CHICAGO (October 14, 2021) — Families are in for a special treat this year as Andersonville once again hosts its socially-distanced "Halloween on Catalpa" event and celebrates the return of traditional trick-or-treating through the neighborhood's historic business district. George's Ice Cream & Sweets' popular "Candy Delivery System Contest" also returns for 2021.
Halloween on Catalpa
For the second straight year, AlleyCat Comics, in association with 40th Ward, SSA #22 and the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to host Halloween on Catalpa, a socially-distanced trick-or-treat grab & go experience on Saturday, October 30 from 10 am — 4 pm at Catalpa Ave. (between Clark St. and Ashland Ave.) All attendees will receive free Halloween treats including a bag of candy and a pumpkin. Gluten-free candy bags will be provided by defloured: a gluten-free bakery. Trick-or-treaters can also snap a photo with a superhero courtesy of AlleyCat Comics, and enjoy entertainment from Gus Giordano Dance School (1 — 2 pm) and Chicago brass band Environmental Encroachment (2 — 4 pm). Additional sponsors include Eli Tea Bar, Evoke Tattoos, Lakeshore Schools, Little Friends Preschool, Sandbox Baby Boutique, School of Rock Andersonville and Walgreens.
In order to ensure social-distancing, families are asked to register for a 20-minute time slot in advance here. Slots from 10 — 10:40 am are designated for children with sensory sensitivities and disabilities. The event will open to the public after 1 pm. All participants two years and older are required to wear a preventative mask. Halloween masks will not suffice unless a preventative mask is also worn underneath. Dogs are welcome to attend in costume (no masks required!)
The Chamber also has a "trick" up its sleeve: Andersonville's Walgreens will be on site offering free flu shots, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Attendees must present their insurance card on for a free shot, but Walgreens will also provide a limited quantity of vouchers for free shots for those who are uninsured.
Please note: Halloween on Catalpa is weather contingent and may be canceled due to inclement weather. For updates and other neighborhood Halloween events throughout the month, visit the for updates.
Trick-or-Treating through the Business District
The longtime tradition of trick-or-treating through the Andersonville business also returns this year, with more than 40 businesses handing out candy and other treats on Saturday, October 30 from 11 am — 4 pm, Trick-or-Treaters can pick up a map of businesses at Catalpa Ave. or access a virtual map on the Halloween in Andersonville page. The Chamber is following Illinois' Guidelines for Trick or Treating. All businesses will be stationed outdoors and will follow COVID safety protocols including masks, gloves and hand sanitizing.
Participating businesses confirmed to date include:
Alamo Shoes | 5321 N. Clark St.
AlleyCat Comics | 5304 N. Clark St. (rear)
Andersonville Antiques | 5245 N. Clark St.
Bryn Mawr Jewelry Company | 5139 N. Clark St.
Big City Optical | 5653 N. Clark St.
The Brown Elephant | 5404 N. Clark St.
CBD Kratom | 5303 N. Clark St.
Cheetah Gym | 5248 N. Clark St.
Chicatolia Artisan Collective | 5209 N. Clark St.
The Coffee Studio | 5628 N. Clark St.
ENJOY Andersonville | 5307 N. Clark St.
Evoke Tattoos | 5400 N. Clark St.
Exit Strategy Realty | 1332 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
First Free Church | 5255 N. Ashland Ave.
Forever Yogurt | 5309 N. Clark St.
Foyer Shop | 1480 W. Berwyn Ave.
FOURSIDED Custom Framing | 5111 N. Clark St.
Gus Giordano Dance School | 5230 N. Clark St.
JC Licht | 5422 N. Clark St.
Kopi Cafe | 5317 N. Clark St.
La Baguette Bakery | 5712 N. Clark St.
Lady Gregory's | 5260 N. Clark St.
Land & Lake Andersonville | 5420 N. Clark St.
Little Friends Preschool | 5600 N. Ashland Ave.
Los Arcos | 5525 N. Clark St.
Merry Music Makers | 5437 N. Clark St.
Philadelphia Church | 5437 N. Clark St.
Pick Me Up Cafe| 4882 N. Clark St.
*Play Toys Books Gifts | 5311 N. Clark St.
Rainbow Cleaners | 5045 N. Clark St.
REPLAY Andersonville | 5358 N. Clark St.
Restoration Salon | 1515 W. Berwyn Ave.
Robert Jeffrey Andersonville | 5142 N. Clark St.
Ranalli's | 1512 W. Berwyn Ave.
RAYGUN | 5207 N. Clark St.
Sandbox Baby Boutique | 5349 N. Clark St.
School of Rock Andersonville | 5600 N. Ridge Ave.
SIR Spa | 5151 N. Clark St.
Strange Cargo | 5216 N. Clark St.
Transit Tees | 5226 N. Clark St.
Women & Children First Bookstore | 5233 N. Clark St.
George's Candy Delivery System Contest
One final treat this Halloween season: George's Ice Cream & Sweets will once again host its popular "Candy Delivery System Contest" from October 18 — 31, 2021. Young inventors are invited to create fantastic and thrilling candy shoots, pipes, launchers and pullies to deliver candy from the door/window to an awaiting ghoul at the other end.
Contest Rules:
1. Create a fun, creative way to deliver candy from a step, stoop, doorway, or window to a participant on the sidewalk.
2. Record how your invention works by walking us through it. Make sure to mention your favorite ice cream at George's!
3. Post on Instagram and tag @georgesicecream and @avillechamber
4. Winners of the most inventive and incredible candy delivery systems will be picked on Halloween!
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) fosters a vibrant environment in which Andersonville businesses can thrive by attracting a diverse customer base; providing business support services and advocacy; and engaging in business attraction, long-range planning, and economic development.
