Summer 2019 will forever be immortalized as the Summer of Chance the Snapper, the alligator that evaded authorities for a week while hiding out in the Humboldt Park lagoon. The reptile was captured on Tuesday by Florida trapper Frank Robb, who took over for local volunteer "Alligator Bob" over the weekend. Throughout the gator's weeklong reign over the park, locals rallied behind the creature, nicknaming him Chance the Snapper—a nod to hometown hero Chance the Rapper. Though the chase is over and Chance the Snapper has been taken into custody, the wild ride has been appropriately commemorated through tons of great merch. We rounded up a few of our favorite mementos below—snatch them up while you still can.
1. Gator pops at Pretty Cool Ice Cream: This beloved Logan Square ice cream shop is crafting specialty popsicles dedicated to Chance the Snapper. Chocolate ice cream bars are dipped in a scaly matcha shell and adorned with gumball eyes. Owner Dana Salls Cree made only 100 of these limited-edition treats, and once they're gone, "they won't be seen again 'round these parts." 2353 N California Ave, prettycoolicecream.com
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2. Buttons at the Festive Collective: Proudly display your gator love with these vibrant 3-inch buttons, a local collaboration between illustrator Syd Veverka, party store the Festive Collective and Busy Beaver Button Co. 3279 W Armitage Ave, festivecollective.com
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3. Chance the Snapper cross stitch from Knot So Nice: Chicago artist Rachel Walsh makes it easy to remember Chicago's beloved gator long after the summer has past with this 6-inch cross-stitch hoop available through her Etsy shop. She also produces cross-stitch patterns, so you can buy the design and stitch it yourself. etsy.com/shop/knotsonicehandmade
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4. Humboldt Gator Watch 2019 T-shirt and tote from Ryan Duggan: Nonprofit neighborhood news site Block Club Chicago broke the story of Chance the Snapper, so it's only right that all proceeds from these tees and totes benefit them. Chicago artist Ryan Duggan of Paper Hat is behind the epic design, which features a beautiful illustration of the Humboldt Park boat house and that notorious green gator. blockclubchicago.org
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5. Humboldt Gator wit at Revolution Brewing: Raise a glass to Chance the Snapper. No, really. Revolution Brewing is releasing Humboldt Gator on July 31 at its brewpub and taproom only. The beer, which is available on draft an in to-go crowlers, is a tropical pineapple-coconut wit for "those who like underdog reptiles and getting lost in the rain." 2323 N Milwaukee Ave and 3340 N Kedzie Ave, revbrew.com
Now that Chance the Snapper has been successfully captured, we’ll be saluting his bitey outlaw spirit with his own Rev beer. Humboldt Gator will debut July 31 - it’s a pineapple coconut Wit for those who like underdog reptiles and getting lost in the rain. pic.twitter.com/q82ApEdltJ
— Revolution Brewing (@RevBrewChicago) July 16, 2019