CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Sunday’s on State Street is not just about a cool party, but encouraging foot traffic to businesses in the Loop and discouraging criminals.
Sunday, July 11 was the first day Chicagoans had a unique opportunity to wander the literal streets in the Loop, with the debut of Sunday’s on State Street; which will bring a block party atmosphere to State Street on most Sundays through the summer.
The Chicago Loop Alliance was able to swing the event meant to bring in more foot traffic in support of business in the Loop, which have lost a lot of patrons during the pandemic with many of the downtown office crowd now working from home; and at this point, there’s just not enough people living in the Loop to generate consistent revenue. Another issue has been a concern over safety with many business owners telling WBBM Newsradio over the past 18 months that less foot traffic has been a factor in crimes of opportunity. Alliance spokesperson Jessica Cabe said she hopes that will soon change.
"When things are going on, when a bunch of people are down here for the right reasons, everyone's safer," she said.
A large performance stage was set up on the Madison side of a closed off to vehicle traffic State Street with live bands and even an appearance by the Trinity Irish Dancers. On the other end of the closure at Lake Street local artist RL Weber found some serenity in finally having the time to set up an easel and canvas in the middle of the street, completing an oil painting with the Chicago Theatre sign as his muse.
"This really helps to have the street closed down, otherwise I never would have been able to stand in the middle of the street in front of the Chicago Theater," he said. "Yeah, I mean this painting probably took two and a half to three hours."
A slight drizzle did dampen the event more for some than for others, as Marvelous Matt Knicks owner of Freelance Wrestling Academy and his gang of independent rumblers had to pack up their ring to return another week.
"The rain has kind of put a damper on that, but I also have to keep in mind the safety of all of our students and staff," he said.
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And as far as overall safety at the downtown event, Chicago Loop Alliance spokesperson Jessica Cabe told WBBM Newsradio security at Sunday’s on State Street through the summer is a priority.
"We have multiple layers of security. We have private event security, who are here from the moment the street closes to the moment the street opens at the end of the day. We are in communication with the Chicago police department, with the Mayor's Office, with OEMC, so they know what is going on and they are prepared," she said.
The Harold’s Chicken food truck was well received parked in the middle of State Street between Randolph and Washington, and overall the debut week with 70 activities, including live music and local vendors maintained its intended purpose of bringing foot traffic back to the Loop.
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