Bowmanville, a neighborhood within Chicago’s Lincoln Square area, will host its second annual cat tour on Saturday, Oct. 10. The free, public event invites families and cat lovers to walk through the streets, stopping at windows, porches and yards to meet resident felines.
What to Expect
Organizers Christine Blevins and Kalin Webber, who launched the inaugural Lincoln Square Cat Tour last month, have already registered more than 40 cats for the Bowmanville edition. Highlights include cat‑themed activities, a costume‑friendly atmosphere, and a post‑tour block party where local businesses will offer discounts and giveaways.
Participants are encouraged to dress in cat‑related attire or costumes, and even bring their own cats if they wish. “People went on the map ahead of time, they found their favorite cats, they planned out which tour they want to join and they made sure that they went to see as many cats as they could,” Webber said.
Community Benefits
The tour aims to showcase Bowmanville’s historic homes, tree‑lined streets and vibrant neighborhood spirit. “It got people into the neighborhood, seeing the beautiful houses and the architecture… In October, it’s gonna look so pretty,” Blevins said.
Partnering with local nonprofit Touched By An Animal, a no‑kill sanctuary that supports pet owners in financial distress, the event also encourages donations to help sustain the sanctuary’s work.
How to Join
Residents with cats can register to appear on the tour map via the organizers’ website. The tour map and additional details are available online, and donations can be made through Venmo or Zelle to support the volunteers who manage the website, graphics, flyers and registration process.
With an estimated 3,000 attendees at the first Lincoln Square tour, organizers anticipate a strong turnout for the Bowmanville event, fostering community connections and supporting local businesses.
Looking Ahead
Blevins and Webber hope the cat tours will expand citywide, with interest already expressed from neighborhoods such as Pilsen, Avondale, Hyde Park and Oak Park. “It’s not just for cat people… it’s about building community and appreciating the neighborhoods in Chicago,” Blevins said.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
