good boom-boom
Ever been to Venetian Night? I never have. But at the urging of my girlfriend I decided to make the trek to the lakefront and check it out. We got off the Red Line around Roosevelt and walked over to the lake. The reports were that this thing is supposed to draw some 600,000+ people, (yeah you read that right). For some reason though, we couldn’t find it. So we decided to say “screw it” and just walk around the lake for a while, it was a great night to wander anyway. As we were heading behind Shedd Aquarium, a little disappointed that we thought we missed it, we were looking across the lake. There were a few boats but nothing that would make me think that was very “Venetian.”
Sure enough though, as we gave up hope and started heading home, a boat I hadn’t even seen out on the water because it was so dark, appeared. It started speewing fireworks, honestly the best I have ever seen. For at least 15 or so minutes, this thing was relentless. I have never seen anything as good, even on the 4th if July. They took up the whole sky, literally and the booms echoed off of the buildings downtown. It was sweet. I’m a sucker for a good fireworks show and this was a good one.
Interestingly enough, it was both my girlfriend’s and my first time seeing this also. The boats were cheezy, but the fireworks were awesome. I ran out of film taking shots.
I like boats and I like the lake. However, I’ve never understood the attraction that is Venetian Night. Boats with lights? Perhaps my distaste comes from my very first Venetian Night up in South Haven, MI. Such a buildup! Then…4 boats. Good night, everyone!
No one cares about unimaginative boats with lights. What people like are the campy ways they employ the theme. I mean did you see the Jailhouse Rock boat, complete with lit jail bars and dancing Elvis?