Oprah Winfrey plans to kick off her 24th season by taping "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Sept. 8 on Michigan Avenue.
The free taping is open to anyone and, knowing how Winfrey and special guests the Black Eyed Peas attract a crowd, everyone at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Ohio Street.
Oprah Winfrey's throwing a party for Chicago and her show. The doors open at noon Sept. 8 for the 5 p.m. taping, and no overnight camping will be permitted. According to a Harpo Studios press release, the City of Chicago expects to close Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Ohio Street at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 7 until 5 a.m. Sept. 9!
After reading the release, I was curious about who would be paying the bill for the city's expenses. Would I, a taxpayer, end up footing this big party that I likely will not attend?
It can't be cheap to keep the streets closed and everyone in order for three days.
Megan McDonald, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, put my worries to rest. She told me that like many events of this nature, the city bills the organization for all city service expenses. The city already has given Harpo Studios an estimate, she said, and although she didn't have an exact amount, she said it's much less than what one might think because, for example, Winfrey's show has its own private security.
And Harpo is getting help from T-Mobile and Target, who are helping to sponsor "The Oprah Winfrey Show: Oprah's Season 24 Kickoff Party," which will air 9 a.m. Sept. 10 on WLS-Ch. 7 (ABC).
Are you planning to party with Oprah? Leave your comments.
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