Not only will you be able to see over 20 tall ships along the Pier, but you will also be able to sail aboard seven of the ships during the famous “Parade of Sail” as well as throughout the festival August 24th to August 29th.

Tall Ships Chicago 2010 at Navy Pier

The Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2010 festival at Navy Pier is a six-day event consisting of more than 20 tall ships from all around the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the ships from the dock and do walk-about deck tours, but for the first time, visitors will have the chance to sail-aboard seven different ships for 60-90 minute sails! To reserve your tickets to sail-aboard a tall ship during the festival, click here!

Parade of Sail Tickets

On August 24th, the tall ships will arrive to Navy Pier in grand fashion as part of the “Parade of Sail”. Over 20 ships will sail in to harbor one-by-one at full sail. It is truly an awe-inspiring event! Seven of the ships in the parade will be offering a limited amount of spots on board for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tickets to sail aboard one of the Tall Ships during the Parade of Sail are $189 and it includes a box lunch and a Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2010 Festival Boarding Pass, which will get you aboard all the ships offering deck tours.

For an additional $60, you will also have access to the Navy Pier VIP Rooftop Reception which will include an open bar, great food, and a front row seat to Navy Pier’s famous fireworks show. This is an invatation only event, unles you have a Parade of Sails ticket, then you have an option to buy this exclusive ticket.

To reserve your Parade of Sail tickets, CLICK HERE!

There is only 315 tickets for the Parade of Sail available for purchase, don’t delay, or you might miss your chance.

Participating Sail-Away Ships

While there will be upwards of 20 tall ships in attendance this August, only seven of the ships will be offering the sail-away option:

Tall Ship Windy – Chicago’s Official tall ship, a 148-feet Great Lakes four-masted schooner home to Navy Pier.

Red Witch - Chicago’s own 77-foot gaff rig Topsail schooner out of Burnham Harbor.

Appledore IV – 85-foot two-masted schooner from Bay City, Michigan.

Friends Good Will – A 101-foot War of 1812 Topsail schooner replica from South Haven, Michigan.

Inland Seas – Primarily used for sail training, this 77-foot two-masted gaff schooner is home to Sutton’s Bay, Michigan.

Lynx – Also known as “America’s Privateer”, Lynx is a 122-foot War of 1812 square topsail schooner from Newport Beach, CA.

Roseway – Registered as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, this 78-year-old schooner measures 137 feet and is now home to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.

To book your 60-90 minute sail-away with one of these magnificent tall ships, CLICK HERE!

Packages available on events booked prior to August 31, 2010.

Package includes general admission, welcome table with maps upon arrival, and private outdoor seating area alongside the breathtaking Jackson Park Lagoon.

Picnic buffet served from 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Quarter Pound Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers
Chicago Style All-Beef Hot Dogs or Polish Sausage with all the Trimmings
Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

Old Fashioned Potato Salad
Vegetable Pasta Salad
Fresh Watermelon Slices
Assorted Cookies and Lemon Bars
Iced Tea, Lemonade and Water

Adults (12 & older): $45.00 per person
Children (under 12): $35.00 per person

Pricing does not include sales tax and 20% service charge.

Minimum 100 people.

Click here for more information on picnics at the Museum of Science and Industry – Mention Hereschicago.com

CHICAGO – Tasty Catering, 2010 Best Place to Work in Illinois, is proud to announce it has been recognized as one of twenty winners of the 2010 Top Small Company Workplaces competition as a best small place to work in the country by Inc. magazine and Winning Workplaces. Tasty Catering is in good company with companies ranging from the NY Jets to PortionPac Chemical Corporation in IL.

Winning Workplaces, the Evanston, IL-based nonprofit organization, has recognized firms that attribute much of their business success to their commitment to exemplary people practices and outstanding workplace cultures. The common characteristics of the Top Small Company Workplaces include a commitment to aligning their workforce with a clear vision, mission, and values; communicating with openness and trust; and investing in employees’ continuous learning and development.

“This year’s winners show that the quality of the workplace can be a competitive advantage. I’m amazed at how well they have come through the recession. Clearly, their commitment to their values and people practices are an important part of this success,” said Gaye van den Hombergh, President of Winning Workplaces.

“Tasty Catering business results are clear and directly related to the fact that we invest in the success of our people,” said Tom Walter, CEO and founding partner, Tasty Catering.  “A winning workplace is better for people; better for business; better for society.”
 
