The Chicago Air & Water Show is scheduled for Saturday, August 14, & Sunday, August 15, 2010 and over 2 million people usually view the event from the beach around Lake Michigan It is the largest free air show in the United States. If you want a good seat for the Chicago Air and Water Show check out the areas on the beach from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street Beach. North Avenue Beach is the main location for the show, but also the most crowded. Note there is no parking near the beach, the only places to park are on side streets (usually full of the resident’s car already anyway) several blocks away. So, either take the CTA 151 or 156 buses from downtown or Union Station if you plan on coming in from elsewhere in the city.

This year’s Chicago Air and Water Show is scheduled for Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday August 14th and Sunday August 15th. As always the times and performers subject to change if needed (with weather or unforeseen circumstances). Most of the time the show runs exactly on schedule because they rehearse it about 5 times in the week before the actual show. (my work building is near downtown and the windows rattle a bit that week.)

Some of the airplanes you will see at this year’s show are:
U.S. Navy Blue Angels (F-18s)
AeroShell Aerobatic Team
Chicago Fire Department Air and Sea Rescue Team
Lima Lima Flight Team
The Firebirds
Sean Tucker & Team Oracle
Ed Hamill and his Air Force Reserve Bi-Plane
Red Bull MiG
U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights

Note: The City of Chicago site does not confirm any civilian performers this year and we’re only 2 weeks away, so some of these on the list may not perform. We just don’t know because they are not publishing that information before the show this year. (a little odd!) Regardless of who is in the show, I am sure that the aerobatics will be amazing and entertaining for the whole family.

It is also fun to go downtown the day or two before the Chicago Air and Water show and see the practice runs of all the military and aerobatic planes over Lake Michigan. Its the same show although the timing is spread out and may be throughout the day. There would be far less of a problem with parking at that time though.

While you are downtown,  it would be a great time to stop by and do some shopping or try out a new restaurant in Chicago. Make it a full day of fun.

** Update: The Sun Times is reporting that in order to promote a new movie, someone is requiring Vince Vaughn to jump out of a plane with the Golden Nights Parachute team. Yikes, that has to be the most dangerous promotional stunt ever done. Even more dangerous than Tom Cruise almost rolling the car on the TopGear test track while promoting Knight & Day with Cameron Diaz. I wish Vince the best of luck with his jump, Bill Murray survived, so Vince should be ok.

Chicago Night Skyline

Chicago Festivals happening in AUGUST 2010.

Plan ahead now for the month of August. Its your last chance to take some vacation time, get out to meet friends at the festivals and hopefully get a little tan without getting burnt to a crisp. The weather is hot and humid now in Chicago, remember your sunscreen, your water bottle and the cash for all of these festivals. Some are free to enter but all of the Chicago festivals have food and drink vendors as well as things for sale depending on the fest. There are more and more festivals listed each summer in Chicago and its near impossible to keep up. Don’t worry about attending every festival, concentrate on the ones near you and with the groups you are a part of. I think sometimes these fests listed can be anything from a huge event like Lollapalooza to a small neighborhood gathering of a dozen or so people, so do some research online before heading out the door. And if the event is in the city, plan ahead extra time for finding parking. Have a great August!

29-Aug. 1: Free! Fiesta del Sol

30-31: Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival (yummy)

31-Aug. 1: Free! Gold Coast Art Fair

31-Aug. 1: Lincoln Park Arts and Music Festival

31-Aug. 1: Summer on Southport

31-Aug. 1: Serbfest

31-Aug. 1: Wicker Park Fest

August 1: Belize Day in the Park Free fest.

6-8: Lollapalooza  Concert Series Weekend with Lady Gaga

6-8: Taylor Street Italian Festival

7-8: Free! Crafters Round-up

7-8: New! Festival Cubano

7-8: Northalsted Market Days

7-8: Retro on Roscoe

13-15: Ginza Holiday

13-15: New! Rockin’ on the River Ribfest (yummy)

14-15: Free! Air & Water Show

14-15: Free! Armenian Fest

14-15: Free! Gethsemane Garden Center Art Fair

14-15: Wrigleyville Summerfest

15: Croatian Fest – Free!

