WICKER PARK — There is a dizzying number of community-produced events happening in Wicker Park's namesake park this summer, including a "Movies in the Park" series of flicks starring Winona Ryder that's expected to attract big crowds.
Doug Wood, events coordinator for the Wicker Park Advisory Council, a volunteer group that helps to coordinate park events with support of the Park District and other partners, said on Wednesday that this summer's movie series will have a Winona Ryder theme.
The titles of the 5 movies, to be shown in the park on June 16th, 23rd, 30th; July 19th and August 4th, will be announced in mid-May, Wood said.
The Wormhole Coffee and Scone City are major sponsors who footed the bill for three of the five flicks, while several other sponsors will fund the other two movies. The cost to sponsor a single movie is $1,250, or $1,000 for three or more, and proceeds are given to the Park District, Wood said.
Ryder is an actress whose heyday was in the 80s and 90s, when she starred in blockbusters and cult hits including "Beetlejuice," "Heathers" and "Edward Scissorhands."
Travis Schaffner, owner of The Wormhole, had the idea for the Winona Ryder theme, Wood said. In previous summers, Shaffner also masterminded the "Summer of Earl Jones" and a Robin Williams tribute series.
Upcoming park events also include the Sunday Farmers Market, which runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 5-Oct. 30; an annual plant sale in May; a monthly open mic and weekly free yoga.
A new nutrition class will offer insights into the pros and cons of gluten-free and Paleo diets and tackle questions like, "What's the deal with coconut water?"
See the full summer events calendar in the park. Wicker Park is located at 1425 N. Damen Ave., just south of the CTA Blue Line Damen "L" stop.
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