City of West Chicago, Illinois

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Halloween Festivities to Bring Double the Treats, Double the Fun Downtown on Oct. 26

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Enjoy the crisp autumn air, vibrant fall colors, and the delightful sounds of laughter filling the streets as West Chicago’s downtown comes alive with two fantastic trick-or-treating experiences on Saturday, October 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join the City of West Chicago for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, where families can stroll along Main Street and collect treats from participating businesses showcasing friendly flyers in their windows. After that, head over to the Trunk-or-Treat event hosted by the West Chicago Public Library District near Turner Court, where creatively decorated trunks will be brimming with candy and surprises!

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This festive afternoon is perfect for families looking to enjoy some Halloween fun. For all the spooky details, visit westchicago.org/halloweenfestivities. West Chicago’s Halloween Festivities promise to deliver a bewitchingly good time for everyone!

The City encourages everyone to enjoy the Halloween Festivities, and also enjoy West Chicago’s official trick-or-treating hours on Thursday, October 31 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Business Community Update: Summer 2024

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The City of West Chicago recently welcomed the following new businesses to the community:

  • The CustomPress is located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln and is a print broker and light printer
  • Universe Cargo Group Inc is a logistics dispatcher located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln
  • Loadhog Incorporated provides reusable packaging products and is located at 841 W Hawthorne Ln
  • NRY Logistics Inc is located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln and is a transportation dispatcher
  • Avalon Medical Supply Company provides durable medical equipment services and is located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln
  • Cool Party Balloons is located at 135 Turner Ct (adjacent to Muy Cool Party) and is a balloon and balloon supply retailer
  • Beyond Environmental LLC manufactures natural cleaning products at 1180 Atlantic Dr
  • SmartTrack LLC is an IT provider located at 1800 W Hawthorne Ln
  • Image Display is located at 1600 Downs Dr and provides trade show exhibit rentals
  • West Chicago Taverna is located in Tower Station at 956 N Neltnor Blvd, Suite 320 and is a fusion restaurant
  • Hightopsneaks, LLC is an online retailer for sneakers, fashion and accessories
  • Dane's Games is located in the Mosaic Crossing Shopping Center at 1895 N Neltnor Blvd and is a card and board game retailer
  • Mexican Style Boxing Club is boxing studio located in the Jimenez shopping center at 571 Main St
  • Cure Express Clinic is an immediate and primary care clinic located at 942 E Roosevelt Rd in the Lorlyn Plaza
  • Kamila Cakes is located at 151 W Washington St and is a bakery

The following businesses have had a change of ownership, name change, or expanded within the City:

  • De Angel Nail & Spa is under new ownership and is located at 528 Main St
  • The Mobil Gas Station at 60 W Roosevelt Rd is under new ownership
  • Dreamer’s Club located at 179 W Washington St was previously Club de Bienestar
  • Great American Pinball has expanded to 850 Meadowview Crossing, Unit 2
  • DDM Garage Doors has expanded to 1092 Carolina Dr, Unit 4

West Chicago Food Festival to Serve Up an Evening for All Tastes

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The West Chicago Food Festival returns to downtown West Chicago on Saturday, August 24, from 4 to 8 p.m., promising a diverse lineup of culinary delights and entertainment that caters to all tastes. "Bringing a mix of lively music, delicious foods, and engaging family activities is always a top priority for this festival," noted Nicolette Stefan, Special Events Coordinator for the City of West Chicago. "We hope everyone enjoys the event’s returning favorites and some of the exciting new additions we’ll have this year."

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The festivities commence at 4 p.m. at the main stage along Galena Street with a performance by Alika Arlyn, setting the tone for an evening of live music and entertainment. At 5:30 p.m., 28 Days will take the stage with an energetic set featuring a mix of popular hits, followed by Good Clean Fun at 7 p.m., promising a lively performance to keep everyone dancing.

Beyond the music, from 4 to 7 p.m., families can enjoy a variety of activities. Talented face painters, balloon artists, and caricaturists will be on-site to add a touch of fun and creativity. A juggler will perform from 5 to 6 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m., the Funny Little People will entertain with their whimsical act. Additionally, event-goers can witness a live chalk art mural demonstration celebrating West Chicago’s 175th anniversary.

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As the centerpiece of the event, attendees can indulge in a feast like no other with over 15 food vendors offering everything from mouthwatering donuts and cheesy pizza to tasty tacos and sizzling steak sandwiches. Additionally, adults aged 21 and over can enjoy refreshing beverages to complement the culinary delights, available for purchase from Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar & Grill.

Admission to the Food Festival is free, so gather your friends and family to join in the excitement and explore downtown West Chicago during this vibrant community event. Coolers and outside food or drink are not allowed, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating for comfort.

A complete list of food vendors and full event details can be found at westchicago.org/foodfestival closer to the event.

City Celebrates Remarkable Resident Fredericka Howard’s Birthday

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During the West Chicago City Council meeting on August 5th, the City celebrated the birthday of Fredericka Howard, a remarkable figure in West Chicago who has been a beacon of creativity and inspiration in the community since 1956.

From her time as a beloved art teacher at Community High School District 94 to her ongoing contributions through the Cultural Arts Commission and Gallery 200, Fredericka has profoundly touched many lives with her artistry and dedication.

Even now, Fredericka continues to capture the soul of her subjects and passionately support the arts.

The City is truly honored by her incredible legacy and asks the community to join us in wishing her many more years of health, peace, and happiness!

Community members can view the Council meeting on the City’s YouTube channel, and also view the proclamation provided to Fredericka during the meeting.

West Chicago Ranked 20th Best Place to Live for Families

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Following an extensive analysis of over 2,000 municipalities across the country, West Chicago has once again affirmed its appeal as a top destination for families, securing the 20th spot on Fortune's 2024 list of best places to live for families.

This list, which highlights the premier place to live for families in each of the 50 states, recognizes West Chicago as Illinois' top choice. The City’s unique blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities was instrumental in securing its previous rank of 9th on Fortune’s 2022 list, underscoring its enduring allure.

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Fortune’s evaluation process encompassed a comprehensive range of factors crucial to family well-being, including educational excellence, healthcare resources tailored for aging adults, general wellness initiatives, financial stability indicators, and overall community livability. This holistic approach underscores West Chicago’s dedication to providing essential services and fostering a nurturing environment for residents of all ages.

One of West Chicago's standout features is its affordability compared to other top-ranked municipalities, with accessible median home prices. This financial advantage, combined with a vibrant community spirit and diverse neighborhood options, continues to attract families seeking a supportive and enriching place to live.

In addition to its economic benefits, West Chicago offers abundant green spaces that enhance residents' quality of life. From the natural beauty of the West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve to the recreational opportunities at Reed-Keppler Park, residents enjoy ample chances for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Overall, West Chicago's consistent recognition by Fortune underscores its commitment to maintaining a high standard of living for its residents, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle in the Chicago area.