West Town Chamber of Commerce

"When you're planning special events, there comes a time in the timeline when you have to pull the plug."

PATRON is opening this weekend in West Town next door to several other art galleries that have opened or relocated to the neighborhood since 2015.

The Spend Local to Save Local rewards program is run by the West Town Chamber of Commerce.

If the neighborhood continues to support her business named NICZKA, Tania Mackey hopes to open a permanent store.

Starting Friday, several West Town bars, restaurants, galleries, retail stores and other businesses will offer special discounts or free events.

Owner Nicole Sopko said closing the business was a "necessary financial decision." Attendance in virtual classes dropped and soon the studio saw less than half its typical income.

West Town Chamber of Commerce leaders also switched Do Division Street Fest and West Fest Chicago to virtual events in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Schwa alums Wilson Bauer and Alice Richter are opening the neighborhood pasta shop of their dreams on Thursday.

The festival will run Wednesday to July 22 with promotions from West Town businesses, livestreamed music and DJ performances.

The grant will provide West Town small businesses up to 100 percent of board up costs (or the cost of your insurance deductible) up to $1,000.

Neighbors said they wanted to simultaneously protect their small businesses from looting while supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.

Empty Bottle and Subterranean are members of the Chicago Independent Venue League, a coalition of independently-owned music venues fighting for survival.

"We don't know what is gonna happen tomorrow, if this is their last chance to shine, the last chance to get their voice heard. And I'm happy to help them in the little tiny way that I can."

Event organizers say they're weighing recommendations from government officials when deliberating whether to cancel Wicker Park Fest, which is in late July.

Do Division Street Fest typically takes place in late May, but West Fest and Dancing in the Streets take place in July and August. Now, all are canceled.

This Saturday, shoppers will have access to special deals, as well as a three-hour-long guided "Jolly Trolley" tour of participating stores.

Survey responses will guide the local Chambers of Commerce' decisions to either issue a letter of support or a letter of opposition to the parking meters.

The West Town Art Walk, presented by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, will take place 5-8 p.m. Friday and 12-8 p.m. Saturday.

Founded in 1870, the Erie Neighborhood House began as the "little Dutch church" in West Town that focused efforts on helping the area's immigrant communities.