Summer Cruise 2019: South Branch Trip One to Remember: PHOTOS

June 28, 2019

More than 200 friends joined our annual Summer Cruise June 26, journeying down the South Branch aboard a Wendella boat to see the magnificent sites our great Chicago River has to offer. The cruise helps support Friends of the Chicago River's McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, located in the southwest bridge tower at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

The 2019 Summer Cruise was presented by Wendella, PepsiCo, and CIBC. Lead Sponsors were Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr and The Robert R. McCormick Foundation. Sponsors included Continental Electrical Construction Co., Entertainment Cruises, Linn-Mathes, James McHugh Construction Co., and Weaver Consultants Group.

In-kind donations generously provided by MillerCoors, Terlato Wines, El Siete Catering, Inspired Catering & Events, Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp, and Collective Resource, Inc. Live music was courtesy of the Dan Bitney & LeRoy Bach Duo.

Who was there? Take a look below!

Summer Cruise is a great way for friends to get together to welcome the season.

Now that's a South Side view of the skyine not everyone has seen before.A special treat this year: we stopped at Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp mid-route.Warm breezes, sunshine, the beauty of the river—we knew summer would get here.Ahhhh....relaaaaax. (Emma Loew)Friends Executive Director Margaret Frisbie tells the guests that the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is the most visable program of the organization: 46,000 visitors last season and expecting to see 250,000th visitor since it opened in 2006. (Emma Loew)Friends' Volunteer and Events Associate Annette Anderson keeps everybody well fed.Who's ready for fun? These guys!Up top and out front. A perfect viewing spot aboard the Wendella.After a record-wet spring, Chicago is ready to get outdoors on the Chicago River.The river just seems to inspire great conversations."Guess where I'm at?"No shortage of things to see on the South Branch.It's a day to remember for this mother and daughter.Who's got the winning ticket?Thanks to all the volunteers who made this cruise run so smoothly.Hold on to your hat! (Emma Loew)A special guest: Fox32 anchor Sylvia Perez.Laughter and friendship, a great combination.Summer Cruise 2019: a great idea made possible with generous folks like you. (Emma Loew)A few raindrops never hurt anybody...(Emma Loew)