Monthly Archives: June 2011
July 2 TAKE BACK Chicago BOYSTOWN From Gang Violence
STABBINGS!
THIS HAS TO STOP!
Boystown has been under attack for months now, with muggings and robberies….now in the last 2 weeks, 2 serious stabbings have taken place, with both victims being taken to the hospital.
We are being targeted. They rob, mug, stab, and rape us out of fun.. that is their answer. As the assailant on the 18th told the Hydrate Security Staff, we do it to “Just Cause Trouble”.
The Almighty Black P-stones Nation gang is targeting Gay Men. Both Knife Stabbings occurred in the 7-11 parking lot at Roscoe and Halsted. The brightest park lot on Halsted The stabbings occured on 18th and the other on the 28th. – But prior to that, there have been countless muggings.
SATURDAY July 2nd. @ 11:30, join us at the 7-11 parking lot. Halsted and Roscoe
We are going to do a Walk-About in the Neighborhood and a Positive Loitering at 7-11 ‘s parking lot.
The 23rd Precint Commander will be at the event to support the LGBTQIA community.
TAKE BACK OUR STREETS!
Chicago Black Gay Pride July 2-4
During Independence Day Weekend (Thursday, June 30th – Monday, July 4th), approximately 20,000 people from across the Midwest and the rest of the country will converge in the city of Chicago for Chicago Black Pride Weekend, the largest celebration in the Midwest for the African-American Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The weekend consists of dynamic workshops and seminars, feature performances and entertainment, film screenings, health outreach, discussion panels, and vendor exhibitions. As part of the Chicago Black Pride Weekend festivities, special event and lifestyle marketing firm K Dock Media will host the LUX SERIES, three days (Saturday, July 2nd – Monday, July 4th) of opulent events designed for networking, socializing and excitement in the most beautiful venues and areas of Chicago. With an expected attendance of more than 2000 local and national patrons, the events will include celebrity guest appearances/hosts, viewing of new urban LGBT television programs, discussions with movemakers in the LGBT community and overall good time with new and old friends.
Windy City Black Pride and LUX Series Events
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Gay Pride 2011 – And Tips for Next Year
HAPPY GAY PRIDE 2011!
Chicago’s gay pride usually brings out about 500,000 people…but last weekend brought out about 750,000 people! The BIGGEST Chicago pride ever. Thanks in part to perfect weather in a growing shift in heterosexual attitudes.
Behind the scenes, vandalism by haters struck the parade. Early in the day, it was discovered that tires had been slashed on each of the 51 floats being stored at a float-building company several miles south of the parade route. The company’s owner discovered the damage about 5 a.m. Sunday; the floats were fine when he left the building at 8 the previous evening, so the damage occurred late
Saturday night or very early Sunday. The vandalism appeared to be an antigay hate crime.
The parade stepped off on time at noon in the heavily gay north side Lakeview neighborhood. Chicago’s new mayor, Rahm Emanuel, was at the head, receiving loud cheers from spectators. This was the first appearance in the parade by a Chicago mayor since previous mayor Richard M. Daley’s first year in office, 1989. Daley, who was the first mayor to participate in the parade, did not make a repeat appearance because he declined to work on Sundays, and he instead hosted a Pride-related reception on another day.
“Behind Emanuel was a kaleidoscopic collection of politicians, teachers, motorcyclists, drag queens and librarians, among many others,” the Tribune reported. There were about 250 total parade entries, including floats, decorated vehicles, and marching contingents.
Cute gay boys in t-shirts…YAY!
Cute gay boys in hats…..YAY!
Cute STRAIGHT BOYS giving me NIP! BIG YAY!
It is a known fact straight girls love the LGBT’s. But more and more straight girls boyfriends are loving us. This year brought out record numbers of heteros, and everyone played along nice! Except for a couple bad hetero eggs I met near Addison, who started pushing and threatening us, the day was bliss!
Straight A&F models and their friends….YAY!
Tan gay boys and their girlfriends…..Fun Fun!
