Chicago Park District & Grower Greater Englewood Invite the Public to Trail Mix Fest: A Celebration of Community, Culture and Climate Justice

Chicago, IL - July 16, 2024-The Chicago Park District's Young Cultural Stewards program, in partnership with Grow Greater Englewood, is thrilled to announce the second annual TRAIL MIX FEST, a vibrant celebration set to take place on Friday, August 2, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event will be hosted at the Englewood Village Plaza, located at 5822 S. Halsted Ave - near Sherman Park.

The TRAIL MIX FEST is not just an event; it's a testament to the power of community collaboration and cultural exchange. This family-friendly festival aims to unite residents of Englewood and beyond through music, art, nature, food and fun-filled activities for all ages.

"This event will showcase the creativity and cultural innovation of the youth involved in the Chicago Park District's Arts and Cultural programming this summer," said Marcus Davis, Arts and Culture Manager for the Chicago Park District. "The TRAIL MIX FEST is about more than just entertainment; it's about coming together as a community to learn from each other about topics that impact every community, including environmental justice, food equity and access to resources and opportunities.

Teaching artists from the Chicago Park District's Young Cultural Stewards (YCS) and ArtSeed programs will facilitate nature-based art activities and display art they created in the parks and gardens from this summer. Another Chicago Park District program, T.R.A.C.E (Teens Re-Imagining Art, Community and Environment), will have fellows, ages 14 to 22, debut visual art inspired by their travels to New Orleans from a cultural exchange trip. Learn more about these programs here.

The Young Cultural Stewards (YCS) program engages youth ages 5 to 25 through art, nature, music, technology, cultural programming, job training, and mentorship. YCS supports social and environmental justice, provides models for employment in cultural production, and nurtures aesthetic, digital, and cultural literacies.

Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of entertainment, including live music performances, dance showcases, art installations and interactive workshops. Local food vendors will tantalize taste buds with various culinary delights, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

"We are excited to bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the diversity and resilience of our community," said Anton Seals, Executive Director of Grow Greater Englewood. "The TRAIL MIX FEST is an opportunity to showcase the talents and creativity of local artists, performers, youth, and entrepreneurs while fostering connections and building a sense of belonging."

The TRAIL MIX FEST is FREE and open to all community members. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, everyone is invited to join in the festivities and experience the magic of TRAIL MIX FEST. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

For more information about the TRAIL MIX FEST, visit TRAIL MIX FEST.