Bash on Wabash on track for September

Fioretti assures organizers Wabash resurfacing will work around fest

08/24/2011 2:59 PM

By Ben Meyerson
Editor

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After many weeks of confusion and uncertainty, the Bash on Wabash looks like it’ll happen this year after all, on September 17 and 18.

Greater South Loop Association President Deborah Soehlig said as recently as last Friday that the festival was in doubt. Wabash Avenue is due to be resurfaced this fall, and the Chicago Department of Transportation wasn’t sure when it would get around to doing the project.

That was throwing an air of uncertainty over planning for the bash, Soehlig said, and they weren’t sure if they’d be able to get permission for the fest in time to put things together.

But after Chicago Journal called Fioretti to ask about the status, the alderman called Soehlig and said he’d make sure the bash’s permits made it through.

“I said ‘Choose a date, we’re going to work around you,’” Fioretti said he told Soehlig. “Wherever you want to put it.”

So this year’s festival will be held on Wabash between 14th and 15th streets. They had preliminary discussions with a number of different bands and vendors while the fest was in limbo, and now they face the challenge of locking them down.

Several bands are already locked in, including kids band The Boogers, as well as Green Sugar, Mr. Blotto, and Wisconsin and Northern Illinois University bands (the two teams are facing off at Soldier Field on the 17th).


3 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Karisusdesignsstudio
Posted: 08/29/2011 2:32 PM

HAving been a vendor for bash on wabahs for couple years I am looking forward to take part this yeare too. Can anyone send me the email id i contact for the vendor details and info and appllication form. thanks much


By slew
Posted: 08/25/2011 9:19 AM

Man, have to admit, this does sound pretty terrible. Surprising a pretty vibrant community like the Sloop can't put together a better festival. Surely we have enough restaurants/bars to shut down more than block for a party? And why not make it an art fair? Old Town Art Fair started small, and look at it now.


By Mitch Hall from Dearborn Park
Posted: 08/25/2011 0:29 AM

Who cares, the event is a dump anyway. Poorly planned and poorly run events are not the way to go through life Son.