FLM
FLM
Fete Lifestyle Magazine
Publisher's Note
Summer has a way of wrapping us in sunshine and nostalgia, and this year, I’ve been fully immersed in all its splendor.
From a whirlwind media trip to Toronto in June, exploring the vibrant food, culture, and creative energy of Canada’s largest city, to a sun-drenched family vacation in Italy with close friends—this summer has already been rich with memories. Whether walking the historic streets of Rome or sipping wine under the Tuscan sun, there was magic in every moment.
Back home, family life didn’t slow down—a baseball tournament in Iowa for my 13-year-old and an upcoming soccer tournament in Ohio for my soon-to-be high school senior have kept us moving and grateful for the experiences sports bring.
Lately, I’ve found myself reminiscing about my own childhood summers growing up in Ohio—and how simple joys defined the season. We lived outside, riding bikes from house to house, playing pickup games of basketball, football, baseball, or kickball—really anything that just required a ball and friends. The daylight stretched past 9 p.m., and we’d spend them catching fireflies, asking our parents for impromptu sleepovers, and sharing laughs with cousins at Grandma’s house. We drove everywhere on vacation—flying wasn’t an option—but we didn’t know any different. Every August, we looked forward to our family reunion, a tradition that still continues today.
Summer is a season made for memory-making. It gives us the time and space to reconnect—with ourselves, our families, and our communities. It invites us to relax, explore, work out, wind down, and lean into the things we often put off.
In this month’s issue, we’re excited to celebrate that spirit of “Summer Splendor”, including our cover story on the wildly popular Windy City Smokeout, a four-day celebration of country music and BBQ that brings thousands together in true Chicago fashion. We also highlight other signature festivals that light up the city and show why Chicago summers are like no other.
As you flip through these pages, I hope you’re inspired to reflect on the memories you’ve created—whether with your kids, your friends, or your extended family—and I encourage you: don’t miss out on the chance to build new ones.
Summer moves quickly, but its impact can last forever.
Wishing you a season full of sunshine, stories, and splendor.
D.C.
Fireflies & Festivals, Summers Are Made to Remember
Cover Photo Credit James Gustin
On the Cover: Country Artist Kane Brown
Location:Windy City Smokeout
Chicago, IL