TrueStar Staff 
Chicago Park District does it again with their constant outputting of exciting activities toward youth engagement! They just recently held their 9th annual “TIP Fest,” or “Teens In the Park Fest,” at Northerly Island this Saturday, and True Star was there.
This fun-filled festival carried lots of music and dancing, good food from different food trucks, many artistic activities, vendor tables and games. If you like to spray paint, or get henna tattoos, or craft and collect things, you would’ve loved it here!
They also had different organizations to attract teen involvement from supporting important movements such as “Breaking Up With Nic-otine,” to groups who came out to offer jobs and teen employment.
What was most exciting for everyone though, was the talent showcase that was hosted by DLOW and his fellow judges. Those judges included: actor Lataryion Perry, Hip Hop artist Qari, actress Hannaha Hall, singer Adam Ness, artist/filmmaker Kin Marie, radio personality “Q”.
For the teens of Chicago, TIP Fest was a chance to shine. Local artists ages 14-24, many of whom are just starting to make a name for themselves, took to the stage with performances that left the crowd amazed. Plenty of talented singers, cool impressionists, dancers, inspiring poets, incredible lyricists, and rappers all got a chance to show what they can do. The performance lineup included Grace Everett, Juby Da God, Damia, Taryn Welch, Zion Ali, Walt the King, Tha Saga, True Disciple, AJen3, Color, Gia, and Liv. At the end they chose three winners who would be announced by the special headlining performing guest.
Each artist did a phenomenal job and got the crowd really hyped. But what excited them even more was when our special guest finally arrived – G Herbo.
G Herbo came out and did a great performance for the teens, then was asked to announce the winners of the previous contest. He had a small meet and greet with fans and took pictures with them behind the stage before exiting. What an exciting experience!
Overall, TIP Fest 2024 was a wonderful experience and we’re looking forward to seeing what the next year has in store!
By Madisyn Godbolt, Junior, Lindblom Math & Science Academy
Instagram: @Madisynced
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