From shopping at farmers markets to safely enjoying our parks again, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors this Father’s Day weekend. Here are five ways to do just that, plus ways to honor Juneteenth and support local organizations helping others.
We understand that after months of being cooped up most of us are excited to see the city and businesses begin to open. However, COVID-19 is still present in the community and we urge you to exercise best practices — maintain at least 6 feet of distance, wear a mask and wash your hands properly and frequently — when going out.
Shop: Green City Market
Farmers Markets are slowly opening, with safety measures in place. This includes Chicago’s iconic Green City Market, which has two locations (Lincoln Park and West Loop). It’s a great way to support our local farmers, get some fresh and delicious produce and enjoy the great weather. Just don’t forget your mask and make sure you know the safe shopper guidelines:
- Choose 1-2 healthy people per household to shop.
- Shoppers must be Covid-19 symptom-free.
- All shoppers will be required to wear a mask or face covering.
- Please maintain 6 feet distance between yourself and others throughout our one-way shopping experience.
- Look for social distancing markers – white flags staked into the ground.
- Do not touch any products; vendors will select items for you.
- Only vendors will be permitted to touch product.
- While you are welcome to use reusable bags, wagons, etc.; vendors cannot handle reusable bags.
Here are some other markets that will be open this weekend around Chicago:
Honor: Juneteenth
On Friday, June 19th we honor Juneteenth, a 155-year old holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States (we have a quick history lesson here). This Juneteenth is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve racial equality in America and of the life-threatening issues, such as police brutality and mass incarceration, that continue to plague Black communities.
How can you honor Juneteenth? We have rounded up some ways to support the Black community in Chicago, including organizations to donate to, books to read and local businesses to support. It is also important to do research into local organizations that may be receiving less funding or national recognition. An easy place to start is by simply signing this petition to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday.
If you are hoping to attend a Juneteenth celebration, remember to take proper health precautions, as we are still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Many celebrations have also been moved virtually as a result of COVID-19, which has been disproportionately affecting Black communities across the country. It is also incredibly important for non-Black folks to be respectful of organizers and participants, and not to center themselves in the celebrations.
Events in Chicago:
- March for Us 2020 – Million Man March, Chicago
- Juneteenth: In Defense of Black Lives
- Social Change is organizing Juneteenth Food Giveaway at the DuSable Museum of African American History
- Chicago restaurants are also participating in the celebrations
- The Chicago Tribune also has a full list of ways to celebrate in Chicago
Support: Ask Chefs Anything & People’s Music School
Ask Chefs Anything
View this post on Instagram
This weekend top chefs and tastemakers are auctioning their time for a good cause during #AskChefsAnything, which aims to raise awareness and funds for the immigrant workforce of the food industry. The auction offers bidders the rare opportunity to enjoy a 30-minute one-on-one conversation with chefs, including Jeff Mauro, Paul Kahan, Mindy Segal, Paul Virant, Sarah Grueneberg, Stephanie Izard and more. Bidding has already started and ends June 20.
People’s Music School
People’s Music School is founded on the principles of equity, accessibility, and the power of music by Dr. Rita Simo, a groundbreaking female immigrant from the Dominican Republic. Now, more than ever, the world needs goodness and community and music, so tune in to their Summer Solstice/Make Music Chicago Day on Sunday, June 21st at 3 p.m. They will have special guests, community celebrations, showcase performances and more.
Go: Parks & Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail opens on June 22 to safely enjoy, after being closed since late March. Beaches are still closed, but this means you can walk, run or bike along beautiful Lake Michigan once again. Millennium Park is also partially reopen, but you won’t be able to get that selfie with The Bean any time soon.
Here are some other outdoor areas that are now open around Chicagoland:
- Lake County parks and trails are open from sunrise to 7 p.m.
- Winnetka beaches are open with the purchase of a season pass
- Some Forest Preserves in Cook County are open for exploring
Make This: Ice Cream Tacos
For the first time ever, The Godfrey Hotel is sharing their infamous summertime ‘ice cream taco’ recipe with us. They also pair well with barbecue, so let dad master the grill while you take care of dessert this Father’s Day.
Whether creating the waffle cone yourself (full recipe is below) or using a premade one, The Godfrey Hotel recommends the following filling of sweet ingredients: first add a banana (bonus for dipping it in melted chocolate first!); add a scoop of pistachio gelato; add whipped cream; top with crumbled fruit loops, strawberry marmalade or fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and a cherry. All toppings are optional and can be customized to personal tastes.
The Godfrey Waffle Cone Recipe:
- 3 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbs. vanilla stick
- 6 oz. butter melted
- 2 cups flower
- 3 tbs. sugar
- 3 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. salt
Directions: Stir all ingredients together; pour the batter into a waffle cone maker, using around 3 tablespoons of batter per shell; remove the shell once fully cooked through (the batter should be light brown and crispy); fold into a taco shell shape and let cool (recommended to put upside down on a cooking rack to keep shaping while the shell fully cools off (about 3-5 minutes; you can also use the binding of a book with tin foil covering to cool into taco shell shape); fill with recommended toppings.
How to help:
Many are finding that helping others is an effective way to help combat feelings of powerlessness in the face of COVID-19. Here are some deserving nonprofits, including food pantries, that need your support.
More from Better
Here’s How You Can Support Local Businesses During the COVID-19 Shutdown
Coronavirus: What You Need To Know About COVID-19 — Here’s the Latest
Award-Winning Chicago Restaurants Pivot to Selling Gourmet Groceries
Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.
