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The New Year is when many gather to celebrate the upcoming year. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago will broadcast fireworks when the city is unsure of its safety. Many people believe that it is essential to keep social distance to maintain safe and proper protocol when the future is unknown. The percentages of COVID-19 cases have been rising in recent months; therefore, participants of holiday celebrations should take precautions to ensure their continued safety and well-being.
There are many different options to bring in the new year that were unavailable in recent years when the pandemic initially took over the world. Other than the announcement of the magical fireworks that will take place, other events are scheduled to allow citizens to enjoy bringing in 2022. Celebrities such as Trey Songz and Jeff Durham will be in attendance to enjoy what Chicagoans consider to be a fun-filled evening around the city of Chicago.
A Gatsby’s Roaring ’20’s Party will take place where guests will be encouraged to dress from the ’20’s decade while appetizers and drinks will be available.
The New Year’s Eve 5 K race will be held at 2401 N. Lake Shore Dr. and starts at 9 a.m., following a champagne toast.
Off Shore Luxe Party, Zoo Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Eve on the Pier are a few of the many other celebrations the city has to offer. But, of course, it is not a New Year’s celebration without fun and games. Other celebrities making appearances include Buddy Guy, Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Giuliana Rancic, and more.
Chicago is hosting the Largest Fireworks display in history, even though COVID-19 cases have risen. “Illinois public health officials reported 20,804 new COVID-19 cases and 96 related deaths this past Tuesday. There have been 2,098,064 total COVID cases, including 27,684 deaths in the state since the pandemic began.”
Also, the weekly statewide positivity test rate is currently 12.4% in Illinois. “As of Monday night, 5,200 patients in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19. Of those, 1,093 patients were in the ICU, and 592 patients with COVID-19 were on ventilators.” So, with COVID-19 cases on the rise, how could individuals truly enjoy the firework display for New Year’s Eve?
Mayor Lori Lightfoot states, “the display can be viewed outdoors where the spread of COVID-19 is less likely, so our residents and visitors should feel [more] comfortable while masking up and social distancing or even watching safely from home. I look forward to welcoming a happy new year.”
Fireworks create an atmosphere involving memorable moments, excitement, and laughter. The fireworks will blast off New Year’s Eve, marking the city’s entry into 2022 with a 1.5-mile long firework show. Millions of people will migrate downtown to Chicago’s Riverfront to watch the show, which will be “choreographed to a ‘special music soundtrack’ and will be synchronized across eight separate launch sites along the Chicago River.”
Even though COVID-19 cases in Illinois have been on the rise, the city of Chicago is thrilled to welcome back the New Years’ Tradition of Fireworks and a host of other fun-filled activities.
Written by Lionel Carter
Sources:
Chicago Sun-Times: 20 great ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago: by Selena Fragassi
NBC 5 Chicago: Chicago to Host ‘Largest Fireworks Display’ City Has Ever Had for New Year’s Eve
ABC 7 Eyewitness News: Illinois COVID cases: IL reports 20,804 new cases, 96 deaths: by ABC7 Chicago Digital Team
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Brian Teutsch’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Lorie Serge’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of littlestar19’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License