Chicago Neighborhood News: Lincoln Park, Virtual, Wicker Park and Bucktown

Lincoln Park: With so many exhibits and events canceled due to COVID-19, it sure feels like we could all use some color in our lives as winter approaches. You can offset the bleakness by taking advantage of the once in a lifetime chance to purchase poinsettias from the Lincoln Park Conservatory. With this year’s annual winter show a no-go due to the pandemic, you can now buy poinsettias of various varieties via the “Deck Your Halls: Poinsettias for a Purpose” online sale. The sale runs until November 29th, or until all plants are sold. Over 700 six-to-ten inch poinsettias, raised by the Conservatory since June, are available for purchase with prices ranging from $10 to $45. Find more info here.

Virtual: Starting November 18th and running until Sunday, November 22nd, celebrate Icelandic culture with the first-ever Virtual Taste of Iceland! This festival lets you experience the nation’s cuisine, music, literature, and film through live-streamed events you can enjoy from the comfort of home. A Chicago-based highlight of the fest is a cooking demonstration featuring James Beard Award Finalist Chef Paul Virant of Gaijin, Vie, and Vistro restaurants revealing how to create a seasonal dish inspired by Icelandic cuisine on November 20th at 4 pm via Facebook. Throughout the fest, be sure to fill out the online form for your chance to win numerous prizes, including a trip to Iceland. The winner will be announced live on Saturday, November 21st. Find more info here.

Virtual: Join author & Professor of History, Emeritus, at Northwestern University, Carl Smith, for an online discussion of his book, Chicago’s Great Fire, on Tuesday, November 24th, from 12 pm to 1 pm. Chicago recently recognized the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, but who much do we Chicagoans actually know about this historical event that occurred in 1871? Sure, we’re aware of the tale about Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, but there is much more to this true story. Smith created a thoroughly researched book blending fascinating historical characters amidst the backdrop of Chicago’s rapid expansion in the years following the Civil War that showcases the city’s destruction and renewal. Tickets are $10. Find more info here.

Wicker Park & Bucktown: Sure, the temps are dropping fast around Chicago, but those who can brave the colder weather should register for the Wicker Park Bucktown Virtual 5k. Kicking off on Monday, November 23rd and running (literally) until Saturday, November 28th, participants will receive a 5k race map they can complete at their convenience by the 28th. Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for teens and children. The price includes a race shirt with either a Team Wicker Park or Team Bucktown logo (depending on your preference) as well as your last name on the back. If you can, be sure to get your 5k in on the 28th, which is Small Business Saturday, where local businesses in the two neighborhoods will offer in-person, curbside, and delivery shopping options. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO