About a month ago I was flying back to Chicago from Texas. Coming into O’Hare, the plane did one of those slow curves to the east before heading west and I could see the entire skyline stretched out in front of me. Something in me wanted to beat my fists on that little scratched, oval window and shout, “Chicago! I’m home!!!”

The Festival will close on Sunday and I can say, without a doubt, this has been one of the more meaningful experiences of my life – thanks to all of you. We made the festival theme this year “Celebrate Community!” in order to bring diverse people together who live side by side but rarely speak. In the past ten days, I’ve shared meals with neighbors I had never met and received hugs from performance poets who live in the same city as me but with vastly different life experiences than my own. I witnessed with tears in my eyes that despite the cold rain that fell on our parade, so many of you came together to dance, sing and parade inside – a true celebration of community. Thank you, thank you for being there.

The festival is not over yet. There’s still time to jump on board. Some of our boldest, funniest and most electric performances are yet to come. Join us for hilarious clowning acts Vanessa Valliere and Honeybuns. But, umm, don’t bring the kids… Come celebrate the beginning of pride month and dance like crazy with our LGBTQ friends when BAATHHAUS plays on Saturday night and come to Crew Bar and Grill after all weekend shows — there’s a special discount for Pivot Arts patrons.

Do bring the kids to Storytown at Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop on Sunday at 11am. And finally, come deposit your memories at the Memory Bank 1050 W. Bryn Mawr. We promise they will grow with interest over time.

The Pivot Arts Festival runs through June 7. pivotarts.org/festival

Photo of “Celebrate Community” Parade Event by Evan Hanover.