20-22: North Side Summerfest

21-22: Caribbean Festival

21-22: Free! Chicago Carifete

21-22: Ukrainian Days Festival 2010 Free!

28-29: Bucktown Arts Fest Free!

28-29: Lake View Music Fest

28-29: Randolph Street Market Festival

28-29: Taste of Greece 2010

A few summers ago I was suprised to see a vintage sailing ship docked on the Chicago River at the point where it joins Lake Michigan that looked like it was from the 1700′s. It was the Tall Ships visiting Chicago and they are back this summer with more sailing excursions to offer local Chicagoans a really unique experience. There is one Tall Ship here now that I have seen floating by our office building downtown but be ready for 20 tall ships to arrive at Navy Pier on August 24-29, 2010. This will be a rare vintage sailing event for Chicago.

The ships have come all the way from Canada, Germany and The Netherlands in addition to the ones from the US. You will be able to tour the Tall Ships that weekend in August while they are at Navy Pier (the local tour boats will give up their docks?) and they have several tours and sailing ticket packages available. To tour the Tall Ships the cost is $15-20. To take a 60-90 minute sailing ride on Lake Michigan it costs from $45-55 and a special trip to be on the Tall Ships as they are in the Parade of Sails it is $189.00 per person. (Navy Pier 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago)

It is a bit expensive but it is a once in a lifetime experience, its not like it is easy to maintain these boats and they aren’t very common anymore. You can get a $2 discount with a specially marked Pepsi can and some tickets are available at neighborhood Dominick’s stores at a 35% discount in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at: websales.omniticket.com/cnp

There will also be nightly fireworks shows the weekend the tall sailing ships visit. If your kids like the Pirates of the Caribbean or just Pirates in general they may really enjoy seeing these old navy ships in action.

It is also good to remember that Navy Pier is also where Chicago Architectural Tours, Sea Dog Tours and Shoreline Sight Seeing tours are docked on a daily basis. So when your relatives come to visit and want to see Chicago or the kids need a summer field trip, these can also be fun affordable tours to take on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Parking is easy, there is an enormous parking garage inside Navy Pier Just turn North of the pier and drive along side, large signs direct traffic in to the parking under the buildings. Expect parking to be around $25.

Schedule:

August 24
(Ticket sales start at Noon)
Parade of Sail
Begins at 4:00 pm

Opening Ceremonies at Navy Pier’s East End Plaza: 5:00 p.m. as the ships make their approach. Festival viewing tickets required.

Tall Ship Viewing
Close of Parade of Sail to 9:00 pm

Fireworks 9:00 pm
August 25-28
10:00 am– 9:00 pm
Festival Grounds open (advance or walk-up ticket purchase required)

Tall Ship Viewing and Tall Ship Dockside Boarding

*Box offices will open at least 1 hour in advance of event opening times

Fireworks 9:00 pm
August 29
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Festival Grounds open (advance or walk-up ticket purchase required)

Tall Ship Viewing and Tall Ship Dockside Boarding

*Box offices will open at least 1 hour in advance of event opening times

Fireworks 9:30 p.m.

A special exhibit of Matisse artwork is coming to The Art Institute of Chicago. Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913–1917is a look into a trans-formative time early in the artist’s work. I am a big fan of Henri Matisse’s well known works because of the vibrant bold colors, unique settings and still lifes. I am looking forward to seeing the rare early works of this artist.

The Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913–1917 Exhibition is running only from March 20th through June 20th so  that is only 12 Saturdays to go see it if you need a weekend. Saturdays are crowded, get there early and if you don’t like lines, check it out during the week. The address and phone number of the Art Institute of Chicago are below if you would like to contact them for more information.

Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(877) 307-4242
artinstituteofchicago.org

General Admission Tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago are $20 and plan on taking public transit because parking isn’t really a part of the complex and can be expensive.  The world of the Art Institute of Chicago is vast and if you go for this special Exhibition on Matisse, plan on spending the day exploring their regular display pieces as well, they are all quite amazing. I recommend the modern wing for looking at the new exhibits as well as the basement with the unique armor art.

The Chicago Auto Show opens this weekend! This is one of my favorite yearly events in Chicago and it is cheap, convenient and fun for the whole family. McCormick Place will host the Chicago Auto Show from Friday February 12 through Sunday February 21st. Tickets are $11 at the door, ($7 for seniors and $7 for kids) no need to buy them in advance, although free tickets from a dealer are always good too. Parking is usually $20 and you can park in one of the lots by Soldier Field or South of McCormick Place off Lake Shore Dr. Expect to do a lot of walking, wear some comfortable shoes for a hike and pack light.

There are 2 main reasons to visit the Chicago Auto Show:

1. You are a car fan and that many cars in one place at the Chicago Auto Show gets you pretty excited.  (you possibly want to lick one to claim it) You go to get the inside scoop on what concepts are coming out and all the specs on your favorite sports cars, trucks or imports are. Keeping up on what is new is what you do.

2. You will be shopping for a car in the next 2-3 years. This is you, me and everyone else. I think everyone should visit the Chicago Auto Show to scope out new car models because you can’t always make good decisions on what kind of car to buy when you need one, if you haven’t formed any opinions about what is available.

All too often people find out their car needs significant work and they decide to sell it or trade it in instead of paying thousands of dollars. Then you are tossed into a quick decision about what to buy. If you buy new, that limits the choices but raises the price. If you buy used cars (like me) you need to have an eye on some cars you saw at the Chicago Auto Show a few years ago that you can find used and in good condition.

This year all the buzz at the Chicago Auto Show 2010 will be about how Toyota spins their recall and quality issues into a selling proposition. I am always interested in what new Hybrids and Alternative Fuel (Electric) cars are coming out and what new ideas they are working on. Concept cars are fun, but rarely do any of them make it to the road, and if they do, it probably wasn’t one of the amazing ones. My husband is a big Honda fan so I am sure he will want to find out what the honda dealers in chicagoland have that is new this year too.

I would really like my next car to be a 5 door full-size sedan that is flexible and sporty (with a little luxury also) and get better gas mileage than I do now (25 mpg avg). I am wondering how much more the hybrid and electric vehicle market evolves to get the average MPG people have on the road to 35-45 mpg.

I have my eye on the Honda CrossTour although it almost looks like an SUV and I recently realized that people with kids in carseats can’t use a 5 door because it requires you to flip down the rear seats in order to get big stuff in the car. (no wonder people bought gas guzzling SUVs) I really prefer a car that isn’t so high off the ground and looks like it might go do a lap on the Nurbergring, yet it also hauls a big TV or carpet home from the store. Yes, I do want everything. (who doesn’t?)

I am also curious to see what GM & Ford have on tap this year. I am impressed by the improvements that FORD has made in their car quality over the last decade and I think they have a lot of very fuel efficient stylish cars available. The Fusion is a really nice car, I wish they made a sport turbo hatchback version. There is also the triumphant return of the Buick Regal GS in a concept and a 3 part rollout of that model with different engine options in the next 2 years. (including a turbo 4 cl with 230 hp) Thank you China for giving Buick a lifeline and some hot new designs!

You may be wondering why I am always talking about sport hatchbacks. Well, Europe lives in them and we will too when we get even higher gas prices and if they luxe them up a bit. I have a Saab9-3 SE with a turbo 4 cylinder and 5 doors. The back seats fold down and it hauls everything. It has a sport button for improved performance. It gets ok gas mileage. It has leather heated seats, alloy wheels and a burl-wood dash. It breaks down more often than I would like, but 4 out of 5 ain’t bad? (3 major issues in 6 years)

Maybe Saab Spyker will be back with the sport luxury 5-door that Europe and America are longing for even though they don’t know it yet?

