WEST LAKEVIEW — Placing winter firmly in the past, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is forging ahead with plans for 2015 summer events.
Taste of Lakeview will run July 11-12 on Lincoln Avenue from Belmont Avenue to either Melrose Street or Roscoe Street.
Four returning musical acts — Two White Crew, Wedding Banned, 16 Candles and Hairbangers Ball — will headline the two-day fest along with The Breakfast Club Band, Mike and Joe, 7th heaven and Mr. Blotto.
New this year will be a kid's area at the Lincoln Belmont Library, 1659 W. Melrose St. Jahn World Language School will offer activities, and proceeds will benefit the school and the library.
To some, the Taste of Lakeview is less about falafels and pizza and more about the problems that can come with street fairs.
West Lakeview neighbors begged for better clean-up for the 2015 installment of the neighborhood staple. One couple complained of "vomit and urine on our sidewalks," while other bemoaned the window-rattling noise from bands performing on Lincoln Avenue.
During Monday's night's meeting of the West Lakeview Neighbors, board member Jodi Savitt said she would contact Star Events — the Taste of Lakeview organizer — about better street cleaning following the event.
The event's $5 suggested donations benefit West Lakeview Neighbors, which received between $5,000 to $7,000 from last year's Taste of Lakeview, the board said Monday. The exact figure was not available.
The money is partially used to benefit the Lincoln Belmont Library and local schools, while neighbors decide how to use the remainder for community support.
June 10 will mark the return of the Low Line Market under the tracks of the Southport Brown Line "L" station. For the past two years, the market has hosted Chicago eateries like Katherine Anne Confections and Phoenix Beans Tofu and a handful of farmers.
"It's been really successful, and it's already garnered a great reputation with farmers in the region," said Heather Way Kitzes, executive director of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. She said the chamber hopes to add at least four more vendors this year.
The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for this year's vendors. The market will be open from 3 p.m. until dusk on Wednesdays through mid-October.
Taco Fest will also return for its third year Sept. 19-20. Previously, the suggested $5 donation benefited the chamber. The fest, which will be on Southport Avenue from Addison Street to Roscoe Street, features music acts and tacos from mostly Lakeview restaurants.
West Lakeview Neighbors will meet again May 11 at Mystic Celt, 3443 N. Southport Ave. Meetings start at 7 p.m., with a meet-and-greet and free appetizers at 6:30 p.m.
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