Venetian Night: Italian charm closer to home
It may sound like a magical evening in Venice, with dozens of elaborately decorated boats covered in twinkling lights, drifting by as fireworks explode overhead. But the 52nd annual Venetian Night, the oldest event produced by the City of Chicago, will bring local Lake Michigan to life as more than 30 boats take to the water July 25.
Originally started Aug. 8, 1958 as a part of Chicago’s now defunct Lakefront Festival, Venetian Night was once a multi-date event featuring a beauty pageant and parade down State Street. The original Venetian Night was modeled on the famed boat parades of Venice, Italy, and featured up to 300 yachts decorated to resemble such iconic images as the Water Tower, Frankenstein, and even Mrs. O’Leary’s cow (fabled to have sparked the Great Chicago Fire.)
Today, Venetian Night is limited to one evening and several dozen boats, but has lost none of its charm. More than 600,000 people attend the annual event along the lakefront, watching festooned boats sail between the Chicago Yacht Club at Monroe Harbor and the Shedd Aquarium.
At the conclusion of the boat parade, visitors are treated to a large fireworks display timed to music, a beautiful sight over the water. And best of all, the popular event is totally free to visitors.
As the event is very popular each year, it is recommended that sightseers get to the lakefront in advance of the dusk (around 8 p.m.) start time for good seats and views. A picnic, blanket and board games are great additions to the evening as well.
While it may not be the exotic canals of Venice, Venetian Night illuminates the beauty of Lake Michigan and gives Chicagoans a wonderful and free evening of entertainment. Now that’s an enchanting evening under the stars.
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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