Families!
and then…..
OK – HEAR THIS LOUD AND CLEAR!
NO STROLLERS!
NO FLIP FLOPS!
AND NO BIKES!
PLEASE!!
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING?
IN THAT CROWD! GET A CLUE!
And WHY can’t you pick up after your selves?
You are seriously going to leave all of that trash in the streets?
Really? I am sure these people do not leave around here, and could care less.
But show some respect next year.
BEST(and WORST)GayChicago
Chicago Pride Fest 2011 is a Awesome DIVA Fest!
It’s all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest®!
June 24-25, 2011 – immediately before Chicago’s iconic Pride Parade on June 26 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer.
Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.
Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.
(Deborah Cox , above)
Entertainment
Friday, June 24
South Stage
6:00pm – The Personnel
7:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
8:15pm – Sixteen Candles
North Stage
5:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm – Deborah Cox
8:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chciago’s Best Female Impersonators
9:00pm – Ultra Nate
Saturday, June 25
South Stage
Noon – Lakeside Pride Show Band
1:00pm – Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
2:30pm – Chicago RedLine
3:30pm – ROTC
5:00pm – ROTC
6:00pm – Rock Candy
7:30pm – Windy City Cowboys
8:00pm – Wedding Banned
North Stage
1:00pm – Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
1:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
2:30pm – Mya
3:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
4:30pm – Xelle
5:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm – Crystal Waters
8:00pm – Kim English
8:45pm – Inaya Day
Your gate donation benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance.
The Northalsted Business Alliance works cooperatively to maintain a diverse, safe and thriving shopping and entertainment district. In 1980, a small group of retailers in a four-block area along Halsted Street joined forces to promote the street and improve business conditions.
Since its inception, the Northalsted Business Alliance has grown to represent more than 80 businesses along North Halsted Street from Barry Street to West Irving Park Road. The Association has been recognized by the media, the City of Chicago and local residents as a major force in the community, championing positive change and growth.
BestGayChicago.comGay Softball World Series Summer Kickoff Party June 29
Gay Softball World Series (GSWS)
is almost here!
From August 29 – September 3, more than 165 teams, from over 40 cities across North America, will descend upon the Windy City to play more than 500 games, making the GSWS the largest annual LGBT sporting event in the world!
Join them @ Sidetrack on June 29 at 6:00pm for our Summer Kickoff Party, where if you register to volunteer for the Series, you can win FABULOUS prizes that night! There is no cover charge for this event.
· Grand Prize: “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” NYC Getaway Weekend for two! Airfare, two-night hotel stay at the luxurious Benjamin Hotel and tickets to the Rokk Vodka-sponsored Broadway smash hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert!
· Buddy Scooter from Scooterworks
· Miller/Coors Bicycle
· (2) VIP Suite Tickets to Melissa Etheridge
· $100 Sir Spa Massage Gift Cards
To enter the drawing, simply register to volunteer during the Chicago GSWS. We have numerous volunteer needs both leading into and during the week of the Series. From registering athletes to providing information at the host hotels to assisting at the fields, there is an opportunity for everyone.
Can’t make the Sidetrack event? Visit the Series website at Chicagoseries2011 to learn more and to sign up to volunteer.
Series 2011 – Participate. Donate. Volunteer. Find them on FACEBOOK.
Anti Circumcision Advocates March in Chicago this Weekend
may be the
first city in the United States
to outlaw circumcision.
But here in Chicago the number of anti-circumcision activists is growing as well.
Intactivists from Illinois and beyond will march in the Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26th to promote genital integrity for all. This is fun for the whole family and a great opportunity to get a human rights message to a very receptive crowd. We will hand out about 8000 intactivist leaflets.
“We will line up on Halsted Street south of Belmont at noon. I’ll know the precise address just days before, so contact me to be notified of that, or just have my cell phone number (847 414-1692) with you.
It’s a rain or shine event. Have an umbrella, sun hat, sunscreen, and water bottle, plus comfortable shoes. Backpacks and other gear can be stowed in our float (station wagon) during the parade.
