Thursday, May 1, 2025 | View in browser
Good afternoon,
Read below for information about the opening weekend of the Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market, the 2025 Mayor's State of the City Address, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month events and activities, and more!
 Welcome, new 82nd Evanston City Council!
Farmers' market season is finally here! 🍅
The Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market will kick off its 50th season this Sat., May 3, with more than 70 vendors selling everything from fruit to flowers to baked goods. The Market will be open every Saturday through November 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Place and Oak Avenue.
New this year: Enjoy daily live musical performances and special vendor spotlights, exciting collaborations with Evanston Made, Likhaya, and Spud Club Takeover Days hosted by the Evanston Art Center, and more!
 Tune in for the Mayor's State of the City Address
Mayor Daniel Biss will present his State of the City Address on Wed., May 14 at 4 p.m. While registration is full for the in-person event, community members are invited to view the live-streamed speech on the City's Facebook page. The recorded speech will also be available the next day on the City's YouTube and Channel 16.
 Photo from ASPA Evanston website.
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month in May
Join us in recognizing and celebrating the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities throughout our nation. Check out some fun, family-friendly events planned throughout the month.
Umbrella Arts Festival: This annual festival is a celebration of Asian American history, culture, and art. Bring the whole family out to enjoy performances, food trucks, and over 50 artists and vendors on Sat., May 31, from noon to 5 p.m., at Fountain Square. More info.
 Let’s keep our sidewalks safe for everyone!
No riding on downtown sidewalks: To help keep pedestrians safe, the City does not allow you to ride on the sidewalks in downtown Evanston. While you can still ride on the streets, if you choose to go on the sidewalk, please dismount your bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or roller skates within the boundaries of downtown. Learn more.
Help keep sidewalks accessible: Let’s work together to ensure that sidewalks are clear and accessible for everyone, including people with mobility devices. Overgrown bushes or parked cars that block sidewalks can create hazards and make it difficult for neighbors of all abilities.
More News and Events
CANCELED: C.A.R.E.S. First Friday event, May 2
Unfortunately, due to the rainy conditions today and tomorrow, the Community C.A.R.E.S. First Friday event scheduled for May 2 has been canceled.
🌳 Limited amount of free trees available
Public Works has trees and supplies available to the Evanston community! Swamp white, chestnut, and shingle oak trees in 3-gallon pots, along with a watering ring and mulch, are available. To request these items, please contact Evanston 311 for more details, while supplies last.
🐦 Help protect our feathered friends during spring migration
As millions of birds pass through Evanston on their journey north, residents are encouraged to help protect them from deadly building collisions by turning off non-essential lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Light pollution can disorient birds, making them more vulnerable during migration. For more tips and to track migration in real time, visit birdcast.info.
🚗 Three hours of free parking this Saturday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Enjoy free metered parking from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month through the end of the year! Part of a new City pilot program, this offer aims to boost local business access and economic growth. Please note: this only applies to metered street parking, not garages or lots.
🛍️ Shop the Maker's Market this Sunday
Explore original art, handmade goods, Mother’s Day gifts, and more at the Maker’s Market in Downtown Evanston. Head to the 5th floor of the Maple Avenue Parking Garage on Sun., May 4, from noon to 5 p.m. to enjoy an afternoon of shopping from local artisans.
🎨 Grab your Evanston Arts & Craft Beverage Crawl tickets
Join the Main-Dempster Mile for their annual Evanston Arts & Craft Beverage Crawl on May 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Explore over 40 local businesses and one-night-only art gallery pop-ups, featuring works by Evanston Made artists. Plus, enjoy tastings of craft beverages. Tickets are available online.
Illinois Confirms First Measles Cases of 2025
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) have identified two confirmed cases of measles. These are the first two cases in Cook County in 2025. There are no cases in Evanston.
The first case involves an adult resident of suburban Cook County with an unknown vaccination status. The individual sought medical care at a local hospital on Monday, April 28, and was promptly isolated. The second case is an adult Chicago resident who traveled internationally through O’Hare International Airport in early April. They developed a rash on April 25 and have been isolated at home. This individual had received one prior dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. All individuals 12 months of age and older who plan to travel internationally should ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, administered at least two weeks before travel, or have other documented evidence of immunity.
The health departments are collaborating to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. CCDPH is investigating the Suburban Cook County case, and the CDPH is investigating the Chicago case.
The following locations are points of potential public exposure:
- Monday 4/21/2025: Fittingly Delicious, 3939 W. Irving Park Rd.
- Tuesday 4/22/2025: O’Hare Airport, 10 am–8pm, especially Terminal 1
- Wednesday 4/23/2025: O’Hare Airport, 10am–8pm, especially Terminal 1
- Friday 4/25/2025: Aldi: 7235 39th St, Lyons, IL 6053, 10am-12:30pm.
- Sunday 4/27/2025: Shell: 3901 S. Harlem Ave., Stickney, IL 60402, 10am-12:30pm.
- Monday 4/28/2025: Mobil: 2945 S. Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402, 10:20am-1pm.
While there are no cases in Evanston, the Evanston Health and Human Services Department asks all residents to be sure they are up-to-date on their measles vaccines. Most people should have two doses of vaccine (commonly documented as MMR or MMRV on an immunization record). If you cannot locate your record, please call your doctor or look up your record in the Illinois immunization registry. If you aren't sure if you are up-to-date with the current recommendations, call your healthcare provider to get a dose of MMR.
For questions regarding measles, contact the Evanston Health and Human Services by calling 847-448-4311 or at health@cityofevanston.org.
Get Engaged
Community Calendar
Meet Ramakant Kharel, Owner of Mt. Everest Restaurant
 In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting Ramakant Kharel, owner of Mt. Everest Restaurant in downtown Evanston. Born in India and raised in Nepal, Kharel came to Chicago in 1990 with a dream of opening his own restaurant. After years of hard work in the hospitality industry, he opened Mt. Everest in 1999, blending Indian and Nepalese flavors with a commitment to excellent service. Learn more!
Now celebrating 25 years in Evanston, Kharel continues to serve the community with heart, offering a 15% discount on dine-in and direct takeout orders to those who mention this feature.
That’s it for today's e-news. Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
The City of Evanston Communications Team
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