Buttons Up! A button design contest presented by the Reader in partnership with Busy Beaver Button Co. Chicago Reader 50th Anniversary button pack! Five winners (one per decade) will receive: $100, customized stickers from Busy Beaver Button Co., and a profile in the Reader

The results are in . . .


This summer we hosted a button design contest, in partnership with Busy Beaver Button Co., celebrating five decades of the Reader being Chicago’s go-to alternative media source.

Here are the winning designs chosen by the Reader community to be a part of our 50th anniversary button pack.

Thanks to all who participated and voted!

The Chicago Reader is a community-funded newsroom. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), all purchases made in the Reader store supports local, independent media.


1970’s
Red Stratocaster 
by Spencer @discountyakuza

1980’s
Reader Mixtape
by Otis R. @lavenderpop

1990’s
90’s Chicago Reader
by Zach Bartz @ImZachBartz


2000’s 
Next Generation
by Schantelle A. @mishipiku

2010’s
FUCK THAT!
by SICKNGROSS @sickngross

Vintage Reader 50 Box
by Kirk Williamson


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Busy Beaver Button Co. • Since 1995 • 26 years and going strong