Midsommarfest encourages attendees to shop locally

Attendees were greeted with a variety of options at the annual Andersonville Midsommarfest on the weekend of June 7-9.

Midsommarfest is a street festival running down Clark Street between Catalpa and Foster avenues. (The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce presents the event.)

Combining musicians, vendors, food and Swedish traditions, Andersonville Midsommarfest featured more than 75 merchants and artisans, such as Degenerate Art, Brain Fruit and Alma Deco. Nonprofit organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Proud to Run and Equality Illinois had booths. Just for Dogs and Urban Pooch booths covered animals’ needs for shoppers, and restaurants sold delicious bites in tents in front of their brick-and-mortar establishments (e.g., Hamburger Mary’s, Andies Restaurant and Reza’s Andersonville).

A $10 donation was requested at all entrances to the festival to support the programming and events for the surrounding community. Sponsors included the Swedish American Museum, Fifth Third Bank and Alamo Shoes, among many others.

Popular local cover bands like Catfight and 16 Candles headlined the North Stage, while drag shows and Broadway star Anthony Rapp highlighted the Balmoral Pride Stage over the weekend. Five stages throughout the festival brought entertainment and a VIP area was offered once again at the North Stage—complete with elevated viewing, a private bathroom and discounted beer.

Family activities were encouraged at the street fest, with a special family stage area and activities throughout the weekend such as face-painting for kids. A drag-queen story hour, a sing-a-long Merry Music Makers presentation and an Orange Shoe Personal Fitness Orange Show for children were all part of the fun.

Visitors were encouraged to shop locally and were offered a free beer ticket after presenting a receipt of $30 or more from surrounding businesses over the weekend.

Visit http://Andersonville.org for information about the festival.