The first Chi-Town Connection picnic was held on Sunday, 7 October 2012 at Buffalo Run Park (Missouri City, TX). The picnic was the brainchild of picnic founders Lamont Waits (Boogie's Chicago Style BBQ) and Chuck Rivers (BB’s Beef & Hot Dog) both Chicago natives and local Houston businessmen. That first picnic was attended by 250 people. It was such a success that they were "begged" to host another one in six months.

After tossing the idea around for some time, Chicago natives and Houston business men Lamont Waits (owner of Boogie’s Chicago Style BBQ) and Chuck Rivers (BB’s Beef & Hotdog) decided to host a picnic for Chicagoans living in the Houston area. Their idea was to have a day where Chicagoans could enjoy the food, music, and activities that many had grown to love in their native Chicago; but, missed while living in Houston. Thus, the Chi-Town Connection picnics were created. Meet the founders of the fastest growing, community-event in the Houston area.