For the first time since we had a company sponsored event at Wicker Park - after the early nineties when Stuart-Hooper Business Forms Manufacturing, Inc., I got the chance to "revisit" Wicker Park" much to the urging of my best friend of 25 years....and it knocked the sandals off my feet!
Back in the early '90s, I had a wonderful time as a new employee, and was told it was an annual event dating back for decades...holding a summer "Appreciation" picnic for all the employees. I had not gone back since then; the company folded under the founder's son, who held future picnics at forest preserves.
Nevertheless. I got the chance in late afternoon this week to re-visit Wicker Park with my best friend, who goes there so often...whether to walk the dog, read a book, just to sit and think...but rarely misses the FREE concerts every Thursday, traveling from Merrilville, (the good part of Merillville)...to not only take advantage of the free concerts, but to also walk the dogs, the trails, etc. Reflect on the picnic tables....
I couldn't believe how there are doggie bags along the trail to scoop up your dog/cat's poo. I couldn't believe the joggers, the walkers, the people bicycling (you can rent them there)...I didn't know such a place since I last visited.
I saw sooo many people, young to mid to old strolling, walking, running, talking...the free concerts on Thursdays are the among the things I didn't know existed not far from where I stake out...and if this can happen at the Pavillion in Hammond...it would be well worth any money they paid.
We stopped at Aldie's on the way home and gave our money to them..for a quick dinner..total: (we're picky!) $45.00 to make homemade dip/with veggies, shrimp, what'eva...I don't know if I gave the money to Munster or Hammond. (I assume Munste?????)
The point is, I hope the mayor lines up the same type of surroundings...the free concerts on a certain night...a club house or place where you can buy food. I didn't ask if they sell booze, but I was told you can bring your own and a blanket and smooze with the music. I was told you wouldn't want to pass up the dancing to the tune.... and everyone danced!
If this could happen to the pavillion they placed - not just for the festival...it would pay for itself at the end with just a small fee, if need to be, to get it back on ground where it can be free.
Most bands want the exposure and will contribute just for the exposure...so fans follow them elsewhere after they do their "stint" at the pavillion.
Walking trails..with a post for plastic bags for people who care, but forgot to bring their own bags are available.
Bikes for rent...
My best friend has not missed one band on a Thursday at that park the whole summer and she has a huge family and a huge array of friends...and it also serves a place for her to meet others whether friends or relatives...and a place for solice.
If Hammond models that park after what Wicker Park did, they would be flooded with patrons, and people that want that security of a environment to where they can freely put their dog in a contained area, or walk them along the trail.
If they ever disolved that park -
Wicker Park...it would have a devastating impact on the participants.
I so love the place...I make it my goal to go there to walk the lost dog....and to get exercise...or to ward off stress or to circulate my blood.
It is my hope that where the pavillion is, the mayor would model it after what Wicker Park has done.
It's so serene..it has people from all walks of life...occupying and utilizing it....
It would be a success if the folks in the Park Dept. looked at Wicker Park's model and utilize the pavillion in the same manner.
Lining up the bands...just look at the guys that posted on that forum...they need the exposure...and gosh, I never had so much fun in my life since I attended the concert last time.
Hammond needs this....do look into it. Sure, gangbangers, everyone is afraid of ...but put security in there...I saw security at Wicker Park. But saw no one but ordinary folks that felt secure because there are people all over the place that gang-bangers wouldn't even think of going there.
Actually, with the sooo many people I saw at Wicker Park, I don't think a gang-banger could go unnoticed. They don't hang out at those parks where exercise, walking, strolling, riding bikes, mostly mid- to elderly people are present, with the younger crowd on bikes...maybe this is our little haven and they know they would be visible and would be signaled out by so many people...I don't even think security would be needed.
I confess I did not see a security truck/car...I'm assuming because it isn't there, doesn't mean it isn't there just because I didn't see it. I don't know...
Too many eyewitnesses, plus, it is run very well. Every aspect of the park makes you feel secure and serene, if you miss the "good ole'days". That's where I hang out now...I love Wicker Park!
Great thing is...you can bring your own booze...and if you aren't an alcholic and want to drive drunk...you're out of luck.
My hope is for Mayor McDermott to have the parks dept. look and obseve how many people utilize this place and WHY? I hope he sets the same goals they have...they don't cater to Hispanics, African Americans or whites. They allow bands to immitade songs or acts that are only memories...and they rejuvenate us.
c'mon mayor...something else but just a festival and free admission to get this Park Dept. to attract people to that area.
Hire Bozo's traveling truck (their business just went under, but I'm sure the mobile part hasn't), or offer food establishments to rotate on a monthly basis to show what local businesses have to offer for attendees.
Citizens of Hammond need this. A band would attract...and you can figure out how to make money without charging if Wicker Park doesn't charge. Send the troops out.
Give FreeTime a real reason to bitch! Anything good comes from a bitchin' and a lecturing from her...she likes the stale and no new shitz put on her.....gives her more aggravation as to "how can they...where did the money come from?"
All behind the computer...not making herself checking it out twice. Give her something new to bitch about when you do something positive. GO Boy!
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