Englewood's Monthly Festival Series Is Kicking Off Saturday
By Carrie Eidson in News on May 26, 2016 3:04PM
Photo from a previous So Fresh Saturday event/Facebook
The Resident Association of Greater Englewood is kicking off its fourth series of neighborhood festivals this Saturday, May 28, part of its ongoing effort to reclaim public parks as safe community havens.
"So Fresh Saturdays" combine live performances, food and games with a campaign to use Englewood's parks and public spaces for safe neighborhood activity. RAGE started So Fresh Saturdays four summers ago by holding events in vacant lots. The festivals encourage neighbors to socialize and also challenge Englewood's reputation as a place of violence. The series is now held in partnership with the Chicago Park District as part of the Night Out in the Parks program.
"Because we are residents of the community, our Nights Out in the Park are a little more special just because we live there," said Asiaha Butler, co-founder and president of RAGE. "It's for residents, by residents, but everyone is invited to come. But what we really want is the folks who live around the parks to reclaim these parks back."
Butler said many Englewood residents who live near city parks are afraid to use them due to concerns of violence. But when neighbors gather in the space for peaceful activity, it creates a safe environment for everyone, she explained.
"We want people to know at all of these events, we've never had an incident," she said. "Families can come and have a fun-filled time. We want residents to know these parks are our assets."
In addition to peace rallies, nature-based activities for children and community workshops, So Fresh Saturdays offer a glimpse into Englewood's art scene with performances from local artists. Though Butler said musicians, rappers, poets and dancers from throughout the city perform at the events, RAGE makes a special effort to give neighborhood artists the spotlight. Previous performers have included rapper K.W.O.E., youth dance crew K Phi 9 and Legends of Chicago Hip Hop, among several others.
The 2016 cycle of So Fresh Saturdays kicks off at Sherwood Park, 5701 S. Shields Ave., and will run from 3-7 p.m. on May 28. The event is free to attend. The remaining dates for So Fresh Saturdays are:
Performers or volunteers wishing to join So Fresh Saturdays can contact RAGE at joinrage@gmail.com or 866-845-1032. For anyone interested in volunteering but unable to attend the Saturday events, Butler said the organization has several other opportunities, including helping with its Back to School supply giveaway that will be held at the Hamilton Park event.
The Chicago Park District's 2016 Night Out in the Parks series will include more than 1,000 events in neighborhood parks throughout the city.