What is best about the Chicago Auto Showis that if you really need to buy a car soon, there are no sales people there to pressure you into anything, and if you do go to a dealer during the next week, they will most likely have some kind of promotional sale that will save you a couple thousand dollars off a new car.

The recap: The word on the street is that the 2010 Chicago Auto Show is really small this year. Lacking the bevy of GM brands that have gone belly up and several other car companies that are no-shows because of budget cuts, things are much less interesting.

Many people do not know that you can see New York’s Broadway shows here in Chicago! Including many Tony Award winners. A number of new musicals and theater shows are coming to Chicago in 2010 that shouldn’t be missed. Here is a list of the theater I think should not be missed while it has a short run in Chicago this year: 

Billy Elliot The Musical: This is the best feel good musical with dance that you will see this year in Chicago. Check out the uplifting against-all-odds story that all the critics have been raving about at the Ford Center for Performing Arts/Oriental Theater 24 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL on March 18 through 2010. Hopefully Billy Elliot will be here for a long run since Chicago likes uplifting musicals and supports them for a long time (like Wicked).

Dreamgirls: This is a musical turned into an Oscar Winning Movie turned into a Musical again. Why? Because the music is so moving it can go between stage and screen so easily. See it live to experience the drama yourself at the Cadillac Palace Theater 151 W Randolph Street in Chicago, IL. January 19-31, 2010. Tickets are $18-$85 each and selling out fast.

August Osage County: I saw this show in preview performances a few years ago before all the awards came in. I was floored by the roller coaster ride and yet I think most people identify with a family spinning out of control because we hold ours together by threads some days. Yet nobody has a life this messed up. Experience the extremes that family can bring at the Cadillac Palace Theater 151 W Randolph Street Chicago, IL from February 2-14, 2010  Tickets are $25-$80.

An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin: At the Cadillac Palace Theater, 151 W Randolph Street Chicago, Illinois on March 2-7, 2010 Tickets are from $18-$90 each. Both of these powerful broadway singers have a lot to offer. This is a rare show where they just get to sing their favorites and talk to the audience about them. What an intimate view into the well known music of Broadway shows.

Chicago Broadway Theatre Tickets can be purchased Online through box offices or reseller sites.

The L decked out for Christmas with lights and lots of decorations.

Adapted from all the listings I have collected this is the 25 best things to do in Chicago this Christmas. Take note, many of these Christmas activities are free and fun for the whole family. Whether it is a showing of the Nutcracker, Christmas Caroling, shopping at ChristkindleMarket, seeing A Christmas Carol or Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer show, seeing Winter Wonderfest or Zoolights, there is plenty to plan your weekend with this holiday season. As always call the phone numbers listed for more information, addresses an times. If you plan on attending these holiday events in Chicago please take public transportation on your way there to minimize traffic and avoid the cost of parking downtown ($25+). Chicagoweekendfun.com wishes everyone the warmest and most fun holiday season yet!

 A BREAKFAST WITH SANTA- Fun for kids! This breakfast with santa features a special appearance by Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and if you bring a handmade ornament you can enter to win prized. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the Walter and Connie Payton foundation. United Club at Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus, (312)235-7162. December 5th @ 10 AM. $50, $25 best for kids 3-12, An RSVP is required.

THE 11TH ANNUAL BUCKTOWN HOLIDAY ARTSHOW - All kinds of local art at many price levels including photography, jewelry, watercolors and more. The creativity in the art is beyond what you can find in a big box store for christmas. Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 North Oakley St, (312)742-7554. December 12th and 13th, 11am to5pm, $2 entry fee.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT THE CLOUD GATE (the bean) – Join groups of carolers for a weekly sing-along @ Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph St, (312)742-1168. Fridays through December 18th @ 6pm. Free!

