IL SR0486

Illinois Senate congratulates the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC) on the 20th anniversary of hosting the 79th Street Renaissance Festival

The festival is the longest-running Black family-friendly festival on Chicago's South Side, drawing nearly 20,000 attendees annually with zero acts of violence in its 20-year history

The event has generated more than $5 million in economic impact and welcomed thousands of local businesses and vendors over two decades

The festival provides community service including meals to more than 500 seniors and backpacks and food to over 500 children annually

The 20th Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival will be held on September 6, 2025, featuring Chicago native Chaka Khan as the headline performer