Boaters form a parade on Lake Michigan in the City of Chicago on Venetian Night. Venetian Night takes place on Saturday, July 26, 2008. Spectators should plant to arrive early to claim a waterfront spot to watch to spectacle of lighted, decorated boats floating along the shoreline. The boat parade will be preceded by an reenactments of an air/sea rescue at 7:45 pm and a flyover by Lima Lima at 8:25 pm.
The sight of decorated, lighted boats on the water is a beautiful romantic scene. Lights from highly and creativly decorated boats sparkle as they reflect on the glimmering nighttime water. Approximately 35 boats are expected to follow King Neptune along the waterfront.
2008 is the 51st Annual Venetian Nights, making it Chicago's longest running event. The first Venetian Night parade was held at the request of Mayor Richard J. Daley in 1959. The Chicago Yachting Association organized the first parade of boats.
"Summer's Favorite City" Boat Parade
Venetian Night is an annual event, held in Monroe Harbor. The decorated fleet of boats is led by King Neptune. As the parades of boats concludes the parade, a dazzling display of fireworks lights the skies.
The theme of Venetian Night is "Summer's Favorite City." About 35 boats are expected to participate in the waterfront parade. Boats are creatively decorated with lights and props. The fleet of boats take to the waters between , Shedd Aquarium at Roosevelt Road and the Chicago Yacht Club at Monroe Street.
Lima Lima Flight Team
Lima Lima is the world's original six aircraft civilian formation aerobatic team. The flight team will do a flyover over the lake front before the boat parade begins, adding excitement to the night.
Fireworks
A spectacular fireworks show will light the city skyline after the boat parade. Fireworks, which are synchronized to music, by 93XRT, begin at 9:30 pm. Fireworks and Fun at Navy Pier in Chicago offers information about fireworks shows in Chicago all summer long.
Tribute to Luciano Pavarotti at Pritzker Pavilion
The Venetian Night Program includes a music program at Grant Park. The Grant Park Music Festival is a Luciano Pavarotti Tribute Concert. The Tribute to Luciano Pavarotti begins at 6:30 pm at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Vittorio Grigolo is the Tenor who will perform. Vittorio Grigolo is an Italian singing sensation and in an heir to Luciano Pavarotti. The program will includes familiar opera arias, Neapolitan songs and pop opera hits.
Venetian Night Dinner Cruises
Dinner cruises from Chicago Navy Pier offer a bird's eye view of the fireworks. Special dinner cruises and boat excursions are offered for Venetian Night.
- Mystic Blue Venetian Night Fireworks Cruises. What better place to see venetian Night than from the water. Mystic Cruise offers a special fireworks cruise for Venetian Nights. The cruise includes hors ' oeuvres, bountiful dinner buffet, premium bar package, and incredible views of the world famous skyline and the fireworks display. The cruise boards at 7:45 pm. The cruise runs from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Price is $129.90 per person plus tax and fees. Call 1-877-299-7783 for details.
- Odyssey Cruise Venetian Night Cruise includes a four course plated dinner, live entertainment and Premium Bar package. Cruise boards at 7:00 pm. Cruise runs 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Price is $159.90 per adult plus taxes and fees. Call 1-866-305-3469.
- Spirit Cruises Venetian Night Fireworks Dinner Cruise. Cruise features premium open bar package. Bards 7:45 pm. Cruise 8:30 to 11:30 pm. $129.90 per adult. 1-866-273-2469.
Public Transportation Recommended
Venetian Night is a highly popular event. A crowd of about 675,000 is expected to attend this one night show. Public transportation is highly recommended. Getting Around City of Chicago offers helpful tips to navigate the public transportation system.
Sponsors of Venetian Night include 93XRT, Chicago Tribune and CTA.
Participation in Venetian Night
Anybody with a boat moored in Chicago Harbor can participate in the Venetian Night. Contact the Chicago Yachting Association for registration information.