The Music Box Theater

The 14TH ANNUAL CHRISTKINDLMARKET @ DALEY PLAZA – This outdoor German market on Daley Plaza offers vendors selling authentic German food, drinks and handmade goods like ornaments and clothing. Some favorites are Beer, Potato pancakes and Christmas Ornaments. Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington St, (312)494-2175. November 25th through December 24th. Free!

68TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD/14TH ANNUAL HOLIDAYS OF LIGHT Museum of Science and Industry – A tradition at the Museum of Science and Industry, see where Christmas is celebrated around the world with Christmas trees, music, dancing and some exhibits of other winter holidays, including Diwali, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. At the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, (773)684-1414. November 20th through January 3rd. Free with general Museum of Science and Industry admission of $9-$13.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Theater – The classic tale of mean ol’ Ebenezer Scrooge turned around by the Goodman Theater. See what Christmas is really supposed to be about and bring the whole family. At the Goodman Theatre, 170 North Dearborn St, (312)443-3800. Now Showing from November 20th through December 31st. Tickets are $25-$74, or $10 for students.

The 26TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG AND DOUBLE FEATURE MOVIES – Come see two favorite classic Christmas Movies and sing some carols too —“It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas”— at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 North Southport Ave, (773)871-6604. December 18th through December 24th. Tickets are $16 for the double feature, or $11 for the single.

Christmas HOLIDAY FLOWER SHOW – Garfield Park Conservatory has more holiday flowers than you can dream of. Fields of poinsettias and other holiday plants are in their vast and amazing greenhouses for viewing. Come see this horticultual treasure in Chicago. The Garfield Conservatory, 300 North Central Park, (312)746-5100. Open November 28th through January 10th. Free, but donations appreciated.

MILLENNIUM PARK ICE SKATING – We have already written about the fun of skating downtown among the skyline, but I will say it again, grab your skates and head over to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink on Michigan Avenue in Millennium Park. The 2009-2010 season runs from November 20th through March 14th. (also fun around Valentine’s day)

The Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River

THE JOFFREY BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER – The exclusive Joffrey Ballet “The Nutcracker” is only here for two weeks. Don’t miss the amazing ballet dance troupe performing this Christmas classic at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress, call for more info (800)982-2787. December 11th through December 27th. Tickets are $25-$100.

RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR HOLIDAY SALE – 150 local, national and international artists show their unique creations Come browse the handmade jewelry, clothing and comics, among a plethora of other goodies. Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk, (773)227-2707. Dec 5 and Dec 6, 11am-7pm. Free.

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER – The classic tale of Rudolph in a funny, family-friendly retelling of said story. The Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway, (773)561-4665. Nov 27-Dec 18. $15, $10 for kids under 12.

SANTA’S HOUSE & Photos With SANTA – Sit on Jolly Ol’ St. Nick’s lap, tell him what you want for Christmas and get a picture. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, (312)744-3315. Nov 26-Dec 24. Free.

SONGS OF GOOD CHEER – Chicago Tribune’s Eric Zorn and Mary Schmich and musicians head a caroling party at the Old Town School of Folkmusic. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 North Lincoln, (773)728-6000. December 18-December 19 @ 7:30 pm, and December 20 @ 5 pm. Tickets are $36-$40.

Macy's (Marshall Field's) on State Street all decked out

32ND ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS MOTORCYCLE PARADE – This annual event is beneficial to the greater community with thousands of motorcycle riders delivering toys of all kinds so they can be donated to families in need. You can donate toys at any of the many stops along the routes. Dan Ryan Woods, 8300 South Western Avenue, (708)771-1062. December 6th @ 9:30 am. Free, toy donation required (no stuffed animals please).

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS HOME TOURS – Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park home, decked out for the holidays, and learn about the Wright family’s Christmas celebrations. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park, (708)848-1976. December 12th and December 19th at 9am-11am. Free!

