FULLFEST Chicago’s Official Backyard Party Returns!

By Mila K Marshall, PhD CNW Staff Editor

Get it how you live is not just a motto but a lifestyle. This summer welcomes back Chicago’s Official Backyard Party, FULLFEST. Held at Eden Place Nature Center (4417 S. Stewart Ave.), Chicago’s original urban oasis. ” I love everything about Chicago and wanted to create an event that helped the Black community connect to the outdoors in a really dope way,” shared Dr. Mila Marshall. She began her work in non-profit as the nature centers Director of Research while attending Chicago State University. Her passion for the environment was matched by the business savvy of Karen Roberts of Jus Sandwiches. “When Mila brought me to the nature center, I had never seen it before and had no clue this was even back here. She asked me if I could see a party with a purpose and I was in,” shared Karen. Roberts herself is an accomplished entrepreneur and 1st place winner of the Auburn Gresham Shark Tank pitch competition earning $150,000. The pair planned the event in 2022 and brought together 100 guests to enjoy the space and learn about the nature center while vibing out to an all-lady DJ line up including DJ Ari, DJ Niesha, DJ Tasha, DJ 3 Snapz, DJ QT and headliner DJ Ca$hera. “Diverse City was really a driving force behind last year’s success. Our buddy Brian Gorman really helped us with the stage and set up to put on a high-quality event and even found us our DJ’s. Women don’t typically get a lot of shine here in Chicago’s music scene…it’s so amazing to have had the opportunity to employ them, introduce them to guests and plug them to the people,” shared Marshall.

Being the greenest day party isn’t easy and the model for the event has both purpose and passion. “Businesses in our community need events to sponsor to market themselves,” shared Roberts “but sometimes it costs too much and good businesses don’t get their brands known.” FULLFEST is an experiment to highlight local Black minority owned eco-friendly businesses and brands that are looking to connect with the Black community.

“What I’ve learned in my nearly 20 years in the environmental space is that how we as Black people learn about nature and the environment looks different. The party passively does that while not boring folks or scaring them about how bad climate change is. We want people to see the possibility through their purchases. We want folks to have a good time outdoors and feel that vibe of wanting access to spaces that are exclusive high quality and most importantly reinvest into our communities and businesses,” said Marshall.

Her dream is to see this day party grow to include a luxury electric car show and give larger brands an opportunity to connect with Black patrons and an urban market.

“We are really excited to run it back this year…it’s our Jordan year, and it is the 50th anniversary of hip hop,” said Roberts. Guests can expect a special experience with the Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum kicking off the event with tunes from local DJ Jukie Tha-KidD, a guest appearance by poet M’Reld Green and hosted by hilarious comedian Meechie Hall.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests this year and we are praying for good weather and dope vibes. I’m so grateful for all the support we have gotten, and we are dedicated to making this event successful and the pride of the southside. The fellas have had their run with the HydePark Summerfest and Silver Room Block Club Party, so it feels good to be a woman in this space. We chopped it up with Swain who gave us his blessing. We thanked him for getting bigger, it made it possible for us to grow into this space and do something on a smaller scale,” said Marshall enthusiastically. The party has a capacity of

200 guests, vendors are encouraged to use non plastic items and sponsors are invited to invest dollars and sweat equity into Eden Place Nature Center.

Founders want to donate a portion of the proceeds to Eden Place and want more green businesses to find their way to FULLFEST. “Our lowest sponsorship is $50 for businesses, we know lots of Black companies that need more customers and social media isn’t cutting it…we wanted to make it accessible for companies of all levels,” shared Roberts. While they are still looking for a main sponsor they are hopeful. “It is my sole mission to amplify the blue and green economy of Black Chicago, from boat charters to vegan restaurants and organic pest control and lawn care companies and even cannabis and beer, we want them to see others care about the environment in our community. I think both my partner and I are excited about the growth we have, Funkytown Brewery this year, Chicago News Weekly, The Corner Convo Podcast and ChiBlizz Radio are on deck and our friends at Honeysuckle Magazine are returning. “I’m so grateful others see the vision,” said Marshall.

Marshall credits the success of the event to Mr. Michael Howard and the Board of Fuller Park Community Development. “This wouldn’t happen if Mr. Howard and the Board didn’t believe in me and my vision. They trusted me with this special place, and I want to tell the world about our very own urban oasis and put my people on,” said Marshall. Guests can find the tickets on Eventnoire and follow them on IG @fullfestchi. July 1st will surely be lit!