IRVING PARK — Irving Park’s puppet-staffed ice cream spot is returning to the Colour Membership to serve icy treats this summer time.
The Sugar Gap at Colour Membership, 4146 N. Elston Ave., will reopen 3 p.m. Could 17 through the “hobbit door” dealing with Hamlin Avenue.
Opening-day celebrations will embody a ten a.m. puppet-themed make-and-move class hosted by Mind to Stomach Youngsters Yoga and a 2:30 p.m. parade with music the place clients are inspired to convey their very own puppet.
For extra data on the opening day schedule, go to Colour Membership’s Instagram.
The store’s hours will likely be 3-8 p.m. weekends at the very least by means of Labor Day, if not longer relying on climate, homeowners Abby Monroe and Josh Dihle mentioned.
Puddles, Moolissa and Jeremiah Carburetor are “Chicago’s hardest-working puppet crew” and will likely be joined by new characters, together with the mischievous Sprinkle Bandit, the homeowners mentioned.
This summer time’s menu will embody “SSSSSTRAWBERRRY” mushy serve, chilly brew espresso from Backlot and hand pies from Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, in addition to alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for adults, the homeowners mentioned.
Monroe and Dihle launched Sugar Gap final summer time with puppet heads that poke out of a porthole window within the street-facing door of Colour Membership to take clients’ ice cream orders.
Why puppets? The couple have a 2-year-old, so that they have plenty of puppets and different toys round their house, Dihle beforehand mentioned.
Earlier than turning into the Colour Membership, the constructing hosted non-public occasions for many years, first as house to the Worldwide Order of Vikings, then the Chicago Latvian Affiliation.
Monroe and Dihle purchased the constructing in 2020, then rebranded and renovated it into an artist studio and group heart in 2021.
Since then, the Colour Membership has hosted dance events from Coronary heart of Chicago Soul Membership and Earlybirds Membership in addition to artwork exhibits and different occasions.
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