Old Town Merchants and Residents Association
November 2021 Newsletter
In this Issue:
  • Message from the Executive Director
  • OTMRA October Events Recap
  • The Holiday Season in Old Town
  • Save the Date: OTMRA Holiday Members Reception
  • Old Town Special Service Area 48: Wells Street Art Festival 2022 Event Management RFP
  • Membership Information
Message from the
Executive Director
With Halloween now behind us, the OTMRA is ready to dive into the 2021 holiday season!

We are thrilled to bring back our in-person Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Burton Park on Tuesday, November 23rd at 5:30PM! This beloved neighborhood tradition will include student carolers from the Franklin Fine Arts Center, a visit from Santa, and festive snacks. Following the ceremony, I invite you to enjoy all of Old Town’s wonderful holiday shopping and dining options with your loved ones during Shop and Dine Late on Wells Street. It’s a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season!

Speaking of shopping, Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, November 27th this year. The OTMRA is proud to serve as a Shop Small Neighborhood Champion, and will be promoting exclusive Small Business Saturday deals in the coming weeks. Shopping small this holiday season is a great way to support the businesses that help make Old Town a wonderful place to live, work, and enjoy.

Finally, please note that the OTMRA office will be closed November 25th-26th in observance of Thanksgiving. On behalf of the OTMRA’s Board and staff, I wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Linda Fleener
Executive Director


Please welcome our new members!

The Oliver on LaSalle
Can't Believe It's Not Meat
Events Recap: October
This month, the OTMRA hosted the 10th Annual LiveWell Week from October 3rd - 10th, 2021. We were thrilled to highlight the exceptional health and wellness businesses in the neighborhood, in the week leading up to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Thanks to everyone in the neighborhood for cheering on the Chicago Marathon runners, and taking advantage of the marathon specials and deals throughout the weekend.

To celebrate Halloween, the OTMRA launched its first ever Online Pet Costume Contest. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos of their adorable pets in costume; we loved seeing the creative costumes, and sharing them with the neighborhood! Our Pet Costume Contest winner is Fitz, dressed as a postal worker (pictured above), submitted by Melissa D. via email. Melissa, please be on the lookout for an email from the OTMRA!
The Holiday Season in Old Town
Join the OTMRA in celebrating the holiday season in Old Town! We will be kicking off the holiday season with our annual Tree Lighting in Burton Place Park on Tuesday, November 23rd at 5:30pm. In addition to festive snacks, this event will feature an appearance from Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. (27th Ward) and Santa Claus!
Save the Date: OTMRA
Holiday Members Reception
Mark your calendars for this year's holiday-themed Members Reception on Thursday, December 9th, 2021! Enjoy an evening of delicious food, raffles, and networking with your Old Town neighbors.

More information about this event will be available in the coming weeks. Please reach out to Rachel Rubinson ([email protected]) for questions or sponsorship inquiries.
SSA 48 Old Town: Wells Street Art Festival 2022 Event Management RFP
The OTMRA is undergoing this RFP process to assess the quality and experience of local event management and production companies, with the goal of selecting a preferred contractor to produce our long-running art event. Each responding firm will submit a proposal for a three-year contract or a one-year contract with an option for renewal for the Wells Street Art Festival starting in 2022. OTMRA’s goals for this festival are region-wide promotion of the Old Town neighborhood, revenue generation and a positive, family-friendly outdoor event
experience.

Bid specifications are posted on the SSA website page; questions should be emailed to [email protected].
Become a 2021 Member
The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association has revamped our membership program for 2021.

We now offer memberships designed for residents, businesses, non-profits, and residential buildings. Benefits include marketing and sponsorship opportunities, positions of engagement, discounts on OTMRA events, and more!

See below for information on each membership or to become a member!

See what else is going on in the Old Town neighborhood by checking out the

Submit to the calendar by filling out this form.