TLC Tugger and the Chicago NORM group are sponsoring this event. Please help us make it a success. Email me at TLCIntactivist@GMail.com with questions – and to let me know you’re coming.
Thanks,
-Ron Low
Rummage Sale – To Help Animal Rescue June 18-19 in Andersonville
RESCUE RUMMAGE SALE!
in Andersonville
Saturday, June 18, 2011
10:00am – 7:00pm
&
Sunday, June 19, 2011
11:00am – 5:00pm
Monies raised at the RESCUE RUMMAGE SALE will help our rescue dogs by providing:
Much Needed Food!
Medical Care!
Spaying & Neutering Services!
Necessary Shots!
and Micro-chip to ensure that these dogs can be located if lost again in the future.
– in addition, you can help by donating items that can be sold – items from your attic or from your spring cleaning can help us raise funds and save a life!
Please contribute to our worthy cause, it will also help fund our rescue cookie boxes, allowing us to raise funds for the many animals we are trying to save lives at kill shelters!
Please contact Gloria to make donations and donate items at:
Famous Fido Rescue and Adoption Alliance
5430 North Clark Chicago, IL 60640 Rear Parking Lot
Please call us at: 773.907.0305
or visit: Famousfidorescue.com
Latin Latino Pride in Chicago this Week
UNITED LATINO PRIDE – ULP is a group of individual community members, organizations and buisness that identify as Latino LGBTQ and allies. The group was formed to meet the need to educate and celebrate who we are as community.
“There are over 1 million Latinos in the Chicago Land Area meaning that statistically at least 30,000 fall in the LGBTQ spectrum. With such a large population, how can we not celebrate who we are!”
This week ULP is organizing a series of event for Latino Pride in Chicago. Including:
June 9, 2011 screening “I am the Queen” film Directed by Josue Pellot and Henrique Cirne-Lima
The Event will begin with a small reception and special performance, followed by the viewing of the film and a Q and A. This event is open to ALL AGES
We are asking for a minimum donation of $10.00 to benefit the transitional living center for Trans identified people, “El Rescate” that Vida Sida is in the processes of… establishing in Humbolt Park, Chicago.
About the Movie: “I am the Queen” takes a look at the often unobserved life of Chicago’s
Puerto Rican transgendered community documenting the Cacique Pageant, the first annual transgendered pageant held in Chicago’s Humboldt Park
neighborhood.
The film exposes the restructuring of the family unit
experienced by pageant participants who are often distanced from their
biological family only to find kinship among others in the Puerto Rican
transgendered community.
AND Saturday, June 11 · 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Latin@ PRIDE Summer Dance
Join us for Latin@ Pride Summer Dance at Harrison Park in Pilsen. Help us kick-off the pride festivities with music by some of Chicago’s leading queer Latin@ DJ’s and some of the queer friendliest DJ’s.
Spinning to the delight of your ears: Dj’s Reyna, Ang G., Feline and (((SONORAMA))).
There’ll be a dance contest, a guac-off (guacamole show down!) and so much more.
Location Harrison Park in Pilsen , 19th & Damen Chicago, IL
More events and details at United Latino Pride.
BestGayChicago.com
H.E.R. Day (Health, Recreation, Education) LGBTQA Women June 11
is a day-long symposium of exciting programs and workshops for LGBTQA women.
Facilitators from Howard Brown Health Center, the Chicago Women’s Health Center, Northwestern University’s Department of Psychology, and other organizations will lead health seminars, a cooking class, and recreation classes like self-defense, yoga, and salsa throughout the day.
Keynote speech will be given by Jessica Halem, comedian, activist, and former Executive Director of the Lesbian Community Cancer (now Care) Project. Jessica will also close the event with a special performance of her one-woman-show, “Bad Feminist” in the Hoover-Leppen Theater at 7pm.
$15 admission to H.E.R. Day (including the “Bad Feminist show) or $20 tickets to “Bad Feminist” at 7pm.
