WICKER PARK — The first Saturday in May always means two things: the running of the Kentucky Derby horse race — since 1865 — and the more modern Free Comic Book Day, a collective effort from shops to get more folks excited about comic books.
Here are our picks for what is predicted to be a beautiful weekend, with temperatures in the 70s.
FRIDAY
Buy Unique Art: Wicker Park's "First Friday" means dozens of working artists studios will be open to the public. Artist Kevin Lahvic, who is kicking off his spring and summer art fest season, promises first dibs Friday on a large offering of original art, plus live music by local bands. 6 to 10 p.m. Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Studio No. 222. For more info, visit the party's Facebook page.
SATURDAY
Wash Your Car: Members of the Wells High School first-ever Rugby Club, whose 19 players are forced to practice on a concrete field, will wash cars in the back of the school, 936 N. Ashland Ave. Donations ($10/car; cash only) will go to providing mandatory insurance for each player, renting field time at Eckhart Park, travel costs, equipment, etc.
Pick Up a Free Comic Book: Beloved shop Vigilante Press closed over the winter but you can still pop by several other shops, like Challengers, 1845 N. Western Ave., Quimby's, 1854 W. North Ave. and Brainstorm Comics, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Suite 321 to celebrate Free Comic Book Day.
Cheer on Your Favorite Horse: Wicker Park's The Southern will be having a Kentucky Derby Party, with prizes for best dressed and a buffet. Tickets are $25. 4 to 7 p.m Saturday, 1840 W. North Ave.
Party goers on the way to a Kentucky Derby Party at The Southern in 2011 [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Watch the "Fight of the Century": If you do not want to shell out $100 to see the Mayweather-Pacquiao boxing match on Pay-Per-View, the 7 p.m. Saturday bout will be broadcast for free at a few spots around the city, including Boulevard Sports Lounge, 2645 W. North Ave. In Wicker Park, The Boundary, 1932 W. Division St., is hosting a ticket-only ($40) private party, per its Facebook page.
SUNDAY
Dive into Wicker Park History on a Free Walking Tour. Historian, author and publisher Elaine Coorens and Doug Wood, president of the Wicker Park Garden Club and a longtime resident, will lead a 90-minute walking tour of historic Wicker Park. It's free but reservations are requested. Coorens' book, "Wicker Park, from 1673 Thru 1929 and Walking Tour Guide" ($26.95) will be for sale too. Meet at the park fountain, 1425 N. Damen Ave. 1 - 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
John Buehler, an early Wicker Park alderman and scenes from yesteryear. [Elaine Coorens/Our Urban Times]
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