Although area residents best know the Beverly Area Planning Association (BAPA) for our events, they don’t always realize that events are organized for purposes that align with the organization’s mission to sustain and enhance the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.
The Beverly/Morgan Park Home Tour showcases beautiful homes to potential home buyers; the Ridge Run and Memorial Day Parade bring thousands of athletes and spectators to the historic district to show off the community’s rich architecture and outstanding lifestyle; and events like Family Fun Nights and the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic/Bikes and Brews Festival are designed to boost community connection.
BAPA is involved with five upcoming events that are designed to bring customers to neighborhood commercial strips and foster shopping locally and to show off our spectacular architecture.
Sip and Shop #2
BAPA will be collaborating with the 19th Ward Office and Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association to present Sip n’ Shop Girls Night Out on Thurs., Sept. 20. Businesses in the train station districts at 99th and 103rd Streets will participate in the event that features special sales, beverage and food tastings, demonstrations and more from 6 to 9 p.m., and a BYOB after party from 9 to 11 p.m. Admission of $10 in advance or $15 at the event covers the goodies and giveaways, and the first 250 people to sign up will get a free wine tote. Check in is at Calabria Imports, 1905 W. 103rd St., 6 to 8 p.m.
Stores committed to participate include Belle Up, Beverly Barre, Beverly Yoga Center, B Sides Coffee, Cakewalk Chicago/Markland Hubbard, Capsule, Heritage Gallery & Gifts, New Beginning Alterations, Ohana Ice, RMH Design, Root, Sweet Freaks, The Blossom Boys, Turkey and Tranquility Salon. Buy tickets online at www.bapa.org.
Fall Fest on 95th Street
On Sat., Oct. 6, BAPA will team up with the 95th Street Business Association and 19th Ward Office to host Fall Fest on 95th Street. Participants will gather in the parking lot at Barraco’s, 2105 W. 95th St., for activities and entertainment. Televisions will be tuned to college games.
Open House Chicago
For the first time, Beverly/Morgan Park will be featured on the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago, Sat., Oct. 13 and Sun., Oct. 14. Several neighborhood spots will be among more than 300 locations open for this popular – and free — city-wide event. Locations, which are not widely open to the public, are chosen for their architectural importance, historic value and outstanding interest. Among the neighborhood locations where visitors will get behind-the-scenes tours are the Optimo Hat Co., Morgan Park Academy Alumni Hall, The Castle, Wild Blossom Meadery and several more.
BAPA and the 19th Ward Office are working with Open House Chicago to make sure the neighborhood is ready to welcome 1,000 or more guests from throughout Chicagoland for the two-day event. Area residents can help out as volunteers at the neighborhood locations. For information on how to volunteer and volunteer benefits, visit openhousechicago.org/volunteer.
Tap Into BAPA
Tap Into BAPA, our popular pub crawl, returns to Western Avenue on Sat., Nov. 10, starting at 3 p.m. Patrons age 21 and over will receive music, food and giveaways with their ticket, and drink specials for purchase at each location. Tickets are $25 in advance at www.bapa.org or $30 on the night of the event. Join in at any location for an evening filled with community spirit.
Holiday Cookie Crawl
BAPA invites area families to sweeten up the spirit of the season at the 3rd Annual Holiday Cookie Crawl on Sat., Dec. 8. Just purchase a souvenir tin from BAPA, then spend the afternoon filling it with a variety of cookies and treats from participating businesses. Make sure you take time to shop where you stop, and support the businesses that support our community.
Keep up with event details at www.bapa.org, in The Villager or with The Villager Weekly Report enews. Info: 773-233-3100 or bapa@bapa.org. Founded in 1947, BAPA is a community-based not-for-profit organization located at 1987 W. 111th St. and supported in part by donations from area residents and businesses.
