So many small business owners are feeling overburdened right now that a dose of good fun is recommended! Participating in some of these upcoming Chicago events may be just what’s needed to refresh our over-worked spirits. We’ve made it through the winter and the long spring is just beginning, so head out after work or on a weekend day and blow off some steam in our hard working city!
Snow Days Chicago is a free five-day winter festival on Michigan Avenue in Grant Park. It’s happening now and continuing through Feb. 16. The festival features a national snow sculpting competition, dog sled demonstrations, a snowboard rail jam and activities for kids. Despite the recent rash of warm weather, they protected snow blocks ahead of time so the festival can still happen. Watch as the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, showcasing over 27 beautiful and unique sculptures made entirely out of snow!
The Chicago Park District’s ice skating rinks are still open through Saturday, Feb. 28, weather permitting. Visit one in your neighborhood or if you are downtown you can go to the Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park at 337 E. Randolph St. Admission is free and skate rentals are $6. If being outside doesn’t fit your mood, check out The Chicago Auto Show beginning today at McCormick place and continuing through Feb. 22. Visit the website for details and a link to purchase inexpensive tickets.
Make your plans now for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The downtown parade is on Saturday, March 14th at 12 noon. The parade route runs from Balbo to Monroe down Columbus Dr. After the parade, view the newly-greened river and head to Poag Mahones at 333 S. Wells for an award winning burger. They’ve got the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band booked for entertainment throughout the afternoon. Or you can head out to the South Side Irish Parade on Sunday, March 15 at 12 noon. This parade runs on Western Ave from 103rd to 115th Street. Officially St. Patrick’s Day is on Tuesday March 17th which conveniently coincides with the opening round game of the 2009 NCAA basketball tournament, also known as “March Madness”. Poag Mahones is hosting The Shannon Rovers all afternoon on Tuesday, too, so there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy one of this city’s most celebrated holidays and take your mind off of the grind, if even for an hour or two.
