Have you ever wondered what it looks like beneath Chicago’s Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain? This summer, Parkways Foundation and the Chicago Park District will offer a rare opportunity for the public to learn more about Chicago’s iconic monument through tours that include the pump works. The half-hour long tours are offered every Friday at 12:30 July 10 through September 4, 2009 when the fountain will be closed for the first full restoration in its eighty-two year history. The cost of the tour is $50 and includes a Buckingham Fountain Restoration Project Commemorative poster.
For more information or to make a reservation call 312.742.5368 or RSVP@parkways.org.
All proceeds benefit the Buckingham Fountain Restoration Project.
This is a wonderful tour, hosted by Julia Bacarach, the historian for the Park District. She is so knowledgeable and is the best at giving you insight into the workings of one of our most treasured Chicago landmarks. Bring your kids and grandkids and be a part of restoring Buckingham Fountain. It’s a huge project and you’ll feel good about participating. The cost is considered a deductable donation, as I understand it, and will be channeled directly toward the immense restoration bill.
Phase One of the restoration is finished—a complete resurfacing of the plaza around the fountain into easily accessible pavers. The city is letting us enjoy the fountain for the summer, and then Phase Two, the dismantling and repair of the sculptures and water leaks, etc., will be done over the winter.
As a member of Parkways Foundation, I invite you to have some fun and explore the fountain, the lakefront and the gardens of Grant Park. And please feel free to pass this on to your friends.
Posted By: Suzan Bramson

Have you ever wondered what it looks like beneath Chicago’s Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain? This summer,
It’s one of my most favorite things about summer in Chicago. The abundance of delicious, beautiful and fun Farmers’ Markets! There are several held all over the city. I love picking up fresh flowers, vegetables, fruit, homemade baked goods, cheeses, all sorts of wonderful things. It is a great way to support our local farmers. Here is a sample of where and when you can find a Farmers’ Market in the heart of the city:
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