People masked and unmasked gathered around the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park on Saturday afternoon.
For the first time since the world has come to known COVID-19, water leaped from the mouths of four pairs of bronze sea horses, and the people clapped and danced as Mayor Lori Lightfoot exchanged fist bumps in front of the ceremonious display. The fountainâs first official switch-on marked not only the start of summer, but also the restart of tradition and normalcy.
âBecause of the sacrifice of so many Chicagoans, we are but once again safely gathered and will literally flip the switch on our iconic summer Chicago,â Lightfoot said before the fountain was turned on. âWhen Buckingham Fountain roars back to life, just know it is also a symbol of our city roaring back to life.â