WELCOME YULE! – A holiday concert featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, as well as the Welcome Yule! Children’s and Dance Ensemble. Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Avenue, (312)294-3000. December 18th through December 23rd. Tickets: $20-$98.

WINTER WONDERFEST NAVY PIER – Keeping the tradition of elaborate holiday tourist traps alive, Navy Pier transforms itself into a winter wonderland complete with a skating rink, inflatable games and a bungee run. Santa and his elves will be on hand every day ‘til Christmas to listen to kid’s holiday wishes. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, (312)595-PIER. Dec 4-Jan 3. $16-$19.

WONDERLAND EXPRESS MODEL TRAINS – Eighty model trains travel through Chicago landmarks, waterfalls and holiday trees in this 10,000-square-foot exhibit, tiny trains wind through more than 80 miniature Chicago landmarks, waterfalls, holiday trees and more. New on the map this year is Barack Obama’s Hyde Park home and Michelle Obama’s childhood home. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. Nov 27-Jan 3. $6-$10.

ZOOLIGHTS @ LINCOLN PARK ZOO – More than two million lights add beautiful holiday cheer to the Lincoln Park Zoo. The activities include visits with Santa, kid’s activities and ice carving demonstrations. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 North Cannon, (312)742-2000. November 27th through January 3rd. Free!

This is a great weekend to spend time downtown in Chicago. The Michigan Avenue Lights Festival is happening, which leads us right into Thanksgiving on Thursday and then the Black Friday Sale Madness on Friday. Millennium Park’s Ice Skating Rink also opens and the Museum of Science and Industry has their annual Christmas Tree Exhibit open too. There are plenty of events to attend fun family events and celebrate the holidays in Chicago before it gets too cold. 

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival – Time: 11 AM Saturday November 21. The Michigan Avenue  Lights Festival is happening on Saturday. You can see the parade and fireworks along the stretch of Avenue from the Chicago River, north to Illinois Street.  At least that is the area I can see that has been decorated and has road blocks up. I know that Michigan Avenue is amazing with all the lights and many families come downtown to see this and then visit the Lego or Sanrio stores in the Nordstroms Mall and some people also go to the American Girl store also. I also see that the The Plain White T’s will be playing a free concert at 401 N Michigan Avenue(former Equitable Building next to the River). For more details call their Seasonal Event Hot-line at (312) 409-5560. The parade will also be broadcast on ABC channel 7 in Chicago live at 6pm.

Museum of Science and Industry Christmas Around the World Christmas Tree Exhibit – It has been a tradition to decorate Christmas Trees all over the Museum of Science and Industry’s main lobby/atrium with ornaments and decorations from countries all over the world, since I was a kid.

We used to go see this beautiful decorative display and be amazed that there were people somewhere in Poland and the Ukraine (our heritage) who celebrated Christmas just like us. Now that we know that not every country celebrates Christmas, (some don’t celebrate the religious side or the consumer side) we think this may be a little to ethnocentric and idea to promote.  Yes, the European countries mainly do celebrate, but in a world and country that is becoming more religiously diverse and mixed together, can we really still enjoy this?

Ice Skating is open until around 8 pm except Saturdays open to 10pm.

Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink

- This is a great fun time for kids and adults alike and it is free if you bring your own ice skates. There are ice skate rentals on site if you need to rent them, but many people prefer skating their own skates. Afterwards the Park Grill has many tasty dining options, although it is an upscale restaurant that the kids may not be into. Millennium Park is right next to the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue, so you can make a trip downtown to see both!

I got an email from the nice people at Ebay last week letting me know that they would be on Michigan Avenue with a truck full of computers and a bunch of personal shoppers to help you find what you need in gifts to buy and ship anywhere in the USA this holiday season.

