The fountain and beaches were closed last summer due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Chicago is taking more steps toward summer reopening plans — just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
On Saturday, the city will revive its summer tradition of turning on the Buckingham Fountain. The fountain had remained off last summer due to pandemic-related restrictions.
The virtual celebration will be livestreamed, with a contest winner chosen to flip a switch to turn the fountain back on, according to the Chicago Park District website.
The city also plans to reopen its Lake Michigan beaches on Friday, May 28, Mike Kelly, Chicago Park District superintendent, said earlier this week.
The beaches also were closed last summer due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The fountain is located at Columbus Drive and the lakefront. An official Chicago landmark, the fountain was donated to the city by Chicagoan Kate S. Buckingham in 1927 in honor of her late brother Clarence, a renowned art enthusiast. It was designed by architect Edward H. Bennett, with the sculptural elements designed by French artist Marcel Loyau based on fountains at the Palace of Versailles in France. It was officially dedicated on Aug. 26, 1927.
