Chicago Venetian Night July 10
Some version of Venetian Night is returning to Chicago. I’m not sure where the mainstream media is getting it’s information. Venetian Night was not canceled last year due to Covid in 2020. We haven’t had Venetian Night since 2015. Read more about it below.
When: Saturday, July 10, 2021 7PM-10PM
Where: Chicago Riverwalk, 11 Riverwalk (at State Street Bridge).
This event is sponsored by the Italian American Human Relations Foundation. I can tell you that this will probably be mobbed. You can try reserving seating at City Winery or any restaurant along the Riverwalk. You can also try to watch it from the north side of the river or from the bridges. Art on the Mart will also be happening at the Merchandise Mart at 9PM and 9:30PM.
Schedule
7:00 PM Boat assembly at North end of River across from CIty Winery
7:00 PM Welcome and kickoff by Secretary of State Jesse White and WIND-AM;s Shaun Thompson
7:30 PM Entertainment at City Winery on the River
8:30 PM Venetian Night Boat Parade and Competition begins down the River (east toward the Lake?)
10 PM Fireworks Navy Pier
COTC note: There was another “large group incident” in the Loop, involving fireworks and guns, on July 4th. The mainstream media reported that it started at 8:30PM but it actually started at 6:30PM. 50-60 people were arrested. It seems unlikely to happen two weekends in a row. I would still exercise caution. How to listen to CPD scanner app.
History of Venetian Night
Venetian Night was once a popular annual parade of illuminated boats, held every July, in Monroe Harbor. The City ended it in 2009 due to budget constraints. Venetian Night was organized by the Chicago Yachting Association and entrants paid a nominal fee to participate as well as the cost to decorate their boats. In the old days some boats had sponsors.
After the City canceled it in 2009, smaller non-city sponsored versions were held in Monroe Harbor and at other harbors such as 31st Street. Beginning in 2014 it moved at Navy Pier. The last one was in September 2015. 2016 was canceled because they couldn’t get enough boats/participants.
The first Venetian Night was in 1958 when the call went out from Richard J. Daley for a celebration of the city’s shoreline. He wanted to call it the Festival of the Lake but someone told him to call it Venetian Night.
The gondolas of Venice were the inspiration for the boat parade in Monroe Harbor, but it doesn’t otherwise borrow from any specific Italian tradition. It’s the longest-running city-produced event in Chicago history until it was cut in 2009.
