“SOUTH CHICAGO A SHOWCASE TO THE MIDWEST”

Now that the Dave Mathews Concert series has come and gone, lets take a look at the end results.

Critics originally felt is was an unnecessary invasion by outsiders to our area. They would bring havoc, public indecency, urinating on the “lawns”, excessive noise, excessive vehicle and pedestrian traffic, etc, etc….

Yes indeed, tens of thousands of individuals came from as far away as Canada, Minnesota, Maine, New York, Ohio, and Washington State. They came by bus, train and auto. Understandably, the first day was a little congested and chaotic, but by the second and third days, things were running rather smoothly considering the short planning time and this being the first event of this magnitude since the Worlds Fair.

Crime was almost non-existent except for public intoxication issues.

No loud noise except on the site itself according to local residents in Bush, Millgate and South Shore.

Surely it could have been planned better with more time, however for our first time out, it was a success to say the least!

Future events should have more community input and most certainly more community benefit as far as additional vendor opportunities.

Those local vendors that did participate in the event were pleasantly surprised with the results to help their not-for-profit organizations with sorely needed funding.

Neighborhood residents were observed assisting the visitors with directions and friendly conversations. Some also took overly intoxicated individuals to the red line on 95th State for an easier connection to major transportation and the loop connection.

All in all, South Chicago gained a much better image as we were on our very best behavior!

Great Job!