Scene in Logan Square: Open Streets

Open Streets ends in Logan Square

This year’s Open Streets, formerly known as Sunday Parkways, runs for eight miles on Saturday, August 1.  And once again you can bike, blade, skate, jog, stroll the kids or walk the dog — just don’t drive — through neighborhoods from Little Village to Logan Square.

While last year’s Sunday Parkways ran on two separate Sundays of four mile routes, this year’s rebranded Open Streets takes place on Saturday with one eight mile route (right).  That’s good.  It doesn’t take long to bike eight miles.  But, just in case, Open Streets is open a bit earlier and stays open a bit later this year, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Holding the event on Saturday also avoids the conflict with Sunday church parking along the boulevards, so the car-free event should be even more car-free.  That’s also good.

Along the route, activities are again planned, though I haven’t found them specified.  Last year, for example, there was yoga, and a capoeira

Another Tour de (big) Fat (blast)

This year’s/last Saturday’s Tour de Fat in Palmer Square was another big fat blast!

The day kicked off with a neighborhood bike ride (see map–same as last year’s–at Impact of da Tour de Fat) that once again rolled up Milwaukee

Save the date: Tour de Fat returns

Just 15 weeks until the Tour de Fat returns to Palmer Square.

Fifteen weeks to get your costume ready.

Fifteen weeks to build up your bike karma.

Fifteen weeks to trick out your bike for the neighborhood bike ride.

Fifteen weeks to save up for a $5 donation to support a local good cause.

Last minute shopping on Milwaukee Avenue

In addition to the previous suggestions in Holiday shopping around Logan Square , you can still pick up last minute gifts along Milwaukee Avenue:

Gap Outlet, 2778 N. Milwaukee Avenue: Scarves, boxers, etc., etc. and gift cards. If you purchase a gift card before December 25, the recipient and a friend will receive an additional 20% off gift card purchases from December 26 to January 31.

Warehouse Sale, 2760 N. Milwaukee Avenue: Toy, toys, toys.

Pierre’s Bakery, 2747 N. Milwaukee Avenue: Bring a Tres Leches Cake for the holiday festivities or conchas and orejas for New Year’s brunch (and look for “Sales Promotions” on Pierre’s website for a 10% off coupon).

Pay Half, 2746 N. Milwaukee Avenue: Find home accessories like frames, vases and fabric covered boxes in the back left corner of the store.