T-Minus Three Weeks: Enthusiasm for Friends' Summer Float Party is Building

Buoyed by fun and festive floaties, our upcoming Summer Float Party will celebrate the health and accessibility of the Chicago River—and all the advocacy and stewardship that continues to support the river’s transformation into a popular and vibrant natural corridor, teeming with wildlife and recreation. If you haven’t already, add July 23, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. to your calendar and register by July 17 at 4 p.m. to join the fun!

This year, Friends is kicking it up a notch by encouraging participants to show their pride in our city’s beautiful river by forming fundraising Spirit Teams of friends and floaters. Not only will Spirit Teams raise money and excitement for Chicago River stewardship, they will also float alongside 101.9 The Mix radio hosts, Chris and McCabe, while winning prizes for best themed costumes and floaties.

Summer Float participants will take to the water at River Park, near Foster and Kedzie in Chicago, and float a mile down the North Branch to Horner Park. Afterwards, Friends, along with our Beach Ball sponsor Molson-Coors, and partners at The Mix radio, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Chicago Park District, WM, and Kadeya, will throw an After-Float Party complete with drinks, food, games, music, and more!

Registration for all floaters is open. Please sign up today! Float tickets are limited.

Share your excitement by re-posting our Summer Float Party video invitation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you are interested in learning more about how to be a sponsor, contact Annie Hanrahan, Development Director, at ahanrahan@chicagoriver.org.