2024 DNC: Pritzker hosts kickoff luncheon as protesters from around the US start arriving in Chicago
South Loop businesses brace for impact of closures, security measures near McCormick Place
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker hosted a Convention Kickoff Luncheon on Saturday afternoon as national protesters descend upon Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention.
"I've got to ask you, are you ready for the fight? Are you ready for the fight?" Pritzker said.
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On the eve of the DNC, the who's who of the Democratic Party in Illinois gathered for a final luncheon near McCormick Place, focusing their efforts on launching Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to victory.
"So that in about 81 days, we'll all get to say the two words that we've been waiting 248 years to say in this country, 'Madame president!'" Pritzker said.
Pritzker shook hands and thanked local leaders and volunteers for their support and role in hosting the 2024 DNC.
"Workers' rights, voting rights, civil rights, reproductive rights, we have guaranteed those things in the state. So, when all these people come from around the country, they get to see what the Democratic agenda looks like in action," Pritzker said.
Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley is excited to show off the Windy City to his fellow party mates.
"This weekend is sort of the warm-up for all of this. It's going to be very exciting to work with our labor partners to welcome the world to Chicago," Quigley said.
Chicago DNC 2024: Live updates on street closures, security, parking, protests and more
Thousands of reporters from not only across the nation, but across the world, gathered inside the Aon Ballroom on Saturday night to get a taste of what everything Chicago has to offer, from the food to the music.
ABC7 was inside as they were getting things together.
Media Welcome Party held at Navy Pier
The Media Welcome Party, put on by the DNC Host Committee, welcomed 8,000 to 10,000 journalists for Saturday night's bash.
It was history repeating itself, because it is the exact location where the Media Welcome Party was held during the DNC of 1996 here in Chicago.
Of course, the Windy City has hosted the most national conventions ever.
READ MORE | Chicago DNC 2024: What to know about Democratic convention, from road closures to speakers
Saturday night's event included catering from the Paramount Group, a Chicago-based, woman-owned catering company.
The menu had our renowned Chicago deep-dish pizza on it as well as the classic Chicago-style hot dog.
The party also featured talent, showcasing Chicago's blues and house music.
The party kicked off around 6 p.m. and will wrap up with a fireworks show.
Protesters start arriving in Chicago
Meanwhile, protesters from around the country are starting to arrive in Chicago on Saturday.
An advocacy group for the homeless, known as the Poor People's Army, is marching from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to the DNC in Chicago to make their voices heard.
"We've been marching for 14 days to come to Chicago, because we feel like there's a moral responsibility," said organizer Cheri Honkala.
RELATED | City of Chicago, protest groups reach agreement on demonstration restrictions for DNC
Chicago police, however, halted their plan to set up a tent encampment in Humboldt Park on Saturday afternoon as they prepare to march to the United Center on opening day.
"We are supportive of the panel discussion and the march. They received a permit for it. We are not trying to disrupt that. We just want to make sure they are not having any encounters with the police, as police made it very clear that they can't set up their tents in the park. So, we are trying to identify an alternative space for them to stay nearby," said 26th Ward Ald. Jessie Fuentes.
"We are going to continue to be here throughout the evening. If we have problems, there's many other interesting places where tents can be set up," Honkala said.
When asked about where demonstrators plan to sleep, Honkala said, "We intend to stay right here."
This is not the only group of protesters arriving this weekend for the DNC.
Large protests are planned throughout the week.
South Loop businesses brace for impact of closures, security measures near McCormick Place
And over in the South Loop, you can already feel the presence of the DNC on Saturday night.
ABC7 saw city crews hard at work on Saturday, closing off roads near McCormick Place.
There is, of course, the business impact to all of this, and managers of some of the nearby shops said they have mixed feelings about what to expect this week.
With the action kicking off on Monday, road closures are officially in effect around the United Center and McCormick Place.
Saturday night's closures in the South Loop include 24th Place to Cermak, Indiana to McCormick and part of 25th Street.
That means amplified security in the red zone around both sites, and some shops in the South Loop are bracing for the impact that will have on their business.
"We're excited. You know, it's something different for the area. We've never done something like that in this area," said La Culaccino General Manager Marisa Varveris.
La Culaccino is a restaurant that sits in the red zone right across from Wintrust Arena.
SEE ALSO | Some local businesses closing for DNC as Chicago police, Secret Service try to ease concerns
There will be limited access to this area, so the restaurant is hoping those attending the DNC will bring in enough business.
"I know they mentioned there's a lot going on during the day here, so we're hoping to get some daytime lunch business, keeping our locals knowing that we're open and welcoming everybody all week long," Varveris said.
It is similar story just down the block at Pizano's, as Eddie Mendoza, the general manager there, said he is worried those security measures may hurt their business this week.
"We don't know exactly what's going on yet. We don't know if it'll be busy or slow, so we're taking it day by day, and if we need to add more employees, we'll add more employees," Mendoza said.
Other business owners around the area are trying to drum up some excitement for the South Loop rather than shutting their doors.
Warren Noel owns Sweeney Taud StudioZ barber shop on Michigan Avenue, and he got together with some neighboring businesses on the block to host a multi-day event from Sunday to Thursday called ChiVibes.
"We're giving a little bit of a taste of Chicago with art, music comedy. It'll be hosted by Damen Williams," Noel said. "Because we do have 50,000-plus here on the block who may or may not want to leave the safe zone, let's make the most of our opportunity and show them who we are as a city."
A lot of the businesses ABC7 talked to in the South Loop said they are also facing hurdles with getting employees to work because of the security restrictions in place.
They are hoping public transportation will be the best way around that.
