Alliance Event at Brookfield Zoo

On Wednesday, July 1st, the Chicago Cultural Alliance joined with Brookfield Zoo to celebrate the Zoo's 75th anniversary. Despite the rain and unseasonably cool temperatures (who would expect to need a jacket in July?), the event was a huge success!

The best thing about this event was that it emphasized some of the amazing things our core members have to offer and brought attention to their organizations. Representatives from our member communities graced the Zoo's stages with dancers, musicians, and storytellers, and the East Mall was lined with booths hosted by some of our core members. These booths featured an array of activities and crafts, including origami, beaded bracelet making, and calligraphy, to name just a few.

At the Alliance booth, our stamped blue bracelets were a hot item, and both kids and adults had fun coloring paper cupcakes. Visitors also got to test their knowledge of Chicago's ethnic communities by matching a picture or language with the core member organization that it represents. A miniature version of the game is below. How well do you know your ethnic communities?

A. Swedish American Museum
B. Japanese American Historical Society
C. Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture




In case you weren't able to make it to the event, you can still enjoy a small taste of the festivities thanks to this video from the Zoo. Keep your eyes open starting at 0:23 to see dancers from the Cambodian American Heritage Museum, the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago, and the American Indian Center.