Because of work obligations, Patty and I weren't able to attend the previous two days, and very regrettably missed the Localicious party on Friday night, a sampling of the offerings from the exhibitors as well as local restaurants and celebrity chefs using local and organic ingredients. However, we were very excited to sign up to volunteer, so much so that we grabbed the 7:30-10:30 AM slot, and after hitting the snooze a few times we were out the door on our bikes into a rainy, blustery morning, in search of coffee before arriving at the Expo. Thankfully, Daylight Savings Time didn't start until the next day, otherwise we'd be leaving in total darkness, as well.
Caffeinating at the Caribou down the street from the Forum on Halsted:
After getting a bit lost in the hallways of the forum, we pushed open enough doors to hear the growing activity of the Expo from the main showroom. We checked in, and while Patty left to go spread linens over the exhibitor booths,...
I went to help the registration booth prep for an expected attendance of over 2,500 Expo attendees...
After sorting Expo programs into paper bags in which attendees could carry exhibitor items and collateral, and tearing wrist bands for easier access during the pre-opening lull, it got very busy, very fast. I simply checked attendees at will call, while other volunteers signed in exhibitors, guests, and took day-of sales, as well. For the last hour of our shift, Patty directed people at the door to the appropriate lines.
I hate it when the volunteer signed up for the next shift is late, and luckily today that wasn't the case at all. I actually had 15 minutes to show her the ropes before putting on a wrist band of my own, grabbing Patty and couple of bags, and wading into the festival, now going at full-bore:
We browsed the booths: looking at CSA options (I chose one: Farmer Tom's - I'm not yet ready to drop $700-900 on a full share right now, so this one allows me to buy weekly, with a small annual membership fee. I get organic produce year round, and locally grown when in season), and chatting with soap vendors, grass-fed beef and dairy producers; sampling barbecue, cheese, microgreens, and locally-made honey, mustard, ketchup (bought a bottle), and salsa.
I picked up a copy of edible Chicago, a free guide to seasonal, local foods in the area. Patty bought some dog shampoo for Jack (he smells great). And know this: if you haven't tried Traders Point Creamery's grass-fed yogurt and cheese, you are really missing out.
Celebrity chef Rick Bayless serving up some locally-sourced soup to the crowd after his workshop:
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