I saw the truck and the Ebay display as I walked to work this morning and remembered that these sidewalk promotions on Michigan Avenue downtown usually have somewhat mixed results for the company and the consumer. (which reminds me there was no Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog in the  410 plaza Michigan Avenue this October either, but they were ripping up pavement there too.)

Consumers walking on Michigan Avenue really want to get where they are going. About 80% of the people walking are people who work there and are either going to work, getting a quick lunch or going home. We don’t want to be interrupted or stopped by someone selling something because we just don’t have any spare time. The other 20% of people are tourists, but they are likley leary of someone trying to stop them also if they are in an unfamiliar town. You would be surprised how hard it is to give out free samples on a street like this where people don’t really want anything.

Ebay seemed to have a good mix of curiosity with the large computer truck set up on the turnaround drive in front of the Wrigley Building and a few people scattered on the sidewalk to answer questions without being a pest. If you work downtown in Chicago, stop by and check it out. Challenge the personal shoppers to a question about your toughest person to buy a gift for this Christmas.

You can search for Ebay items on the laptops they have set up and everyone was very friendly. I will go take a picture at lunch to share how it looks so you can stop by if it looks interesting.

The point of this post is that even though I find sidewalk promotions on Michigan Avenue in Chicago annoying, I do like the idea of finding unique gifts on Ebay for Christmas Shopping. (and people shop for just about everything else on Michigan Ave right?)

Personally I am bidding on some china plates for my mother in law for Christmas because she can’t find them anywhere and has lost several over the years (she only has 5 plates left and 2 bowls!) I also think its a neat place to find electronics at a better price than retail stores and a great source for antiques and jewelry. So, by chance I happen to actually agree with the point of the campaign. (I usually personally have an affinity for about 1/100 of the emails I am sent through the site)

Whether people will be buying a lot for Christmas this year is yet to be seen but Ebay is trying to get the word out that there are lower priced options and greener alternatives to buying new stuff every year and I agree with that. Another interesting place to check out is Etsy, which I am sure Ebay doesn’t want me to mention, but it’s like Ebay with out the auctions and with more interesting well marketed /photographed/hand crafted stuff. And there is always the donate to charity option for the Holidays if you have too much stuff too. I have a feeling that this will not be a typical Christmas in Chicago.

I just wanted to share the list of streets closed for this weekend’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the city. If you live downtown or up north in Chicago, beware of parking bans and getting your car towed tonight also in addition to these streets that will be inaccessible. Most streets re-open on Sunday afternoon when the race is over, but some streets take longer to clear and won’t be open again until Monday morning. If you are viewing/cheering the Chicago Marathon, take public transportation downtown. If you live in the area, I recommend staying in for the weekend, or using public transit. Driving will be difficult. But then again its just once a year.

The following information was provided by the Chicago Police Department.

Please note that although the Bank of America Marathon is on Sunday, some street closures will be in effect as early as Thursday evening.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Date: Sunday, 11 Oct 09

Start Time: 7:30 am

Start Location: Monroe and Columbus

Finish Location: Columbus north of Roosevelt Street

Closures for site set up, event and teardown:

• Columbus from Roosevelt to Congress Pkwy- Closed: Friday, 09 Oct 09 at 10am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Columbus from Congress Pkwy to Jackson- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 4pm
• Columbus from Jackson to Monroe- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 11am
• Columbus from Monroe to Randolph- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3 am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 9:30am
• Balbo from Columbus to LSD- Closed: Thursday, 09 Oct 09 at 7pm Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Balbo from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Friday, 10 Oct 09 at 10am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Congress Pkwy from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 4pm
• North & South Congress Circle Michigan to Congress Pkwy- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3pm
• Jackson from Michigan to Columbus- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 11am
• Jackson from Columbus to LSD- Closed: Saturday, 10 Oct 09 at 6am Opened: Monday, 12 Oct 09 at 6am
• Monroe from Michigan to LSD- Closed: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 3am Opened: Sunday, 11 Oct 09 at 9:30am

For further marathon route and information go to chicagomarathon.com There will be rolling street closures and streets will be opened as soon as it is safe to do so. Also check the Chicago CTA website for updates on how they have modified the bus routes for the weekend and added extra trains to handle crowds.

