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I’ve always loved pineapple. I brought some with me to the first Midsommarfest I worked with the Andersonville Chamber Commerce as an energizing snack I could quickly eat while making loops around the festival footprint. I put a note on the container of my pre-cut organic fruit to show it was mine—and also signaling to others not to touch it. The pineapple became a ACC staff joke and ultimately a symbol of the Chamber that began appearing on wall decals, keychains, a pineapple print from Foursided Card, Gift & Vintage, and even some passwords (shhh—don’t tell anyone!). We later found out that pineapples historically symbolize hospitality and friendship. While my label on my Midsommarfest snack didn’t exactly express that message, the way the team adopted the fruit as an in-house icon certainly did.

The Chamber organizes events centered around community building, and strives to make Andersonville welcoming for everyone. Andersonville’s Swedish roots combine with its small-town charm throughout our robust array of stores and restaurants (and a little bit of pineapple-y hospitality), making our neighborhood a great summer destination. Every July, our cornerstone Summer Sidewalk Sale closes out the month with three days of bargained-filled sidewalks that span from 4800 N. Clark to 5800 N. Clark. While Andersonville is a wonderful place to shop all year round, our Summer Sidewalk Sale is the perfect opportunity to walk through the neighborhood and visit our one-of-a-kind stores, cafés, and more. The experience is enhanced by unique pop-up vendors and buskers performing live music along Clark Street—online and one one-click shopping just can’t compete.

Other summer events include the Taste of Andersonville, a progressive food crawl held on August 10 that allows guests to enjoy their favorite restaurants, find new dining spots, and meet neighbors and friends. Taste of Andersonville participants can choose from one of two dining adventures: the Fork Route or the Spoon Route, which are both filled with incredible bites from our local food and beverage establishments.

The Vintage Market, which is held on three Sundays from July 17 through September 18, transforms Catalpa into an outdoor shopping extravaganza with the help of talented vendors, artists, and creators specializing in antiques, salvage and industrial goods, and more. (Did somebody say Snoopy phone?).

Join us at dusk on August 9 for our brand-new event Movies on Catalpa, where you can convene with friends and neighbors in front of an inflatable screen while enjoying traditional cinema snacks. Our Rainbow Skate night takes over Catalpa on August 12 for a family-friendly night of fun skating on the open street (Just remember to BYO skates!). Andersonville Goes Back to School takes place throughout the Illinois tax holiday from August 5-14. Families and teachers can shop for school supplies and clothes at a reduced tax rate while donating to others at select locations in the neighborhood.

Whether you’re visiting us for the first time or the fiftieth, we welcome you to Pineappleland.

This sponsored content is paid for by Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.

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