Venetian Night July 25, 2009

Venetian Night Venetian Night, the best remnant of Chicago circa 1958, is the oldest event produced by the city. Back then, the festival took place over several days and included a beauty pageant, State Street parade and the colorful 300-plus boat parade which was actually patterned after those in Venice, Italy. More than half a million people show up to take in the boat parade, summer vibes and fireworks. The boat procession, complete with costumed crews and synchronized music, takes place on Lake Michigan between the Shedd Aquarium at Roosevelt Road and the Chicago Yacht Club at Monroe Street, so there's plenty of room for all. The fireworks show blows at Monroe Harbor.