Summer Float Party - the float is cancelled but the party is on!

Sunday, July 23, 2023

2741 W. Montrose, Chicago

1 - 4 pm 

We regret to inform you that the floating portion of the Summer Float Party has been canceled because we did not receive approval for our marine event permit from the US Coast Guard until mid Friday afternoon. Originally the permit was denied based upon criteria that the City of Chicago established just a week ago in regard to another organization’s swimming event in the Chicago River, according to the Coast Guard in meetings this week. All the permit requests were made many months ago.

Despite the cancelation of the float, we are excited to go forward with the After Float Party at Horner Park from 1-4 p.m. with food trucks, family friendly activities, music, and a free beer garden sponsored by Molson Coors in a magical riverfront atmosphere. You can meet the crew from 101.9 The Mix radio and pick up your Summer Float Party T-Shirt at the party.

The Chicago-Calumet River system belongs to the people and access to the river is vital. As strong advocates for open and equitable access to the river system, we are tremendously disappointed to have to cancel the event after all our efforts and the enthusiastic response.

Friends spent many months planning this magical day that demonstrates that the river is clean enough for in-the-water recreation which is protected by federal law. The river must be made safe and suitable for swimming.  Despite this setback, we will continue to advocate for public policies that support the river as the natural, recreation and cultural resource it deserves to be.

Thank you for your support!

Thank you to our Summer Float Party
sponsors and partners!

Friends of the Chicago River is deeply grateful to the 2023 Summer Float Party sponsors and partners who make this event and so much more of our critical work possible. We could not do it without their financial contributions and support of our work to improve and protect the Chicago-Calumet River system for people, plants, and animals. Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors and partners.

If you are interested in learning more about how to be a sponsor or support, please contact Annie Hanrahan, Development Director, at ahanrahan@chicagoriver.org.