A sure sign that summer is only weeks away arrived Saturday as the iconic Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park was turned on for the season.
The switch was flipped during the 12th annual Switch on Summer festival, a partnership between the Chicago Park District and ComEd that kicks off a series of summer events across the city.
The fountain, which was designated as a Chicago landmark, produces a major water display for 20 minutes every hour. During the display, a center jet shoots water to a height of 150 feet into the air. The displays begin daily at 9 a.m. and continue every hour.
After dusk, the display is ramped up with a light and music show.
This year, the park district said it will add seating near Buckingham Fountain beginning May 30, allowing visitors to “sit down and enjoy the view.”
The park district said the chair pilot program was “inspired” by the Luxembourg Garden in Paris.
“The seating program will transform the space and encourage social gathering,” the park district said. “Park visitors can look forward to the installation of 100 metal chairs that can be moved around to take advantage of the stunning views of the fountain, the park, the lake and the skyline.”
The fountain will remain turned on through mid-October.