Taste of Randolph drops suggested donations
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Taste of Randolph entrance. Photo: Courtesy of June Jameson
Taste of Randolph festivalgoers will see something new at this year's fest.
Driving the news: The long-running West Loop street festival will no longer suggest a donation at the entrance, instead launching a raffle and silent auction, the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) announced Friday.
- Participation in the raffle and auction is not required for entrance.
Why it matters: No entrance fee may be charged for admission to Chicago street festivals and special events that close streets, according to city ordinance. But in recent years, festivalgoers have been skipping the suggested entrance fee, usually $10, making it harder for organizers to pay for the privately funded events.
What they're saying: "Five years ago, we'd reach upwards of $200,000, WLCO's Julie Darling tells Axios. "Currently, we'd be lucky if the festival garnered $80,000 in gate donations."
- "We want people not to feel any pressure and have a great time!" Darling adds.
Context: More than 20 festival organizers in Chicago co-signed an op-ed last year warning that the summer tradition of music, food and shopping that takes over the streets was in jeopardy as fewer people were donating.
- "In 2024, Wicker Park Fest saw record-breaking attendance. Despite the turnout, gate donations reached their lowest point in our history," Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce executive director Pamela Maass wrote on behalf of the Belmont Sheffield Music Festival, Roscoe Village Burger Fest, Thirsty Ears Festival and others.
- Historically, less than 20% of fest attendees donate, Maass told Axios earlier this year, as production costs continue to rise.
Between the lines: Maass pointed out that some attendees ask why events like the popular Wicker Park Fest suggest a donation, while downtown events like Blues Fest and Taste of Chicago don't. Those events are produced by the city with city funding, Maass pointed out.
- Chambers of commerce and other neighborhood groups produce the neighborhood festivals, from paying bands and security to ensuring ample porta-potties.
- Vendors charge visitors for food, drinks and merchandise.
By the numbers: Taste of Randolph organizers expect 75,000 visitors to the event that takes over Restaurant Row, featuring food from some of the city's most acclaimed spots.
- The festival brings in more than $3 million in tax revenue from local business sales, WLCO says.
State of play: Some of the items planned for the raffle and auction include tickets to House of Blues and Lookingglass Theater Company, spas and gift cards, WLCO said.
What's next: Taste of Randolph kicks off June 19 and runs through June 21 on Randolph between Racine and Peoria.
- Alhambra, Haymarket's Vienna Hot Dog Stand, Hide & Seek, Nicholas High Quality Meats are just a few of the food vendors who will be there.
What we're watching: Whether other street festival organizers will follow Taste of Randolph's lead.