6th Annual County Fair

Like many cities, Chicago has a plethora of communities that hosts community events to open the Back to School Season where both parents and children of all ages can enjoy good food and activities. The 6th Annual County Fair is an event hosted by the Chicago Park District and brings together all Chicagoans from all walks of life, to enjoy the simplicity of Garfield Park Conservatory and artistic and earthy programming. The eight different sections of the program included, activities for children, a carnival area, world music festival including local artists and performers, farmer's market, artist row and gardening areas. The best part of this event is that it was a free event open to all community members and all Chicago residents. This was a perfect opening to a great school year and many of the residents attending got a chance to observe, or be apart of the activities.

The children activities were absolutely fun and great. From feeding live animals like goats, chickens, and pigs. Children were also able to receive pony rides as well. Face painting by local artists were on the faces of the bubbly little ones who enjoyed that in the carnival area. Girls who loved to jump rope were able to work out their energy in the Double Dutch Jump rope workshop. Performances by the CoCo Clowns got the parents and the children very excited by the day.

Local artists work was displayed in the Artist row, and this was provided by the West Side Cultural Arts Council. Upotia, an Non-Profit organization, educated the community about their innovative program which works with youth in areas of youth development, entertainment and fashion industries to increase self-esteem, entrepreneurship, and mentor youth with career choices. Crib Collective recited original spoken word and gave excellent live spoken word performances that highlighted the fact that parents should work with their children on increasing their written and oral skills during the school year.

The World Music Festival brought the crowd to its feet as local performers hit the stage and blessed the microphone with strong vocal and musical performances that made the crowd bob their heads, snap their fingers, and brought a lyrical groove to the event. 7 excellent performances with world music, bluegrass, neo-soul and spoken word were displayed at the event. Features like Cerita Brown, SpqHer, Ugochi and Extra Golden were highlights. I especially enjoyed Ugochi's musicality because she spoke of community issues like AIDS and being conscious in the world. SpqHer sung neo-soul songs that uplifted the crowd and moved through hearts as people were able to connect musically with the sisters of the "microphone". Cerita Brown and Friends sung contemporary and catchy gospel tunes designed to open the heart and soul of all who were able to listen.

For those who didn't necessary want to listen to live music, or look at live animals were able to browse the beautiful Garden demonstrations in the Demonstration Garden where bee keepers, flower arrangers, and worm composting took place.
The public also got a chance to pot plants, attend petting zoos, participate on lawn games or grab fresh fruit and vegetables in the Farmer's Market area.

The Food Court was a great spot to grab excellent cuisine, from Soul Vegeterian, ethnic dishes for those who want to nibble on meatless dishes, Jamba Juice provided smoothies, while J & J Fish and Chicken served up hot entrees from Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken and Fish Nuggets, Hot Corn and more. Al's Hot Dogs provided hot dogs and general American cuisine for those wanting hamburgers, fries, and other fast meals.

Children were able to speak with "live" cowboys who were apart of the L-Riders event which was hosted between 11 am and 4pm. This was an awesome opportunity for kids to meet real cowboys and ask them questions about their lifestyle.

Families were able to ride a trolley to the Green Technology Center (CCGT) as apart of the Family Day at the Center for Green Technology.

All in all, this was a wonderful day for families to spend outside. It was fun, well-attended and provided not only events for the kids to participate, but their parents as well. The fair was sponsored by the Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago Kidstart program, City Arts Grants, Chase and the Chicago Park District.

Remember this event is hosted by the city, each fall and that it's completely free.