African/Caribbean festival permit denied last-minute by city of Chicago 2 years in a row: organizers

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Organizers of the African International Festival of Life are making a last-minute pivot in their plans for the annual event because of a curveball they say they were thrown by the city.

For more than 30 years, the African/Caribbean Festival of Life has celebrated the music, food and traditions of African countries and Caribbean nations.

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Historically held over the Fourth of July weekend, it has taken place at different sites in Chicago, like Washington Park and Union Park.

But in recent years, organizers have faced challenges with getting permits.

Last year, their permit to hold the festival in the South Loop was denied over crowd size and traffic concerns. They moved to Washington Park at the last minute.

"Some of our sponsors have dropped off since last year because of what they went through. Some of our vendors are afraid because they don't know whether or not we'll get approval, yes or no," festival organizer Ephraim Martin said.

Martin says, after that experience last year, he was told by Mayor Brandon Johnson that it wouldn't happen again.

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But now, Martin says, weeks before they planned to hold the festival July Fourth weekend in Union Park, their permit was denied.

"I got a note from the police commander, saying that they cannot approve us being in Union Park because there are no resources for us to be there," Martin said.

Martin says organizers were hoping for a last-minute assist from Johnson to approve a permit, but could not get an answer from his office.

So rather than cancel it, they will hold the festival later in the season, the same weekend as another popular event they also organize: the jerk seafood and vegan festival in September in Union Park.

The permit for that has already been secured.

"We have no choice now but to combine both events and to have a grand celebration," Martin said.

Festival organizers say, after the event is over, they will evaluate whether to bring it back to Chicago next year or move it to another city.