Photo Credit Dmitry Ganin
While the crowd leaned more youthful, the energy was infectious and inclusive. It was a reminder that you don’t need to be a die-hard fan of a genre to appreciate the joy of a shared experience. The Windy City Smokeout was more than a festival—it was a celebration of all that summer should be: flavorful, vibrant, spontaneous, and full of connection.
As I reflect on my own summer—from Rome’s ruins to Tuscany’s villas to Chicago’s pedestrian filled streets, I’m reminded of how powerfully this season shapes our lives. Ask anyone about their favorite childhood memory, and chances are it happened in the summer. These moments, both big and small, leave a lasting imprint, shaping who we are and how we view the world.
So here’s your call to action: pause and reflect on your own summer splendor. What are you doing to savor the season? And more importantly, how can you pay it forward? Whether it’s planning a family road trip, mentoring a young person, or simply inviting someone new to experience a festival or cookout—be the reason someone else creates a memory that lasts a lifetime.
After all, summer is fleeting, but its impact can be eternal.
Photo Credit Madi Triplett