12 years of safe family fun at the 79th Street Renaissance Festival

The Urban Landlady
Published: September 7, 2017

Wait just one minute--summer is not quite over yet! I mentioned it in a previous postand the time has finally arrived.

This Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10, The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Council (GAGDC) will host this year’s 12th Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival. This year will mark my fourth visit to this festival and every time I go it’s a wonder to me. So fun and inspiring. I’m talking bouncy houses, drill teams, petting zoos, health screenings, clowns, giveaways, basketball tourneys, energy assistance, pony rides, dance troupes, climbing walls, back-to-school supplies, tumbling teams, musical performances by major entertainers and FOOD, FOOD, FOOD!

On Sunday, the Hot Mix 5 will play House Music all day. Previous attendance has reached nearly 15,000 and more are expected over the two days. The 79th Street festival runs between Racine and Loomis and will take place from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, call the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corp. at 773-723-3557 or visit www.gadc.org.

Chicago Weekly Citizen article, "Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival Expands to Two Days" 9/6/2017

In the center of an area that has seen a high level of distress in recent years, this festival has not had one criminal incident in twelve years according to GAGDC Executive Director Carlos Nelson. Not only has it NOT seen any shootings during the event, there also haven’t been any assaults, fights or major disturbances. With an average attendance of 15,000. There are some north side and suburban festivals that can't even make that claim. Due to the success of previous years, this year the festival expands to TWO DAYS. In the midst of sensational headlines about real tragedies, “big news” like this just slips through the cracks.

What’s easy to overlook is that circumstances like this are not created by accident. First, I’ll give credit to God. Then I’ll say that this phenomenal statistic is the result of the hard work and dedication of countless nameless and faceless residents and leaders who are BATTLING for the health and future of where they live. Quietly and behind the scenes. So much more love exists in this city than hate. The hate is just much louder sometimes. Let's drown it out by supporting community building events live the Ren Fest.

Attendance is free with a $5 suggested donation. You can't beat that. If you can't make it, please "like" this page on Facebook and share it with your network. Let's get the word out. Thanks!

Check out other Urban Landlady blog posts about Auburn Gresham like this one: "Ride a trolley, sip a cocktail, change a neighborhood"

Keywords: 79th Street Renaissance Festival, Auburn Gresham, Carlos Nelson, Chicago Events, Chicago Neighborhoods, family fun, Father Michael Pfleger, Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation. GAGDC, St Sabina