CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chinatown Summer Fair returned for its 46th year, bringing together more than 80 vendors and restaurants for a two-day celebration of food, culture, and community.
The annual event features games, giveaways, and a variety of tasty food designed to showcase the neighborhood and its businesses.
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“Besides boba we also have sausage or any street food that Taiwan has. Cold noodles,” said Mai Tran of Hello Jasmine. “The most popular one I would say would be the brown sugar Boba tea. That has been like one of the OG drinks that everybody likes.”
Organizers said the fair has expanded significantly since its early years.
What was once a festival spanning only a few blocks now stretches from Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road to 24th Place. Organizers said the event attracts more than 40,000 people.
Gene Lee, founder of the Chinatown Summer Fair, said one of the highlights is seeing visitors from across the city experience the neighborhood.
“The favorite is just seeing the many people that come out, and it’s like our city Chicago. It’s very diverse and they come down here,” Lee said. “They’re going to enjoy a restaurant, food vendor, fast food.”
Lee also said visitors often discover experiences unique to Chinatown.
“When they visit the stores, it’s the aromas they catch from the bakery goods, BBQ goods, just stuff like that they would not be exposed to normally,” he said.
Organizers and volunteers said the event also helps support local businesses while introducing visitors to the cultures represented in the neighborhood.
“Bringing exposure to the Chinatown community, helps the businesses out during the difficult times we’ve had and provides the people of Chicago and visitors, a taste of what Chinatown offers and what Asia offers,” said event volunteer TJ Moy.
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