DNC Events 2024: JB Pritzker to Host Opening Luncheon as Protesters from Across US Arrive in Chicago for Gaza War Protests

CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hosted an opening luncheon for the Democratic National Convention on Saturday afternoon, as protesters from across the country flocked to Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention.

“I have 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, Illinois Democratic Party leaders met for a final lunch near McCormick Place and focused their efforts on helping Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz win.

“So that in about 81 days we can all say the two words we have been waiting for in this country for 248 years: ‘Madam 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, these are things we have guaranteed in this state. So when all these people come from across the country, they can see what the Democrats’ agenda looks like in practice,” Pritzker said.

Congressman Mike Quigley of Illinois is looking forward to showing his party colleagues the Windy City.

“This weekend is kind of the warm-up for all of that. 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 road closures, security, parking, protests and more

Thousands of reporters from not only across the country but around the world gathered at the Aon Ballroom on Saturday night to get a taste of everything Chicago has to offer, from food to music.

ABC7 was inside as they packed everything up.

Welcome party for media representatives at Navy Pier

The media welcome party hosted by the DNC host committee welcomed 8,000 to 10,000 journalists on Saturday evening.

It was history repeating itself, as this is the exact location where the Media Welcome Party was held during the 1996 DNC here in Chicago.

Of course, the Windy City has also hosted the most national conventions of all time.

READ MORE | Chicago DNC 2024: What you need to know about the Democratic convention, from road closures to speakers

Catering for Saturday night’s event was provided by the Paramount Group, a woman-owned catering company based in Chicago.

The menu included our famous Chicago deep dish pizza as well as the classic Chicago-style hot dog.

The party also featured talent showcasing Chicago blues and house music.

The party starts around 6 p.m. and ends with fireworks.

Protesters arrive in Chicago

Meanwhile, more and more protesters from across the country are arriving in Chicago on Saturday.

A homeless advocacy group 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 marched for 14 days to get to Chicago because we feel we have a moral responsibility,” said organizer Cheri Honkala.

RELATED | City of Chicago and protest groups agree on demonstration restrictions for DNC

However, Chicago police have canceled their plan to set up a tent camp in Humboldt Park on Saturday afternoon as they prepare for the march to the United Center on opening day.

“We support the panel and the march. They have been given a permit to do so. We are not trying to disrupt that. We just want to make sure they don’t have any confrontations with the police, because the police have made it very clear that they are not allowed to set up their tents in the park. So we are trying to find an alternative place nearby where they can stay,” said Jessie Fuentes, 26th District Councilwoman.

“We will stay here all evening. If there are any problems, there are many other interesting places where tents can be set up,” Honkala said.

When asked where the protesters plan to sleep, Honkala said: “We plan to stay right here.”

This isn’t the only group of protesters arriving at the DNC this weekend.

A major protest rally is planned for Sunday in Union Park, with organizers expecting 40,000 participants.

South Loop businesses brace for impact of closures and safety measures near McCormick Place

And over in the South Loop, the DNC’s presence is already being felt Saturday night.

ABC7 observed city workers hard at work Saturday, closing streets near McCormick Place.

Of course, this is also having an impact on local businesses, and managers of some of the area’s stores said they had mixed feelings about what to expect this week.

When the action begins on Monday, street closures will officially be 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.

This means increased security measures in the red zone around both locations, and some businesses in the South Loop are preparing for the impact this will have on their business.

“We are excited. You know, this is something very special for the area. We have never done anything like this in this area,” said La Culaccino’s managing director, Marisa Varveris.

La Culaccino is a restaurant in the red zone directly across from Wintrust Arena.

SEE ALSO | Some local businesses are closing because of the DNC, while Chicago police and Secret Service try to allay concerns

Access to this area will be limited, so the restaurant is hoping DNC attendees will bring enough customers.

“I know they mentioned that it’s a busy place during the day, so we’re hoping to get some lunch guests during the day and show our locals that we’re open all week and welcome everyone,” Varveris said.

The situation is similar at Pizano’s just one block away. Manager Eddie Mendoza expressed concern this week that the security measures could hurt their business.

“We don’t know exactly what’s going on yet. We don’t know if it’s going to be busy or it’s going to be light. So we’re taking it day by day, and if we need to hire more people, we’ll hire more people,” Mendoza said.

Other business owners in the area are trying to generate some excitement for the South Loop instead of closing their doors.

Warren Noel owns Sweeney Taud StudioZ hair salon on Michigan Avenue and has partnered with several neighboring businesses on the block to host a multi-day event called ChiVibes from Sunday through Thursday.

“We’re giving a little taste of Chicago through art, music and comedy. The emcee will be Dame Williams,” said Noel. “Since we have over 50,000 people in this block who may or may not want to leave the safety zone, we should take our chance and show them who we are as a city.”

Many of the South Loop businesses ABC7 spoke to said they also had a difficult time getting their employees to work because of the safety restrictions in place.

They hope that public transport is the best solution to this problem.