Frank Sinatra said it best, in his iconic song, Chicago.
"...And each time I roam, Chicago is calling me home, Chicago is why I grin like a clown-- it's my kind of town."
If you like beautifully sculpted beaches, clean streets, and buildings that are architectural masterpieces creating a spectacular skyline view, then this just may be your kind of town too.
Chicago is populated by folks who are that perfect mix of
New York City hustle and good old-fashioned Midwest genuineness. Chicago residents move, work, and live alongside one another without compromising or losing their individuality or cultural diversity. As a matter of fact, Chicago residents seem to already know what many across the nation are slowly finding out-- Chicago is a rising star with a lot of something for everyone.
Chicagoans love the Second City
Where else can you find seventy-seven communities living together in harmony within 1 mega metropolis like the Chicago? It is simply a place like no other, immersed in rich history and chock full of things to do every day of the year. And now, thanks to the organizers of the Chi-Town Rising event held on New Year's Eve in the city this year, Chicago also has a major outdoor event celebrating the new year which they hope will soon grow to rival similar celebrations such as New York City's grand New Year's Eve Times Square Ball drop.
New Year's Eve 2015 was unlike any other in the history of Chicago. The Chi-Town Rising Star ascended thirty-six stories up the West Tower of the downtown Hyatt Regency hotel, during the countdown to 2016. This spectacle was followed up by a dynamic fireworks display at midnight ringing in the year, and signifying Chi-Town Rising, during the city's inaugural New Year's Eve celebration.
Chicago is a Rising Star
According to the event organizers, The "Rising Star" is a tribute to the second star on the Chicago flag. This star represents the city's phoenix-like rise after the destruction caused by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Arena Partners President, John Murray wrote, "A Rising Star is fitting for a populace that rises to meet challenges head-on, and it is aspirational--symbolic of looking forward to the opportunities that the New Year holds in store for us."
Quick facts about the event
- The organizers originally billed this as a free event, but later decided to opt for a more spectacular, albeit smaller event, with more spectacle than one that was lack luster and perhaps better attended.
- This ticketed event was presented by Corona Extra and hosted by Hyatt Gold Passport.
- The events were held at the riverside along the Chicago River between Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue.
- The Countdown stage was on the south side of the river.
- All of the day's festivities culminated with a midnight countdown that featured the giant Chicago star rising into the sky.
4 things you should know about the Rising Star
- The Rising Star used during the Chi-Town New Year's Eve event for 2015 was taller than the scoreboard at Chicago's Wrigley Field, and more than twice the height of The Bean in Millennium Park.
- The star contains more than 250 bolts and weighs 12,000 pounds.
- It was built and designed in Chicago and was the result of a collaboration between ONE618, a network, design, and IT company, and the theatrical rigging specialists, Chicago Flyhouse Incorporated. Both are Chicago-based.
- The Rising Star is huge, measuring a whopping 70 feet and 6 inches. Compare that to: a rail car which is 12 feet high, The Bean which is 33 feet high, or Boise Idaho's "Idaho Potato" which is 17 feet high.
The Event Timeline for Chi-Town Rising 2015
Celebrating everything to come in 2016 with Chicago was not hard to do thanks to the Chi-Town Rising event. The celebrations took place in and around Millennium Park, the Navy Pier, and the Riverfront. Some of the events were free and in concert with the hosted events, the Chicago playground that is Millennium park was a great back drop for passersby, tourists, and residents wanting to enjoy the day with their fellow Chicago neighbors. In addition to the planned events, there was ice skating in McCormick Tribune Plaza and to seal the deal, the weather was just right, especially for December in Chicago.
The Family Fun Event
The adult festivities kicked off at 7 pm, but the organizers did not forget about those wanting to celebrate together with family and friends who might not be ready for the main event. Enter the Family Zone, sponsored by the Chicago Cultural Mile. This event was held in Wrigley Square and was comprised of stations representing countries from around the world. These offered an exciting look into how other cultures celebrate the New Year. Upon entering the area each visitor was given a passport and directed to visit each of the centers to find out how that country celebrates New Year's Eve. (At the end, everyone received a stamp in their passport for having visited.) For instance, did you know that in the Philippines they believe that if you jump 12 times at midnight you will increase your height? How fun!
In addition to the booths, there was one sound stage with a disc jockey. Several acts engaged the children and their parents during the 3 hours. The young people even had their own countdown at 6 pm using light glow sticks. This was a fun friendly event that was well organized and surrounded by lots to do. This was held in a safe and clean environment for children and their families and they even gave away free hot chocolate.
Ringing in the New Year
There was something for everyone during the inaugural Chi Town Rising event on New Year's Eve in Chicago. The concert was ticketed but the main event, the rising of the star was free and spectacular, a great end to 2015. You just can't beat the Chicago night skyline and the city's high rise buildings did not disappoint. They did their part in adding to the fun of the night with festive lights, trees, and displays. Here's to Chicago, a city on a phoenix-like rise once again. Happy New Year.
