West Chicago garden club plant sale this weekend
A springtime tradition continues this weekend in downtown West Chicago.
The West Chicago Garden Club's annual plant sale -- and the one-day festival that's grown around it -- will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, along the stretch of Main Street between Route 59 and West Washington Street.
"We tout it as a garden fest because, typically, it does revolve somewhat around the garden club's plant sale," said Krista Coltrin, a marketing assistant with the city. "But there are many things for many people. It's a day to come out and enjoy the city of West Chicago."
Indeed, the ninth annual West Chicago Blooming Fest has everything from a craft show and children's activities to live entertainment and food.
Still, the biggest draw for local gardeners will be the plant sale and its thousands of perennials, annuals, shrubs and bushes. While the garden club's biggest fundraiser doesn't open until 9 a.m., some shoppers likely will line up early, said Carole Bates, past president of the West Chicago Garden Club.
Bates said the sale draws "people from all over" because its offers good quality plants at a reasonable price.
"A large portion of plants for sale are perennials from our own members' gardens, which means they grow really well in this climate," said Bates, adding that one goal of the sale is to promote gardening.
She said the fact that Blooming Fest was born out of the plant sale is "kind of neat."
Organizers say the festival has helped promote the businesses in downtown West Chicago.
For example, Sam Chripczuk, who owns Sam's Auto Repair at 101 E. Washington St., will sell jars of fresh honey and have an encased bee colony on display.
The Chicago Corvette Club will have a "wheels" exhibit, in the city hall parking lot, 475 Main St. And nearby Sesquicentennial Park will host family activities and events sponsored by the West Chicago Park District, the West Chicago Public Library and the Mini Theatre Puppet Troupe.
Among food vendors participating are volunteers from Wheaton Academy, who will be grilling burgers and hot dogs.
There's also for a special promotion for anyone who takes a Metra train to the festival. Riders who bring their stamped ticket to the city booth will receive a limited edition city mug.
Meanwhile, the first 450 people who stop by the city's booth near Main and Galena streets will receive goody bags filled with coupons, business information and other giveaway items.
For information and a list of activities and crafters, visit westchicago.org and look under "Community Events."
If you go
What: West Chicago Blooming Fest
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16
Where: Main Street between Route 59 and West Washington Street, West Chicago
Cost: Free
Info: westchicago.org