Seminars and workshops include:
“What I Learned from Cancer,” Jessica Halem
Sex Ed 101 for L/B/T/Q Women, presented by the Chicago Women’s Health Center
Women, the Media, and Beauty Ideals, presented by Renee Engeln-Maddox, Ph.D. and senior lecturer at Northwestern University
Healthy Cooking Class and Demonstration, presented by Chef Toni Rivera
Tickle Your Fancy: Female Sexuality, Orgasm & What Toys Can Do for You! Presented by Searah Deysach from Early to Bed
Transgender Health, presented by Lois Bates from Howard Brown
Intersex People: What you Should Know and Why You Should Care! Presented by Dr. Veronica Drantz and intersex spokespersons Alex and Mugsie
Salsa dance, instructed by Heidi Landgraf, She-She Salsa Instructor at Edge Gallery
Self Defense, instructed by Matt Cowell of Cowell Martial Arts
Yoga, instructed by Kerri Noto of Tejas Yoga
In Vitro Fertilization for LGBT couples, presented by Colleen Wagner Coughlin, Laboratory Director and Embryologist of aParentIVF
Saturday, June 11, 10AM – 4PM
$15 admission to H.E.R. Day (including the “Bad Feminist show)
or $20 tickets to “Bad Feminist” at 7pm.
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago at T’s June 12 Andersonville
The Big Gay Brunch Club
(BGBC) takes over T’s
in Andersonville this
Sunday June 12th, 11am-1pm.
followed by
Andersonville Midsommarfest!
5025 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-784-6000
$25 Includes bottomless Mimosas,
Bloody Mary’s, Coffee, Tea and Soda.
And one menu item from the list below
Mac & Cheese, Cobb Salad, Fish n Chips or Veggie Burger
RSVP on FACEBOOK
Next month – Sunday July 17th @ El Mariachi tequila bar & grill….3906 N. Broadway!
Beyond the Civil Union License…Celebrate Your Union with a Party
Mayor Rahm Emanuel told the crowd yesterday as the first cermonies began being held!.
Illinois is the sixth state to allow civil unions or their equivalent, which provide same-sex or opposite-sex couples the same state-level rights as married couples. Wednesday was the first day couples could get civil union licenses and, as with marriage, there is a one-day waiting period before a ceremony can be held.
“This is indeed a historic day, a special day that all of us in the land of Lincoln can celebrate,” Governor Quinn said. “There are all kinds of families in Illinois, but we are all the family of Illinois.”
So you want to have a Civil Union?!Step One – register with Cook County –
And then you have a judge Civil Union-ize you.
Step Two – Do you want more of a formal
ceremony for family and friends?
You will need an officiant. Meet Reverend Vito Anthony! “My role as celebrant is to offer a non-judgmental, non-denominational, spiritual ceremony for you and your loved ones, for any variety of momentous occasions in your life. As the pages turn with every new chapter in your life-whether it be one of joy or sorrow-it is equally important to mark your new chapters with a dignified ceremony. It is my goal to provide you with a ceremony that will not only fit your exact needs, but also to conduct a unique and memorable ceremony to help you begin your journey, whether in grief or happiness. – I am VERY EXCITED that the State of Illinois is offering Civil Unions to the LGBT Community!”
Rev. Vito Anthony
1-800-436-9085
Every wedding or party HAS TO HAVE A CAKE!
OAK MILL BAKERIES has 6 locations in Chicago, are a family-owned retail and wholesale specialty Bakery committed to providing only the freshest and finest European style baked goods. The BEST I have ever seen or tasted!
Specializing in high-end cakes, superior pastries, tortes, sweet table displays, and baked goods made from scratch and fresh from their ovens daily. Their gourmet products are made from natural ingredients using only fresh fruits & purees, natural butter, fresh eggs, fresh whipping cream and parve (kosher) chocolate imported directly from Europe. Their products are guaranteed to make your special event delicious, and we invite you to stop by one of our stores to sample their daily selections.
