On Saturday morning, an unusual rumbling reverberated on Chicago Avenue in Oak Park.
Dozens of Vespas and other motorized scooters swept through, bringing a sea of color as they rolled down the street. Scooterists parked sleek, modern models next to vintage vehicles on Forest Avenue. The rides were decorated with stickers and stuffed animals. Some license plates were local, while others were from as far as Minnesota and Iowa. Several drivers wore decorative jackets, while others sported fun T-shirts, including one featuring Cookie Monster. A few outfits were color-coordinated with scooters.
The scooterists were attending a tour exploring Frank Lloyd Wright architecture — one of several activities during an event called “Slaughterhouse.” Launched in 1995, the original gathering featured a ride from Tinley Park to the meatpacking district of Chicago, and the “slaughterhouse” name was adopted.
Now in its 31st year, the annual event brings together scooter enthusiasts for rides, concerts, parties, banquets and more over Labor Day Weekend. It was hosted by the Chicago chapter of the Vespa Club of America. Following the Wright tour, the scooterists gathered for a pig roast at Motoworks Chicago, a motorcycle dealer on South Western Avenue.
About 200 attendees from all over the country joined in the fun, which not only fosters community, but celebrates the individual style and expression of the participants.
“Each scooterist puts their own design and their own little heart into their scooter,” said Julie Ortiz, of Jefferson Park, who works at the event. “You see all these different decals or fun colors on the scooters. It’s our way to showcase, ‘This is my scooter, but it’s also my personality.’”
Read on to get to know several scooterists and their personalized vehicles.
Erin Schwarz, 39, with 4-year-old daughter, Elli
Hometown: River Forest
Scooter: 2006 Vespa Granturismo 200 L
Erin Schwarz was hesitant when someone approached her at a stop light and suggested she join a gathering called “Slaughterhouse.” But after looking it up and attending, she discovered it was a fun and welcoming event for her and her daughter, who has her own kid-sized Vespa. “I love riding my scooter anywhere,” Schwarz said. “I listen to music in one ear, too. It feels like a joy ride, like when I was in high school.”
Christine Beattie, 66
Hometown: Logan Square
Scooter: 2022 Vespa Primavera 50
Christine Beattie’s modern, mint green “baby” Vespa is just big enough to get her around town to run errands and visit family and friends. And it doesn’t require much maintenance — unlike the vintage scooters owned by some of her peers. “They’re always talking about their carburetors,” she said, laughing. “I don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re always fixing them. I don’t want to worry about that. I just want it to work.”
But Beattie said she enjoys meeting other scooterists at Slaughterhouse. “I like the group rides and going places where I wouldn’t feel comfortable going by myself.”
Eric Wertanen, 51
Hometown: Royal Oak, Michigan
Scooter: 1978 Vespa P200
If asked to choose a side in the historic clash of the motorcycle-riding rockers and mods, Eric Wertanen would support the latter. He even decked out his vintage Vespa with extra lights and mirrors as a tribute to the mod subculture, driven by youth in the 1960s. He said he enjoys riding with other mod-loving scooterists in the Detroit area, and visiting the Windy City during Slaughterhouse. “I love Chicago,” he said. “I love big cities and the camaraderie of meeting my friends from other clubs throughout the country. And, of course, Chicago pizza.”
Kevin Solomon, 49
Hometown: Hebron, Kentucky
Scooter: 2016 Vespa GS 200
Kevin Solomon picked out a green tracksuit to match his Vespa on Saturday during Slaughterhouse, an event he lauded for its “great people” and “community.” He was also looking forward to the event’s annual raffle for a 1979 Vespa P200E. Starting out as a motorcyclist, Solomon said he has grown to appreciate the benefits of the scooter. “It’s mostly riding local, and you get to sight-see,” he said. “If you’re on a motorcycle, you’re going so fast, you pass everything up.”
Julie Ortiz, 37
Hometown: Jefferson Park
Scooter: Genuine Buddy 125
Painted pink and decorated with flowers and heart-shaped mirrors, Julie Ortiz’s scooter is not only pretty but powerful. “There’s just something about being on two wheels: you just feel like a badass,” she said. “Overall, it’s just really fun to ride.” Ortiz also works as a crew member for Slaughterhouse. “It’s our chance to show off our amazing city and all the cool little areas around the town.”
Bryan Bedell, 56
Hometown: Galewood
Scooter: 1965 Vespa 150 VBB
Bryan Bedell purchased his first Vespa in 1995 after seeing scooters in movies like “Breaking Away” and “Empire Records.” “There’s a lot of people about my age that have been doing this for as long as 30 years,” said Bedell, who is the leader of the Chicago chapter of the Vespa Club of America. “And then there are people who just got into it. We’re starting to see a few younger people show up that remind us of ourselves 30 years ago, which is nice.”
Heather Malson, 39
Hometown: Cedar Hill, Missouri
Scooter: Vespa ET2 49
Heather Malson’s scooter was a standout due to its wrap, which featured green polka dots and a portrait of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz from “I Love Lucy.” Malson said the decor is a tribute not only to the TV show but her daughter, also named Lucy.
When asked to describe the feeling of riding on a Vespa, Malson offered one word: “Thrilling.” But there’s a limit to her bravery when it comes to two-wheeled vehicles. “I’m too scared to ride a motorcycle,” she said.
Vincent Juperi, 35
Hometown: Bridgeport
Scooter: Vespa Sprint 150
Vincent Juperi fits right in with the other members of the Chicago chapter of the Vespa Club of America. “They’re my kind of people,” said Juperi, who grew up watching his grandfather and uncles travel to tea houses by scooter. “I hope people are more open to the scooter culture,” he said. “Everybody’s friends and everybody’s welcoming. I think more people should see that instead of the dangers of being on a scooter or on a motorcycle.”