West Chicago's Blooming Fest Delivers a Healthy Dose of Community Spirit



		Participants of the West Chicago Park District’s Dance Program, Dancing Through the Decades, took to the stage for the enjoyment of those attending Blooming Fest.




		The West Chicago Garden Club plant sale was hopping the entire day. The tent was sold out by the day’s end.

West Chicago, Illinois: May 19, 2010 – It signaled the official end to the winter hibernation-mode that causes neighbors to seek indoor activities or look longingly at barren, brown garden beds. It was a day for flower-filled pull-carts, children’s smiling faces, neighbors gathered under an outdoor tent with coffee and donuts in conversation with the City’s Mayor, and – in short, it was a scene of Americana at its best. It was West Chicago’s Blooming Fest, and it was picture perfect.

Crowds pulled in as early as 8:30 a.m. on Saturday for the opening of the West Chicago Garden Club’s annual plant sale. Sales were brisk throughout the day, leaving nothing for volunteer members to pack up and bring home by 3:00 p.m. The Club, which counts on the sale as their major fundraiser for the year, was not the only winner.

“For many of the businesses that got involved, whether they were on-site with a vendor booth or represented through promotional materials included in 500 give-away bags coordinated by the Blooming Fest committee, participation meant coming in contact with crowds of new potential customers,” said City of West Chicago spokesperson Rosemary Mackey. “The event literally opened doors for some of them.”

The community event which celebrates spring, gardening and reconnecting with friends and neighbors enticed thousands of people to stroll downtown to take in the sights, sounds and flavors that are uniquely West Chicago. Participating local restaurants like El Coco Loco, Cortez Bakery and Din Hua Asian Cuisine, rounded out a food court alongside the sizzling Wheaton Academy grill and served up specialties toward the east end of Main Street; and the West Chicago Tastee Freez enjoyed the heightened energy that the Chicago Corvette Club’s Wheels exhibit brought to Fremont Street.

While a main stage of great local musicians entertained appreciative audiences throughout the day and kids gathered at the West Chicago Park District’s game stations, others were discovering some of the unique, niche businesses that have sprung up or taken root downtown.

One new downtown business, fina boutique, enjoyed a steady stream of customers who were delighted to discover that the new women’s apparel and accessory shop had opened at 112 Main Street. Owner Irene Rodriguez arranged to have a booth on the street just opposite the stylishly decorated front window of her business’ building. “A lot of people stopped to say how pleased they were that we opened. One woman even remarked that our shop was a new beginning for fashion in downtown West Chicago,” said Rodriguez.

Counting its third year of participation, Bob’s Salt and Feed likewise drew attention, no doubt expanding their established, loyal customer base for their 126 Wood Street location, by being present with a booth on Main Street. Sales of pet food, lawn and garden supplies, wild bird seed and more showcased a small sample of what the store sells. “We love being at Blooming Fest because it gives us an opportunity to be more involved with the community,” said Bob’s Salt and Feed employee William Gilbert.

West Chicago Mayor Mike Kwasman, who was joined by Aldermen Russell Radkiewicz, James Beifuss, Sandy Dimas, Al Murphy, Nanette Connelly, Joe Gianforte, and Becky Stout, and City Treasurer Don Earley, remarked on Blooming Fest’s success pointing to the many groups, organizations, businesses and residents themselves that contributed to the day. “West Chicago is a city filled with warm and welcoming people who really care about their hometown. Events like Blooming Fest are opportunities to celebrate that spirit. Our community really shined,” he said.

Slideshow: 2010 Blooming Fest


	Local businesses like Bob’s Salt and Feed enjoyed getting more involved with the community by participating in Blooming Fest.


	The West Chicago Park District provided fun through street games for Blooming Fest’s youthful visitors.


	Painted faces made smiles seem larger for those visiting the Wheaton Academy face-painting station.

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West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. It is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the City's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org