Born of Polish heritage, Bogna Iwanowska-Solak came to the United States in 1981 with plans extending only to a short vacation. She ended up staying and launching a successful bakery business. With quality and freshness at the forefront, Oak Mill Bakery still imports some of its ingredients directly from Poland staying true to its roots. This combination of European and natural ingredients along with attention to detail has created what many consider to be a source of pastry perfection.
Oak Mill Bakeries
1-847-318-6400
What About Flowers?
FLOWERS CHANGE EVERYTHING!
Andrea North at FlowerPetal says, “We have earned the trust of many couples by delivering on the promise of providing the same high level of service to each and every one of our customers. We know you have a choice, and we encourage you to shop around and find the best fit for your wedding or ceremony. When you decide on FlowerPetal for your wedding, you will know you’ve made the right choice.
And we are very excited to be working with the LGBT community of Chicagoland! This is an exciting time!
Many wedding vendors hear the word “wedding” and automatically raise the prices! “We don’t charge a “Wedding Tax”. Many florists automatically double or triple their prices when they hear you are shopping for a wedding. FlowerPetal charges the same prices regardless of the event type, and allows each customer to decide for themselves how much time they needs with our wedding consultant and our professional florist. We automatically include 2 hours with our wedding consultant to ensure everything is tailored to your specifications.”
Andrea North at FlowerPetal 1-800-893-5719 ext 103
What else do you need? Invitations? A hotel and/or honeymoon package? A caterer? Decorations?? Many people do not realize how invaluable a planner can be to them.
Take a deep breathe, ADH EVENTS can help. Whether you’re planning your ceremony locally or internationally, ADH Meetings & Events can help. From an intimate wedding, buying out a small boutique hotel which allows for all the guests to get to know each other over a few days, or planning a wedding on a grand scale, ADH assists in provide the right balance. According to Alexander deHilster “your wedding might not seem a destination wedding to you when you’re planning it in your home town, for many of your guests who are traveling from afar it would be. Often the guests’ experience seems to get lost in the process of planning the perfect day.”
ADH Events can assist with any of the needs for your special day from locating the perfect wedding/reception venue to arranging hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests, a dedicated phone line for your guests to book air travel , to assisting in menu, floral, entertainment, transportation and decor selection all while staying within your budget. Their dedicated coordinators will plan every detail to make sure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy your day.
Additionally, “The time spent to plan a gay or lesbian ceremony are just as involved as planning a conventional wedding, but for gay and lesbian couples there are a few important details to consider.” says owner Alexander deHilster. ” With constant changes in rules and regulations in cities, states and countries around the globe, and depending in which part of the world you’re planning to commit to your life partner, the names run from commitment ceremonies, civil unions and weddings, we at ADH Events are here to help you.”
“Some places only allows for you two to commit legally if one of the partners is either a residence or a national, other locations requires you’re both residents while at others there are no residency requirements at all.” ADH will make the entire planning experience a smooth one and helps you to find the perfect location to make this day a very special one! From Buenos Aires, Mexico City or Hawaii to Chicago, Paris or Amsterdam – they can help!
ADH EVENTS 312-265-9759
Now Go Get Hitched!
Best Gay Chicago.com
Gay Couples say Civil Unions a step in the Right Direction, for Chicago
Chicago – Cook County Clerk David Orr said his office issued 203 civil union licenses on the first day they were able to in Illinois.
Orr’s office said Wednesday evening that many couples arrived before the clerk’s office opened in downtown Chicago. But officials say the office saw a steady stream of couples applying for civil unions until the office closed at 7 p.m.
The first civil union license was issued Wednesday morning to Janean Watkins and Lakeesha Harris of Chicago, who arrived at midnight to be the first couple in line at the Daley Center, according to the release.
(They started the line at Midnight last night!)
“This is a day long in the making,” said Orr, who is on assignment in Macedonia as an election monitor.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 150 couples had obtained licenses at the Clerk’s downtown office, including a few dozen at the Clerk’s five suburban offices. At least two of the couples were heterosexual, the release said.
