Courtyard Shops to host free children’s fair on Saturday, June 27

The Courtyard Shops at Hyde Park Shopping Center is hosting a free children’s fair at 55th Street and Lake Park Avenue in Hyde Park on Saturday, June 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Called “Kids In The Courtyard,” the fair will include performances by Super Stolie, a Chicago children’s musician, and dancers from the Hyde Park School of Dance. The Hyde Park Art Center will be leading a free art activity. A balloon artist and painted tattoo artist also will be providing free balloons and temporary tattoos.

The Courtyard businesses will offer a variety of giveaways and discounts, including free goodie bags from Bon Jour Bakery Café and Walgreens; free bags of popcorn and $10 off coupons for children’s sandals at Wesley’s Shoe Corral; two free craft projects led by Toys et Cetera; children’s sunglasses on sale at Rosin Eyecare; free in-store bike safety inspections for children at DJ’s Bike Doctor; and free Mimosas for the parents and 20 percent off select women’s apparel at Comfort Me boutique. Amy’s Candy Bar will provide special treat bags to children who guess the closest number of candies in a jar. Wesley’s also will be accepting gently worn, used adult and children’s shoes for the “Share Your Soles” initiative. Shoes will be donated to those in need in Chicago as well as all over the world.

The children’s fair is being supported by the University of Chicago’s commercial real estate operations, the landlord for the Courtyard Shops, which have been a part of the shopping center since the early 1970s. “We think the free children’s fair will be a great opportunity for the community to connect with the variety of businesses in the Courtyard Shops,” said James M. Hennessy, associate vice president for commercial real estate operations for the University, “and we’re hoping for a fun day for all.”

Nancy Stanek, owner of Toys et Cetera, commented, “As a long-time tenant in the Courtyard Shops at Hyde Park Shopping Center, Toys et Cetera is thrilled to welcome the community to this upcoming event, and we look forward to working with the neighborhood children on our free craft activities.”

For more information about the event, please go to http://kitc.splashthat.com.