Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival

This weekend, I got to see the future. There were no flying cars, it wasn’t that far (only a few years). And I didn’t even have to use a DeLorean to travel forwards in time. That being said, I did see some crazy, white-​haired guys ranting wildly. But I didn’t approach them too closely to learn their scientific secrets.
No, the future I saw was the future of Logan Square (and yet its past as well, what a paradox). There were fewer boarded up storefronts, there were sidewalk cafes bustling with people, and there was music flowing through the air (actually I hope that isn’t what’s in store, I like to sleep at night).
For one weekend, Milwaukee Avenue from California to almost Belmont (a stretch of a few miles) threw its doors open to Chicago. Those businesses that survived the latest recession offered deals (including local restaurants that set up al fresco dining, sometimes with special deals). Those that didn’t survive rented out their shells to some of the most vibrant art the city has to offer (I do have to admit, some of the spaces were creepy since they were in semi-​abandoned spaces). From underground street art (unfortunately not for sale) to high end collectables, it was all there. There were also stages for music ranging from hip-​hop to polka (Taste of Polonia, another festival, sponsored one of the stages which was kind of odd) stretched out through the festival.
A free trolley was available for those who didn’t want to walk, and it was probably a good idea. To be honest, this festival could have been compressed between Fullerton and Diversey. It was nice to include Avondale but the shops, displays, and restaurants were few and far between the further north a festival goer went. Realistically, one could just hang out near the Logan Square Monument which was a festival in itself. Stalls sold inexpensive jewelry, the circle’s eateries served beer, and local band belted out tunes from the main stage (sponsored by The Whistler for a possible taste of things to come).
In fact, there was a real community atmosphere in the park with those visiting and those who call the neighborhood home filling Logan Square (proper) to its brim.
But for those who ventured outside of this area, and sadly there weren’t many, the true Logan Square presented itself. An area down on its luck that 50 years ago was a destination neighborhood and is poised to become that again. That is, if every weekend can be like the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Fest.