Harris and Watkins have six children and have been together more than a decade.
Another couple, Pam Voss and Melody Fairchild started dating 13 years ago. “It’s nice to finally have your relationship validated,” Voss said.
Qadree and Troy Holmes, who have been together for six years, met at a barbeque Qadree hosted. Although the couple had a wedding ceremony in 2007 at their church, they were grateful for the opportunity to have a civil union.
Hyde Park residents James Darby, 79, and Patrick Bova, 73, the oldest couple to obtain their civil union license Wednesday, have been a couple for nearly a half century. The youngest couple were Elena Denise Cano, 21, and Jannett Lopez, 20.
Because Watkins and Harris were first in line to receive their civil union license, they received a gift package from several sponsors, including: a two-night stay at the Palmer House Hilton; free Eli’s Cheesecake each anniversary for the rest of their lives; a $100 gift certificate to Wilde Bar & Restaurant; a Starbelly Studios photo shoot with three complimentary prints; a $100 Downtown Bar & Lounge gift certificate; and a $50 LaSalle Flowers gift certificate.
More than 80 other “presents” were donated and raffled off at a reception hosted by the Clerk’s office. Grand prize winners Jef Johnson and Allen Nichols received a 2-hour party cruise from Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, which includes complimentary wine and beer as well as a gift basket with champagne, chocolate and more (valued at $2,500).
In north suburban Lake County, County Clerk Willard Helander reported that six couples were in line for their civil union licenses by 8:30 a.m. As of 3:30 p.m. 15 civil union licenses had been issued in Lake County, according to Helander’s office.
Married couples have 1,138 federal rights, protections and responsibilities.
Civil Unions provides legal protection to couples at the state law level, but omits federal protections, as well as the dignity, clarity, security and power of the word “marriage”.
Civil unions give couples the right to make funeral and end-of-life decisions, the right to share a room in a nursing home, automatic hospital visitation, adoption and parental rights, pension benefits, inheritance rights, the right to decide how to dispose of a partner’s remains, and the right not to testify against each other in court. It is more than we had before! I’ll take it. For now.
BestGayChicago.com
ARF Brings Taste for a Change to Chicago June 9th
Abzyme Research Foundation Holds Taste For Change Benefit in Chicago
The Event Raises Funds and Awareness for Innovative Therapeutic HIV Vaccine Candidate
The Abzyme Research Foundation will host a benefit in Chicago to raise funds to propel HIV E-VAC, an innovative HIV vaccine candidate, into human trials. The work is being conducted at the University of Texas Houston Medical School and California Public Health Service with support from the National Institutes of Health.
Abzyme Research Foundation is committed to propelling HIV E-VAC into human trials because of its preclinical testing that show its incredible promise for both a prophylactic and therapeutic HIV vaccine. Despite over 27 million in NIH support of the past 25 years, the innovations of catalytic antibodies and covalent vaccination have not attracted the Pharmaceutical support of an industry discouraged by an inability to produce an effective HIV vaccine after 30 years of trying.
“We are so excited to announce the launch of our Taste For Change Program in Chicago. This grassroots wine tasting series to support a promising therapeutic HIV vaccine candidate has already launched in NYC, LA, Miami, and now we are thrilled to be launching in Chicago.
As Founder and Executive Director at ARF, I am thrilled at the opportunity to connect to Chicago and share w the enthusiasm that has me fighting with everything I’ve got to make sure this vaccine makes it to trial.
“What’s the big deal?” you may ask. My favorite piece of media to share is this CBS newstory entitled “Possible HIV Cure?’ (the most viewed YouTube clip under “hiv cure“).
For a modest $20 donation come taste delicious wines at Mini Bar paired with flatbread pizzas, tapas tastings, and small bites from Mini Bars delicious selection and TASTE FOR CHANGE.
RSVP on Facebook, and we look forward to seeing you there!”
Zachary Barnett, ARF.
