Day of the Dead Market Showcases Local Merchants at McKinley Park

More than two dozen small businesses came to Chicago's McKinley Park on Saturday, October 23, 2021, for a Day of the Dead Market offering original items as varied as crochet to paintings. Organized by the Chicago Park District, the event made its debut for the first time ever in McKinley Park's field house.

"We promoted today’s event on social media and through the Alderman to get vendors to sign up," said McKinley Park Supervisor Briana Soria. Each vendor paid $10 to participate.

A DJ entertained the crowd at the event while children roamed in colorful outfits. Most of the vendors were small business owners from McKinley Park and nearby neighborhoods, including Pilsen.

Maria Rodriguez of Freedomlei displays goods at the Day of the Dead Market in the McKinley Park field houe on Saturday, October 23, 2021.“The Day of the Dead event celebrates our ancestors," said Blanca Itzy Bucio, owner of Itzy Bows & Creations, which makes handmade bows and accessories.

Offline Sales Opportunity

"Everything has to be colorful, which is why most products at my counter, especially Catrinas, are so colorful," Bucio said. "It also brings life to the after-party.”

For Maria Rodriguez, the Day of the Day event at McKinley Park gave her a platform to sell her eco-friendly products offline for her Pilsen-based Freedomlei, which makes vegan bath and beauty products.

“I see this event as an opportunity to promote positive ideas around meditation and mental health through my products,” Rodriguez said.

New Journey for McKinley Park

McKinley Park Supervisor Briana Soria, left, and Chicago Park District Area V Supervisor Melody Mitchell enjoy the Day of the Dead Market in McKinley Park on Saturday, October 23, 2021.“I suffer from a chronic illness," she said. "I use bath and scent to relax myself, and that’s the story behind my products.”

Soria said the Day of the Dead Market represents the start of a new journey for McKinley Park. “We plan to hold more such events in the future, such as Chinese New Year on January 29," she said.

Vendors that participated in the Day of the Dead Market include:

Alicia Acosta
On Facebook: Alicia’s Creations

Angelo, artist
On Instagram: @fish_inferno

Be’s Party Surprise
(773) 458-0685
Bespartysuprise@gmail.com
On Facebook: Be’s Party Surprise

Bungalow Bias
bungalowbias@gmail.com
On Facebook: Bungalow Bias Chicago
On Etsy: BungaloBiasChicago

Freedomlei
freedomlei.stateofmind@gmail.com
On Instagram: @freedomleistateofmind
On TikTok: @freedomleistateofmind

Blanca Itzy Bucio sells her wares at the Day of the Dead Market in McKinley Park on Saturday, October 23, 2021.Genesis Music & Arts music school
genesismusicandarts.com
On Instagram: avantgarden37

Itzy Bows and Creations
On Instagram: @Itzycreations26

Laura Ramirez, homemade items, crochet, braids, mugs, etc.
(312) 912-3184

Mary Kay
aida.fernandez@yahoo.com

Molly, artist and crochet work
On Instagram: @sweetlymorbidmolly

MosaicoArte
normariossierra@gmail.com
On Instagram: @mosaicoartechicago
On Facebook: @mosaicoarte

Isabel Garcia, left, and her sister show their Day of the Dead merchandise at the market in the McKinley Park field house on Saturday, October 21, 2021.Munequita Bownita
munequitabownita.com
(708) 435-0480

NATI, artist
tnthcrts@gmail.com
On Instagram: nati_6olin

Patty’s Bags
pattysbags1@gmail.com
On Instagram: @PattysBags1
On Facebook: @PattysBags1