Fireworks as seen from the Shedd

if you're a member, the best spot in town is free

06/30/2010 11:09 PM

By Bonnie McGrath

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My friend Stella and I have known each other for years but the last couple we have spent some of our spare time on a citizens' committee at the Shedd Aquarium. But being involved there is nothing new-I worked there as a newsletter writer in the late 70s, early 80s while it celebrated its 50th anniversary (I can't believe in 20 years it will be 100). I gave tours to visitors in the fish galleries, too. In those days, I could recognize every fish in every tank and tell you any fact about them. I went on a number of scuba diving trips in the Caribbean on the Shedd's collecting boat in Florida.


Nowadays, I'm always visiting the fish--and a dear friend who still works there. And I can remember when the coral reef exhibit was a shallow turtle pool and my dad used to take me there to see it. The Shedd Aquarium has become a world-renowned attraction that takes one's breath away--deservedly so--and I can say I knew it when. Because I did.

In any case, Stella suggested that we meet her daughter and granddaughters for the Navy Pier fireworks across the water tonight at the weekly Wednesday "Jazzin' at the Shedd." The upbeat music, the skyline view, the sky itself, the lake (sans gushing oil) the reasonably priced and plentiful refreshments, the easy-going help, the big crowd and the two big beautiful terraces on the north side along the lake--all free for members--is the best deal in town.

Helicopters hover overhead before the fireworks start. The lit-up dinner boats and yachts line up in the nighttime water to see the show, too, and to hear the jazz emanating from the Shedd, I bet.


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