Chicago Meet Up @ Blues Fest - June 10th Options

[John and Wendy]

We've been mentioning this for a few weeks on and off, but officially wanted to post on the subject...

We are planning to go to Blues Fest in Chicago and it would be great if a bunch of us might meet up there and see each other in person. We'll have to do some translation between forum names and actual given names (or not), but I think it would be fun. You don't need to love Blues - It is just a great summer festival that shows off Chicago in a great way.

Blues Fest starts Thu, June 8 and runs through Sun, June 11. We were planning for a Saturday meet-up, so people that don't live inthe immediate area can make it, and also so most of us don't have to get to work the next day. BF is held at Millenium Park, right near Buckingham Fountain and the Lake (uppercase as us Chicagoans know to do when referring to THE Lake - Michigan). For those who don't know BF, there is one huge park area where people watching is the best and people hang out on blankets with friends and coolers and just soak up the summer. Then there are 6 stages set up around the park that you can walk to and check out the bands. Food and drinks are served there, and while you can bring your own coolers TECHNICALLY you are not supposed to bring liquor there. People do, but there is a chance that coolers may be checked as you walk into the park area. (I think it's only happened to us once I've been going for 15 years.) Bottom line, if you are set on bringing liquor you are better off with a cooler of lemonade or something that has some vodka mixed in already. Some may also bring clear colored liquor for mixing in water bottles. Just wanted to make sure no one brings booze and gets it taken away. But again - you can also buy food/drink there, but you pay festival prices.

I am planning to head out there on Saturday morning and mark out a nice-sized territory with blankets. I also plan to get some big party-sized helium balloons so people can see where we are from a distance. I'll re-post when I figure out the exact type of balloon everyone should look for. I was planning on bringing some collapsable chairs too, but I think we will max out at around 6 or so. So if you don't want to sit on blanket, you might want to bring some portable seats for your group.

Was thinking most stages start around noon, so we'd have shop set up by then. I think the beer stops being served around 9-10pm. At that point we'll probably head to a bar. All are welcome, but certainly just come for the summer fun even if you don't want to go to a bar later! As we get closer to the date I hope to have a better idea of how many people we might expect so I can figure the best place to go after BF. Thinking tavern as opposed to club - but I am open if people would prefer club. I am sure some will come for the day but not stay for the bar too, so if you reply to this thread it would be helpful if you mention which you are leaning towards.

If you plan to come here is your check list (all items optional):
1. Blanket if you want your own
2. Collapsable chairs if you'd rather not sit on a blanket
3. Cooler if you'd like to save some moola
4. Sun screen (especially if you are a ginger)
5. A good and happy summer mood (and if you don't have when you get there, we'll give you one before you leave!)

Other notes:
- BF is free. There are not gates to get in. It is a just a big park with stands set up everywhere.

- There is a Grant Park parking garage (under the park), and there is also lots of public transportation if you chose to park farther away. (Of course the parking garage will give you the most convenient location - maybe around $15-20 to park for the day.) Also a con of parking there is traffic stinks as you get closer to the Lake during BF. Trains might be the better option.
So what do you think? Chicago in June is BEEEA- UUUUU- TIFUL!!! Takers??

Please let me know if anyone has suggestions of questions (regarding timing, parking or whatever). Hope to see a bunch of you there!! YAY!!!! SUMMER IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wendy