With temperatures reaching record highs in recent weeks, it’s clear summer has arrived in the Chicago area. Mother Nature has a lot to do with that. But it couldn’t have hurt that about 15,000 local residents gathered to “switch on summer” several weeks ago.
The draw was Switch on Summer, an outdoor festival hosted by ComEd and the Chicago Park District to welcome the warm season. The main event: turning on the iconic Buckingham Fountain in Chicago’s Grant Park. Joining the host organizations were emcee and WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and dozens of community organizations ranging from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Shedd Aquarium.
“Beyond ComEd just delivering electricity, we are part of the community,” said Fidel Marquez, ComEd’s senior vice president of external and governmental affairs. “And what better way to show we’re part of the community but turning on the premier symbol of summer in Chicago: Buckingham Fountain.”
“This is a great event, and we just love working with ComEd,” said Steve Lux, CFO of the Chicago Park District. “They’re great partners with us. This is the start of summer in Chicago, and the summer’s the best part of the year.”
To catch the action at Switch on Summer, watch the video above.
