LOGAN SQUARE — Ald. Rey Colon (35th) canceled plans to be a "celebrity bartender" at an Avondale fundraiser Wednesday after he was charged with a DUI last week.
Colon was charged with driving under the influence Friday after he was stopped by police on the Eisenhower Expy. near Homan Avenue around 1 a.m., State Police said.
"I have every confidence in the legal system and that justice will be served," Colon said via a statement after the arrest. "I am not at liberty to discuss specifics on the matter, as the case is still pending. In the meantime, I remain focused on serving my constituents, representing the neighborhoods that make up the 35th Ward.
The fundraiser for Avondale’s neighborhood festival will still kick off Wednesday night featuring raffle prizes and local politicians booked as “celebrity bartenders.”
Colon has canceled, but Will Guzzardi, who is running unopposed for state representative in the 39th District, will serve residents drinks from the bar at Moe’s Tavern, 2937 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. to raise money for the "A Day in Avondale" neighborhood arts festival set for Sept. 27.
A Day in Avondale festival organizer Lynn Basa thought Colon was still on board Wednesday morning, but Colon's office confirmed that he would not be attending.
According to Basa, this year's special cocktail created by the tavern owner will be called “The AA” — named for Alcoholics Anonymous.
All proceeds from Wednesday's event will go toward supporting local artists and community-building, according to festival organizers.
On Wednesday morning, Basa maintained her support for Colon, calling him a responsive leader of the ward.
“We're going to be there to support him,” she said. “I think a lot of people feel that way. I just feel really bad that he’s gotten himself into this.”
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