History of the Picnics

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.

 

At that time Lamont formally asked several other Chicago natives, also living in Houston, to be a part of the picnic planning committee. He knew that with help his vision for a community-centered, family event could truly flourish.

 

Since October 2012 the Chi-Town Connection picnic has grown considerably and is now presented as a twice annual event -- "Spring Fling" and the "Fall Fest". The picnics have quickly come to be "must attend" events for Chicago transplants. Moreover, it’s also well-attended by the diverse community of people within the Houston area. The “Spring Fling” and the “Fall Fest” have grown consistently over the past years and they now host over 2,500 attendees. With this growth, we look forward to expanding the event and our interest in community-engagement.

 

Lamont, Chuck, and the Chi-Town Connection picnic committee sincerely thank you for your continued support. We hope that you will continue to make the "Spring Fling" and the "Fall Fest" part of your family's tradition.