Chicagoans seem to easily take their wonderful city for granted. For example, take Buckingham Fountain, which is located in Grant Park—no pun intended (OK, it was a poor and intentional joke).
Something that struck my interest recently was the announcement that Buckingham Fountain will be choreographed with music this year. Curious, I just had to go see it again—up close. I don’t mean merely driving by it like thousands of commuters do each day. I was mesmerized by the changing colors as the lights danced with the streams and showers, illuminating the beautifully sinister design.
As a Chicagoan, I had no idea when and why this thing was built. In fact, I was very embarrassed to claim that I was a Chicagoan—hell, the very first time that I went to the Art Institute was just last year, and I have lived here my whole life.
I recently traveled to Paris and I also saw the fountains at the gardens of Versailles castle. A lot of them reminded me of Buckingham Fountain. Well, it’s no wonder. After doing a little bit of research on my return to the States, I found out that Buckingham’s design is based on the Latona Fountain in Versailles.
Designed by Edward H. Bennett and dedicated in 1927, the fountain is claimed to be the largest standing fountain in the world. It was built in memory of Clarence Buckingham by his sister Kate, who provided the $700,000 for the fountain’s construction.
Kate Buckingham was the last of the wealthy Buckingham family, who struck it big in the grain business while Chicago grew from a small village to the metropolis that it has become.
The design of the fountain is incredible, with grotesquely graceful creatures, elegant architecture, and water spewing to amazing heights. The main geyser shoots up so high that it is stolen into the wind. (You’ll feel the droplets as you approach the grounds.) The four bronze seahorses in the fountain, which are absolutely gorgeous, represent the four states that border Lake Michigan: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Powerful lights hypnotically change the color of the fountain from angry reds to peaceful yellows, much as a cuttlefish shimmers in the sea. The effect is absolutely dazzling.
For a bite to eat or to just sit and relax over a drink, two pavilions are available in the fountain’s grounds: The Buckingham Café and the famous Gino’s East Pizzeria (although not the original restaurant). Students from nearby photography and art schools can be seen lounging around the fountain in the day, indulging in the inspiration of the magnificent fountain.
Buckingham Fountain is located in the heart of Grant Park in central Chicago. It is directly east of the Congress Parkway on Columbus Drive, between Jackson and Balbo Drives. The fountain is open this year from 10:00am to 10:00pm until October 1st. (The fountain is already open because of the good weather. Normally it opens in late May.) Lights and music start at dusk, with music starting at the hour and every hour until 9:00pm.
For more information, contact the Chicago Office of Tourism. (Address: 78 East Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602. Phone: 312-744-2400. E-mail: tourism@ci.chi.il.us)
General info on Chicago
If the United States are one big melting pot, then Chicago is definitely one of the spiciest flavors of the stew.
With dozens of ethnic communities, artistic villages, and entertainment districts, the City of Big Shoulders can please even the most scrutinizing pleasure-seeker. Lake Michigan also adds to the excitement, and city life seems to flock to the shore at the first hint of spring—refusing to desert it and extracting every last moment of good weather until the inevitable arrival of winter.
Chicago is definitely the forerunner in many big-city categories. It’s architecture is second to none in the U.S., with influences from such big names as Wright, Louis, and Sullivan.
Its diverse array of quality foods is mind-boggling, having almost every type of ethnic dish from dolmades to pad thai—as well as the famous deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dog.
Entertainment also ranks high as the fierce music, theater, and art scenes vie for attention from the city’s millions.
And with extensive train, bus, and taxi availability, transportation to a favorite bar or opera show is never far away.
Hey everybody. I’m 24 years old and I live in Naperville, a Chicago suburb and the 2nd largest town in Illinois.
I was born and raised in the city and I go back as often as possible. Some of my friends from Naperville think that I’m out of the country because I’m in Chicago so much. In fact, my fiancee and I will be moving back into the city in May 2000.
As far as my interests go, I guess you could call me a Renaissance Man. I love drawing, painting, theater, photography, and music. I am currently the lead singer/guitarist for the Chicago-based band Shampoo Effect.
I love hiking, canoeing, and just plain old adventuring anywhere. Some of my craziest climbs have been Sugarloaf Mountain (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and French Canyon (Starved Rock State Park, Illinois). Both were done without any climbing gear and I think I must have been insane. But I’d gladly do them both again in a heartbeat.
I’ve traveled to Canada, Brazil, Singapore, and France, as well as all over the United States. But I must say that I am pretty damn lucky to live in such a wonderful city as Chicago.
As far as boots are concerned, I’ve only worn Lake of the Woods and they’re fine with me. I’m more of a gym shoes kinda guy though.
0 comments:
Post a Comment