After being cooped up and inactive for nearly 15 months, Chicagoans now have something to look forward to. On certain Sundays, the Chicago Loop Alliance will host Sundays on State during July, August, and September, beginning mid July.
The Chicago Loop Alliance will convert State Street starting at Madison and extending to Lake into an open road on specified Sundays. For a total of 12 Sundays, the CLA will shut down a part of the street to automobile movement to allow citizens an opportunity to engage in the arts, lively entertainment, trade, dining, and pubs. These festivities will take place from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Chicago Loop Alliance President and CEO Michael Edwards says,
We’re excited about bringing this jubilent event sequence to the Loop’s most recognizable street—State Street. This will not be an ordinary street fair; we’re having a collective block party for the entire city and beyond to enjoy, with activities and performances that expand the spectrum of age and curiosity. On July 11 alone, people will participate in interactive painting, live theater, wrestling, yoga, dance, circus performers, jazz and bluegrass musicians, DJs, outdoor dining, sidewalk sales, and more. After the year we’ve had, we want to extend a chance to gather, get involved, and heal together.
The events are produced by voluntary services of community members and groups from all over the Chicagoland area and were chosen by a committee led by CLA.
“Rebuilding Chicago’s central area is crucial to our potential to totally recover from the financial after-effect of the pandemic,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Sundays on State provides an amazing opportunity for locals and visitors alike to travel downtown to the Loop and join together to back many businesses, organizations and artists from all over our city — guaranteeing that our recuperation endeavors are felt throughout every single one of our neighborhoods.”
The project makes use of State Street from Lake to Madison. East-west streets will stay open so that retail, hotels, restaurants, and residential spaces will still have access by vehicle. There will be signs positioned at closed streets and two blocks before issuing sufficient notice to drivers. State Street from Wacker to Lake will be used as a drop-off zone. All participants must adhere to the public health guidelines set up for Sundays on State to ensure safety and fun.
Sundays on State is a free event for the entire family. It will be held downtown Chicago on the iconic — State Street. With things opening up after a long and arduous struggle through the Covid-19 pandemic, what better way to come out of these treacherous times.
Written by Sharri Rogers
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
Chicago Loop Alliance: Sundays on State
ABC 7 Eyewitness News: Chicago Loop Alliance holding free ‘Sundays on State’ events this summer; by ABC 7 Chicago Digital Team
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of MD111’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Steve Snodgrass’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