Hello Kitty and some friends at a past parade

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and along with some turkey and stuffing, the yearly tradition is to watch or go see the Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade downtown. Not everyone can make it downtown to see the parade in person but if you can, dress warm and come early to get a good spot to see all the floats and performers. This year the parade is sponsored by McDonalds so expect to see a lot of McDonalds Thanksgiving Day parade mentions. Maybe they will be giving out some of their yummy coffee drinks at the parade? We can only hope!

The details for seeing the parade are:

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade
Thursday November 26, 2009 from 8-11am CST
Downtown Chicago (along State Street from Congress to Randolph) 60611

This year’s McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Chicago will include giant inflatable balloons, some of the nation’s top marching bands, and the best performances from cultures around the world. The parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 8 to 11 am CST along State Street, from Congress to Randolph.

This holiday tradition kicks off with “Zing Zang Zoom,” a lively performance from Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The parade will be led by Honorary Grand Marshal Ronald McDonald® and includes performances from the acrobatic USA Baton Twirling Team, the Jesse White Tumblers, the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids and Hromovystia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.

This year’s parade also features marching bands from all over the country, including Castlewood High School (Castlewood, SD), Northwest Rankin Cougar Band (Flowood, MS) and Lancaster High School (Lancaster, OH). Chicagoland’s best high school bands will also be appearing at the parade, including the Marist High School Marching Redhawks and the Providence Catholic Marching Celtics.

The McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade also includes giant inflatable balloons, beautiful cultural performance groups and “Mr. Jolly Holiday” Santa Claus. Teddy Turkey, Chicago’s favorite turkey, will be there as well to spread smiles and holiday spirit to children of all ages.

The Thanksgiving Parade was originally called the Christmas Caravan in the 1930’s, and was created to help lift the spirits of residents suffering though the Great Depression. With today’s economic uncertainty, the McDonald’s® Thanksgiving Parade hopes to entertain and brighten the holidays for everyone watching.

For people wanting a closer look and seat to see the action, a limited number of VIP Experience packages are available at the parade’s website: chicagofestivals.org. These special packages include amenities including VIP Seats, a light continental breakfast and much more.

WGN Channel 9 in Chicago will air the parade on television live and in high definition from 8 to 11 a.m CST on Thursday, November. 26. WGN America will also broadcast the parade nationally, establishing it as one of only three parades in the country to be covered live, in its entirety, on a national television broadcast.

The Tony Award Winning Musical Theater Show Jersey Boys will be leaving Chicago and the LaSalle Bank Theater in 2010. The last block of tickets are on sale now for the first week in January, and selling quickly. I can’t stress enough that if you have not seen this musical, you should soon because there is nothing else like it. The true behind the scenes story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is more dramatic than anything someone could write and the amazing songs tell a lot of the story.

I saw this show during its preview run back two and a half years ago. My life was completely in flux then but the show and the actors that play the Four Seasons drew me into their performance so much that I bought tickets to give to family as Christmas gifts that year so everyone else could go see it. Most of the people there were baby boomers when I saw the show (it probably has even more meaning since they remember the songs from their own lives growing up) but I thought it appealed to younger generations as well with the reality of the struggles the singers faced and the behind the scenes look at the group over the years. And I think they re-aranged the music even better than the originals with better technology this time around. (Usually Broadway ruins original music like in the Swing era, but I was pleasantly surprised here)

I am sorry to see the Jersey Boys go and sorry I could not go see the Broadway show again. It was an incredibly moving show and one I won’t soon forget. If you want to get tickets to these last few shows before they leave the Theater District in Chicago, check out Ticketmaster today.