SR0486 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0486 LRB104 15279 ECR 28433 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) on the occasion of its 20th anniversary of hosting the 79th Street Renaissance Festival; and

WHEREAS, GAGDC was founded to foster and promote the revitalization of the Greater Auburn-Gresham community by mobilizing resources to improve the quality of life for residents and stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, GAGDC advances this mission through its pillars of economic development, housing, education, health and wellness, and community engagement, all of which are reflected in the values and impact of the festival; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the 79th Street Renaissance Festival has become the longest-running, Black family-friendly festival on the South Side of Chicago, drawing nearly 20,000 attendees annually; and

WHEREAS, For over two decades, the 79th Street Renaissance Festival has welcomed thousands of local businesses and vendors, generating an economic impact of more than five million dollars and creating opportunities for growth, entrepreneurship, and community investment; and

WHEREAS, The 79th Street Renaissance Festival has built a remarkable reputation for safety and unity, maintaining zero acts of violence in its 20-year history and offering families a joyful and secure event to close out the summer season; and

WHEREAS, The 79th Street Renaissance Festival has hosted a number of world-class entertainers, including Anthony Hamilton, Adina Howard, Raheem Devaughn, CeCe Peniston, Alicia Myers, Chub Rock, Christopher Williams, Tamela Mann, Jonathan McReynolds, and Kierra Sheard, and this year the festival will be welcoming Chicago's own international superstar, Chaka Khan, to headline the 20th anniversary celebration; and

WHEREAS, The 79th Street Renaissance Festival is also deeply committed to service, providing meals annually to more than 500 seniors at the Seniors Corner and donating backpacks and food to over 500 children at the Kids Corner; and

WHEREAS, The 79th Street Renaissance Festival's iconic 60-foot Ferris wheel, the only one on Chicago's South Side and a featured symbol in the festival's trademarked logo, has become a source of joy, pride, and tradition for generations of festivalgoers; and

WHEREAS, The 79th Street Renaissance Festival stands as a living expression of GAGDC's mission and pillars, serving as a symbol of Auburn-Gresham's cultural pride, economic vitality, and community resilience, enriching the lives of residents and visitors while showcasing the best of Chicago's South Side; and

WHEREAS, The 20th Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival will be held on September 6, 2025; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) on achieving its 20th anniversary of hosting the 79th Street Renaissance Festival, and we thank GAGDC for its enduring contributions to community, culture, safety, and celebration.