Even as COVID-19 forces the cancellation of West Chicago’s signature spring event Blooming Fest, which was previously scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2020, it is no match for the beauty and eternal resilience of Spring itself.
As a tribute to Blooming Fest’s long history as a signal of turning the corner on winter, the City of West Chicago is sponsoring Spring has Sprung, a photo campaign to gather the best photos of flowering blooms the community can gather from their own gardens or those found while safe-distancing around the neighborhood.
The City hopes to engage residents’ participation to help fill the void many feel due to the cancellation. It will put together a video of all the beautiful blooms from around town for all to enjoy on its website and social media platforms. Random drawings for gift cards to local businesses are planned for those who participate. Thanks to Ball Horticultural Company, each participant will receive a free seed packet, while supplies last, as a thank you for sharing a glimpse of the beauty in West Chicago.
Residents should send in photos via an online form no later than Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
“We may not be having Blooming Fest as we have known it”, said Special Event Coordinator Nicolette Stefan, “but we’ll share a virtual blooming fest to raise the spirits until we bring the event back bigger and better next year.”
For any questions about Spring Has Sprung photo campaign, please contact Nicolette at nstefan@westchicago.org.
*Photo on homepage submitted by resident Bruce Treudt who captured the image of phlox along the bike path.
