NYK Event 2: German Beer festivities

Maifest Chicago was a fun experience. The hard part was figuring out how to put 3 days into a page. When I was there I talked to the man in charge, the President of Maifest Joe Matuschka. When I told him I wanted to interview him the first thing he asked was, “Do you want a beer?”

The Maypole dance. Photo by Becky Neems
The Maypole dance. Photo by Becky Neems

I talked to some spectators on the days I was there and most of them told me they were from around Lincoln Square, where it was held or heard of it from a friend.

Of course I tried the beer. Some of it was a little bitter, but it was mostly light-tasting draft. I also tried some of the German food. It was very rich and was mostly either meat or bread. Deadly but delicious.

The musical performances were fun with German anthems and drinking songs like Sweet Caroline. There were also people dressed in German garb and holding their pints.

On Sunday there were different German cultural dances like the Maypole dance as well as American entertainment like the Jesse White Tumblers.

Overall it was a fun experience. I just wish I could have had the beer for free.

The festivities are over, and so is the writing of my article. I’m glad I attended, and I may go next year just as a spectator.

Finalizing and quick reporting: Suburban Life Media Day 6

Today I drove over to the Dunkin’ Donuts on 63rd street to check out “Cop on Top” an event that raised money for Special Olympics Illinois.  It was the first time I had to go on the scene to report and it turned out fine. I met Westmont’s Police Chief Thomas Mulhearn as he stepped down from the roof on a ladder.

Westmont’s Police force has been participating in the event for a few years and it raises money for the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. Officers throughout the state participate in a run to start off the games for the Special Olympics this summer.

I also spoke with a few volunteers from the event and they were all happy I was there. I talked with the Chief about how my brother is special needs and I appreciate his efforts in helping Special Olympics.

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Chief Mulhearn with some of the volunteers and a Dunkin’ Donuts employee. Image credit: Becky Neems

I could tell it pulled at his heart strings to help with the cause and that’s what makes a difference.

Later in the day, I was continuing my patio story and getting some finite examples of what I wanted to say. Taking a look at Pier 1 Import’s outdoor guide, I saw some beautiful patio sets and wished my family would invest in some trendy items.

Dreamy Pier 1 Imports Patio ware
Dreamy Pier 1 Imports Patio ware

I’m hoping to finish the story early next week. It will be exciting because it will be my first ever feature story in a magazine. I wrote an article for Vox magazine’s website, which was a lot of fun, but being able to see my name in glossy print will be worth it.

In a few hours, I will be reporting for Maifest Chicago 2013, getting all the German food, beer and music I can to get a feel for the German culture. I will reporting there all weekend,  so I will have a final story at the beginning of next week, so stay posted.

From May 30 through June 2.
From May 30 through June 2.