Oh, the snow…the slush…the soggy winter boots…
I’m a Chicagoan by choice and certainly proud to be one, but it’s always around this time of year that I find myself daydreaming of warmer, sunnier times in our gorgeous city come summertime. And what better way to daydream than to combine memories of warmth, great food and celebrities?
During August of 2009, Event Architects partnered with The Rachael Ray Show to conceptualize and produce an authentic Chicago block party that served as the backdrop of the 2009 season premiere of the show with Wrigleyville chosen as the ideal location because of its iconic Chicago status. Though building an event in the streets or any public place in Chicago is not an easy feat, EA secured the support of the City of Chicago’s Film Office, Chicago Fire Department and Police Departments and worked hand in hand throughout
the process.
Guests spilled onto the family-friendly streets to enjoy wholesome snacks, delightful entertainment and some good ol’ dancing in the streets. The day’s extreme lineup of events included delicious local cuisine served from colorful hand-crafted booths, a mini Farmer’s Market with local produce demos and tastings, celebrity chef demos from culinary superstars like Rocco DiSpirito, Rick Bayless and Art Smith, kiddie karaoke with American Idol winners Justin Guarini and Kimberly Locke, a fitness challenge with “The Biggest Loser’s” Gillian Michaels and Rachael Ray’s interview with Chicagoan Jenny McCarthy. The block party also featured a rare appearance of carnival rides, such as a giant Ferris wheel, in the streets of Wrigleyville. And while all of this celebrity brought the guests out, the event also focused on Rachael Ray’s Yum-o! non-profit organization that empowers children and their families to develop healthy relationships with food.
Oh, to go back to the summer days of sunscreen, hot dogs and dancing in the streets in my sandals…well, we can daydream, can’t we?
Check out more photos from "Rachael's Big Block Party" on the EA Facebook page and the EA YouTube channel for a before and after of the event, and a clip from the season premiere show.
Photos by George Burns, Josh Sears and Ben Reed.