Festive Fall Evening Celebrates a Healthy River

A beautiful and festive fall evening on the Chicago River last week was enjoyed by more than 175 revelers who departed from the Wendella boat dock in front of the iconic Wrigley Building for the eighth annual river cruise benefiting the education and public outreach programs of the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum.

Guests were serenaded by a viola and violin duo from the Fifth House Ensemble as they traveled down the South Branch of the Chicago River, making a special stop at the Canal Street boat dock of Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp where a team from the famous Chicago eatery brought aboard an array of seafood fare. Other tasty food and drink was generously provided by Azul Mariscos and the Northman Beer & Cider Garden Riverwalk.

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“Our sponsors, volunteers, and Bridgehouse Committee members all came together to make a fun evening celebrating the revitalization of the Chicago River system and the action and advocacy of Friends of the Chicago River and our partners to improve and protect the health of the river,” said Josh Coles, director of the Bridgehouse Museum.

Among the special guests was Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris who said it was a great night enjoying the South Branch of the river and learning about all the wildlife found in and around the river. “Learning about the wildlife, the dozens of species of fish who have comeback, the coyotes, the turtles and crayfish… things I never knew,” said Harris. “I’m glad to support Friends of the Chicago River and the Bridgehouse Museum.”