Green Festival This Weekend

We are gearing up for the Green Festival this weekend, May 5-6, in downtown Chicago. The annual celebration of all things green takes place at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Avenue) on Saturday, May 5 from 12-8 p.m. and Sunday, May 6 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Green Festival‘s mission is to show everyone what it means to be a part of a sustainable community. More than 125 green leaders, authors and educators gather to host how-to workshops, conduct seminars, enjoy organic beer and wine and relish the green life. Don’t miss the unique marketplace that features more than 300 eco-friendly businesses from all-natural body care products to Fair Trade chocolates.

With a Green Kid Zone, an eco-fashion show and interactive D.I.Y. workshops there is something for everyone at the Green Festival. Check it out this weekend and post pictures of your experience on our Facebook timeline!

Chicagoans Gear Up for Green City Market

This Saturday, May 7 at 7 a.m., Chicago’s truly green farmer’s market opens shop outdoors for the first Saturday of the season. The outdoor Green City Market, located at the south end of Lincoln Park (between Clark and Stockton Drive, approximately 1790 N. Clark), is open each Wednesday and Saturday through October 29 from 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Image Credit: Green City Market

Celebrating it’s 12th anniversary, the Green City Market is nationally recognized for distributing, promoting, and educating the community on local sustainably-grown food.

Socially conscious shoppers can take part in the Opening Day Rally from 9-10 a.m., followed by a Chef Demonstration at 10:30 a.m. by Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris of West Loop’s Prairie Fire.

Image Credit: Green City Market

It’s a breeze to get to Green City Market by public transportation. You can use the following CTA bus routes: 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 73 Armitage, or 151 Sheridan. Alternately, the Lincoln Park Trolley runs every Saturday down Stockton Drive starting on May 23. It picks up in front of the Historical Museum parking lot and is free.

If you head to Green City Market this weekend for some one-of-a-kind treats (like Snookelfritz ice cream or fresh Zullo’s doughnuts) be sure to take photos and share them on our Facebook wall. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bag!

Happy Arbor Day!

Happy Arbor Day! The Illinois State Arbor Day falls on the last Friday of every April and is a day dedicated to planting, nursing, and celebrating trees. We’re celebrating Arbor Day this year on April 29.

Image credit: Elizabeth Spirk

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with over one million members, supporters, and valued partners.

Here are some ways you can make the most of Arbor Day:

• Send a Give-A-Tree e-card where a tree is planted for every card sent
• Roll up your sleeves and plant a tree or two
• Bring Arbor Day to classrooms in the community
• Check out the Celebrate Arbor Day Guidebook
• Take a hike – a tree identification hike, that is – and don’t forget your tree guide

Share some photos of your Arbor Day celebrations with us on our Facebook page.

Dream Date – Dinner for Two at Elate Restaurant

One of Chicago’s most anticipated fundraisers of the year is just around the corner. Hotel Felix’s Elate Restaurant is happy to participate in this year’s giveaways. Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest will be auctioning off dinner for two at Elate Restaurant on Feb. 5th at the 19^th Annual Dream Date Charity Auction.

Starlight is a nonprofit organization which helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education, family activities, community outings and other special events.  The fundraising goal of $150,000 has been set for the “Dream Date” event, which will host more than 550 attendees.

Elate Restaurant is proud to participate in this fundraising event to help support Starlight’s diverse line-up of programs and services.  Event details are listed below:

Who: Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest

What: 19th Annual Dream Date Charity Auction

Where: Enclave (220 W. Chicago Ave.)

When: Friday, Feb. 5th at 6 p.m.

Why: To raise money to help support Starlight’s diverse line-up of programs and services

For tickets, please call 312.251.7827 or visit www.starlight-midwest.org