Chicago Star's Streeterville Week Kick-Off Party at Mariano's, a celebration of local business and friendship

Party in aisle two! Chicago Star's Streeterville Week Kick-Off Party was a great success at Mariano's Lakeshore East on May 20th! Thanks to our hosts, Mariano's and its team leader Amanda Puck, store director Scott Wilson, Chris Weir, Amari Walls, Jajuan Harvey and J & L Catering who helped us create magic for this annual celebration of local (and big) businesses in Chicago.

Last year's event was held on the store's magical rooftop overlooking Lakeshore East Park. This year, due to inclement weather, we brought the party inside but that certainly didn't diminish the fun factor! As a matter of fact, with all of the colorful florals and product displays, it turned out to be a visual feast as well.

Guests were greeted by Honest Abe Lincoln (Gregg Steigmeyer courtesy of ZZAZZ Productions) who held a bronze star which served as a great prop for photos along with many others courtesy of Kehoe Designs. A beautiful, branded cake was served with the Chicago Star logo surrounded by sugary flowers created by Mariano's pastry department. A buffet, created by Chef Jaymes Berry, included everything from sushi to truffle mac & cheese and everything in-between.

Live entertainment by Molly Callinan (Too Much Molly Band) and Ellie Kahn wowed the crowd, as they played toe-tapping covers from Moulin Rouge, Lady Gaga and other pop hits along with Mariano's DJ B-Real. The crowd was dancing in the produce aisles as they mixed and mingled and enjoyed cocktails, delicious food and a feeling of camaraderie --all in support of Chicago Star and local businesses.

Publisher/editor Elaine Hyde explained the mission of the paper, building community and positivity, and Candid Candace Jordan (Associate Publisher) welcomed the crowd. Assistant editor Nuria Mathog spoke about Chicago Star's reach, over 50,000 and in nearly 400 locations across the city.

Thanks to a connection from the Landan Twins (Jonathan and Andrew), guests were gifted with cool branded baseball caps created by Done Deal Promotions, along with Mariano's goody bags.

Special thanks to all who came out and supported Chicago Star (and us!), especially the businesses who participated in this year's Streeterville Week celebration. Drum roll please for the Fairmont Chicago, Harry Caray's, Robert's Pizza, The Hampton Social, Winter's Jazz Club, W Chicago Lakeshore, Cupitol and Carr Workplaces. A fun time was had by ALL! (Photos by Kelsy Goodwin)

(To learn more about Streeterville Week, click here and to see the latest issue, click here).