THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A MARATHON OF FUN PLANNED FOR CHICAGOANS AND THEIR GUESTS!
THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A MARATHON OF FUN PLANNED FOR CHICAGOANS AND THEIR GUESTS!
The biggest outdoor event taking place this Sunday and benefitting the “American Liver Foundation” is the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop. If you’re not a runner but choose to be a spectator instead detailed Spectator Information is available on their website Please note that the 27th Mile Post-Race Party/Runner reunite area located at Butler Field in Grant Park will open to spectators at 9:00 a.m. since individuals who are not registered for the race will not be allowed at the start and finish lines.
And of course there’s a variety of Course Entertainment for the spectators as well such as the “Bank of America (RED) Cheer Zone” at Mile 12; the “U.S. Trust Cheer Zone” just beyond that at the intersection of Adams Street and Wacker Drive which is one of the most scenic points of the course just before the runners cross the Chicago River approaching the halfway point; the “Merrill Lynch Cheer Zones” at Miles 13.5 and 16.5; and the “Bank of America Cheer Zone” at Mile 26 welcoming and cheering on the runners who have completed the course!
Finally the Balbo Hospitality Tent (5:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) located near the finish line offers an enhanced race experience for runners their family & friends as well as the spectators; however you must purchase a hospitality ticket (free admission for children 8 years and under) in order to gain access and enjoy the amenities being offered!
But before Sunday there’s Saturday!
The Windy City BBQ Classic sets up this Saturday (11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.) at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop where 40 Pit Masters along with their teams compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion and bragging rights too! This event is a true BBQ competition since teams are not allowed to use gas or electricity – only all-wood – as they prepare meats in the four categories of Ribs Chicken Pork and Brisket. Not only will attendees be able to sample judge and wash it all down with Chicago’s best craft beers but they’ll also be able to enjoy cooking demos specialty tastings watch learn & swap BBQ stories with the pit masters and take in some live Blues music which is all included in the ticket price (prices are higher at the door)!
Not to be left out in the cold but the Chicago Vegan Mania Festival takes place Saturday as well from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Broadway Armory Park (5917 N. Broadway St.) in the Edgewater neighborhood for all the no-meat eaters out there! It’s a celebration of all things vegan from food to fashion to commerce to community. This event features a Vegan Food Court a Chef Demo Stage a Workshop Room the Culture Café and the Main Presenter Stage along with a graffiti wall a vegan rock star photo booth a lively & activity-packed kids’ zone and much more for a true Chicago vegan experience!
Lastly the Aragon Ballroom (1106 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Uptown neighborhood is hosting the 5th annual Beer Hoptacular this Saturday (1:00 p.m.) featuring 60 breweries with close to 150 beers! This event also features a food pavilion in the parking lot the inaugural Beard Hoptacular for the best facial hair and the return of the Beer Hoptacular Derby Race where participating breweries will compete to see whose beer can go the fastest! Your admission includes 25 samples!!
Will You Be Ready For Your Marathon Weekend!
SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
