 7/12 at 2 pm located at the BBP stage.  Dress Fest features affordable, universally flattering styles for steamy days and sultry Chicago nights. SoKo Fashion is focused on interpreting current trends at attainable prices, with all items priced under $100. The Chicago Avenue boutique also offers shopping parties, free events and complementary personal styling to its growing clientele.  Hair and makeup will be provided by Chicago Avenue Salon, which is offering 25 percent off one service to those who mention the fashion show.
 
Miss Illinois: To top it off, Miss Illinois USA 2009 Ashley Bond, in her crown and sash, will conduct a meet and greet with the public and pose for pictures outside the West Fest VIP tent on Sunday from 4pm to 6pm.
 
The Vendors
West Fest features a plethora of neighborhood boutiques, restaurants, fine artists, crafters, jewelry makers, T-shirt designers... who set up temporary shop along Chicago Avenue - offering deals on everything from designer duds to fresh dishes and ice-cold drinks. 
 
FREE Bike Valet
There will also be a Free Bike Valet sponsored by the Active Transportation Alliance and Special Service Area #29 (on Rice Street at Wood).
 
The History
West Fest began in 2004 with 40 vendors and one live music stage and has grown ever since.  Last year there were over 80 vendors, two live music stages, one DJ stage and over 20,000 attendees. 
 
There is a $5 donation requested for admittance to offset the costs of the event and to benefit the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce and West Town's Commercial Park.  Hours of operation both days are noon to 10pm.  For more info, call 312-850-9390 or visit www.westfestchicago.com.