@ Mini Bar 3341 N. Halsted Thursday June 9th, 7-9pm.
ARF is funding advancing a promising new therapeutic HIV vaccine into human trials through a national grassroots event series. Join us, and support hope for a future without HIV/AIDS.
To learn more about ARF and the vaccine candidate HIV-EVAC , visit endhiv.com
BestGayChicago.com
Birdhouse Art Auction and Cocktail Party for Chicago House
This year, Chicago House and our Co-Chairs Denise Antonucci, Jerry Sanfilippo and Spyros Petros are Branching Out with birdhouses and artwork for the masses!
Bring home the functional or funky birdhouse designs you’ve grown to love, plus traditional, modern, and contemporary art pieces, all auctioned off to benefit the men, women, and children of Chicago House!
Date: Thursday, June 23, 2011Time: 6 – 9PM
Where: Room & Board, 55 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Tickets online : $70 In Advance (ends June 22 at 5PM) $85 At the Door
Best Bike Tours in Chicago! Bobbys Bike Hike
Since the advent of the bicycle in the 1860s, Chicago has been distinguished as one of the premier cycling locations in the United States, with such public cycling destinations as Grant Park, Burnham Park and the Chicago Park District’s Lakefront Trail.
Chicago has been named a cycling capital of the United States by several magazines. The City of Chicago has achieved this goal by investing in bicycling infrastructure and promoting education, awareness and advocacy.
Bicycles arrived in Chicago in the 1860s. By 1900, there were 54 bicycle clubs with more than 10,000 members, and it has been growing every year.
Mayor Richard J. Daley, was a huge supporter of bicycling. When he was inaugurated, the city had a limited number of bike paths. By the 1970s, Daley’s administration had built a large network of lakefront bike paths, bicycle lanes on the road, a 34-mile (55 km) bicycle route and rush-hour bicycle lanes on Clark Street and Dearborn Street.
Chicago currently has more than 110 miles of on-street bike lanes, more than 30 miles of marked shared lanes, many miles of off-street paths (including the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail), more than 12,000 bike racks, and sheltered, high-capacity, bike parking areas at many CTA rail stations. Daley has said, “My goal is to make the City of Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S.”
Since the summer of 2002,
Bobby’s Bike Hike has offered a unique perspective on the sights and attractions of Chicago, incorporating quality information, group interaction, and most of all, fun.
“We provide you a cool, cruiser style bicycle and riders of all ages and fitness levels will find our relaxed-pace tours enjoyable. Bobby’s hand-selected guides make brief stops at Chicago’s most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained and “in the know.”
Whether you live here – or are visiting, Bobbys tours offer something for everyone.
Lakefront Neighborhood tours –
Rated the best Chicago sightseeing tour of 2010 by Tripadvisor, Most organized bike ride of Chicago by the Chicago Reader, and Best Chicago Tour by Citysearch! This tour is what made Bobby famous, taking you off the tourist beat and onto the quiet neighborhood streets, city parks, and packed beaches of the North Side of Chicago, giving you a glimpse as to how Chicagoans enjoy their beautiful city. Highlights include the Gold Coast Mansions, Oprah’s House, the Playboy Mansion, Lincoln Park Zoo, Old Town Historic District, North Avenue Beach, and the Lakefront.
City Lights at Night – Bike through Chicago’s most attractive hotspots at night! Like a party on wheels, we’ll cruise through downtown to see brand new Millennium Park, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain, with its world-renowned light show. You’ll see our favorite jaw-dropping vantage points of the scintillating skyline.
And NEW THIS YEAR – the Bikes, Bites Brew tour – Working up an appetite won’t be a problem on this tour! We’ll be sampling from each of Chicago’s four favorite food groups — pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes and beer. You’ll learn the history behind the foods and also get a taste for some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods as we cruise through Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
Bobby’s Bike Hike continues to set the standard in sightseeing bicycle tours of Chicago.
So come join in the fun – Bobby’s will be the highlight of your day!
Bobbys Bike Hike (312) 915-0995
