Recap: How Was Your Do Division Festival?

It's taken us until today to recover from the fun and festivities of the Do Division fest, which stretched from Damen to Leavitt on Saturday and Sunday. How was your experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts on the music, the food, the vendors, the kids' area and anything else on your mind.

 (image via Flickr)

Overall, the crowds flocked to the streets, the music was diverse and up-tempo, and the smell of grilled meat was only surpassed by the ridiculous amounts of sunshine (except for the lone thunderstorm Saturday afternoon). All in all, it was a great year.

One thing that had tongues wagging was the changed presence at Wicker Wash at 2133 W. Division St. While in past years, the car wash has been home to throngs of dancers and several DJs, this year it was turned into a sedate island paradise (complete with sand), an event put on by a third-party sponsor that rented out the car wash.

So what happened? According to folks at the carwash, the West Town Chamber of Commerce had received complaints about the loud, pulsating music and crowds of dancers on the sidewalk, and did not allow them to bring DJs back to the space this year. After a series of talks, as far as they know the DJ is no longer permitted at any fest in the future.

(Footage of 2010 Wicker Wash party via YouTube)

What do you think? Were there less distractions without the car wash music or was something missing this year? There were several other "impromptu" jam sessions on the street that were not an official part of the festival (such as in front of the Division Gold Pawn Shop at 2112 W. Division St.), but the show went on for them. Regardless, a major hat tip to all the organizers of the festival, and we'll see you next year!

By the way, it seemed Delish and Armand's Pizzeria did open as planned with limited menus.

*UPDATE 6/7/11: An eagle-eyed reader pointed out that Armand's Grand Opening is tomorrow, June 8, and Delish is still not totally open -- although some readers reported being allowed inside for milkshakes and ice cream this weekend. However, the full menu is taped to the window in case you are curious.