About Tasty Catering

Tasty Catering, a suburban-Chicago based corporate catering and event planning services company, has been exceeding the catering needs of Chicago area corporations and organizations for more than 20 years. Known for its commitment to excellence and attention to detail, Tasty Catering is built upon the single premise of providing its customers with exceptional service and quality. Tasty Catering customers include Cushman & Wakefield, Hamilton Partners, Sherman Hospital, University of Chicago, Comcast, RSM McGladrey, Cummins-Allison and Harris Bank. 

Tasty Catering, 2010 Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) award winner, 2009 Better Business Bureau Torch Award Winner for Marketplace Ethics and 2008 Caterer of the Year, is the “go-to” caterer for Chicago business. Tasty Catering is WINNER! 2010 NICE Awards — Best Catered Event Off Premise under $10,000, Best Catered Event Off Premise over $25,000, Best Picnic, Most Creative Planned Menu, Best fundraiser/Non-Profit Event and Best NICE Team Event. The company has also been named Best Place to Work in Illinois for three consecutive years (2010, 2009 & 2008), is a 2009 Best and Brightest Winning Company, 2008 DePaul University Entrepreneurial Quest Award Winner and is listed on the Inc. 5,000 food and beverage category as one of the fastest growing companies in the Midwest for 2008 and 2009.

Click here for more information or to contact Tasty Catering for your upcoming corporate event

Absolutely Chicago Segway from Hereschicago.com on Vimeo.

About the Absolutely Chicago Segway Fireworks Tour – This lakefront tour is absolutely breathtaking. We’ll glide along the lakefront on The Segway Personal Transporter to our secret spot for viewing the City’s fireworks show. It’s difficult to decide which is more spectacular the fireworks or the Chicago skyline in its evening splendor! Seasonal.

Our other tours include:

Art and Architecture Tour – Chicago is world-renowned for its incredible architecture. Our guests will see examples of Chicago’s most famous sculptures, and be amazed by stories of the architects and buildings that made our skyline famous.

Museum Campus Tour – We’ll visit the scenic grounds of The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field. This sightseeing tour has plenty of photo opportunities!

Private and Group Tours – If you’re planning a company event, get out of the stuffy conference room and into the open air with a private tour. Choose from one of our standard tours or we can bring Segway PTs to you (within a 40 mile radius of Chicago) for a customized adventure. Translated tours are available.

Click here for more information or to contact Timmie at Absolutely Chicago Segway – Be sure to mention that you found us on Hereschicago.com

Now there’s an even better way to enjoy the day for the privileged few and lucky groups at the Randolph Street Market Festival, home of the world renowned Chicago Antique Market & Indie Designer Markets!

As seen in Travel & Leisure, the NY Times, Lucky Magazine and featured on tv news shows and web casts, the Randolph Street Market Festival is “a mecca of cool”, “the best hot spot for antiquing”, “the best Chicago venue for people watching” “the Barney’s of Vintage”. Celebrity designer Nate Berkus says “I love this market, the quality is incredible!” It’s also Chicago’s most happening monthly party that your favored people won’t be able to stop talking about!

Brand new this season, “The Cabanas & Casitas” offer guests an oasis of calm where they can safely drop off their purchases, rest and refresh themselves between rounds of shopping, as well as entertain in privacy and style!

Amenities include:

* A fully stocked complimentary bar;
* Hors d’oeuvres and other fare throughout the day;
* Gift tote bags containing such items as hats, sunblock, washcloths, first aid supplies, food tickets, bottled water, Market Maps & special offers;
* Guests can safely drop off their purchases knowing they are in the capable hands of the cabana staff;
* For those who are staying in downtown hotels we offer free package delivery to your hotel for all items purchased at the Market;
* Transportation to and from the market from anywhere can be arranged;
* Special packages including private appraisals, wardrobe styling, massage and beauty services can also be arranged;
* Each Cabana accommodates up to 5 people & can be combined for bigger groups. Prices begin at $1500 per day;
* Casitas accommodate groups of 20 up to 100. Prices begin at $6000 per day.

2010 Market dates are as follows:

Randolph Street Market Festival in Chicago’s Trendy West Loop, Randolph & Ada Streets May 29-30; June 19-20; July 24-25; August 28-29; September 25-26

Highwood Street Market Festival on Chicago’s Glitzy North Shore, Green Bay Rd & Highwood Street June 26-27; July 17-18; August 21-22; September 18-19

For more info: cabanas@imagepilots.com or 312-666-1200
www.randolphstreetmarket.com and www.highwoodstreetmarket.com

Hereschicago.com is Chicago’s event planning resource guide and directory

Interview with Sunda Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot

For more information, details on Sunda’s brand new private party & event space, contact Nicole Salerno and mention Hereschicago.com

Wrigley View Rooftop “By the Firehouse” Grand Opening Event
Brand New Tri-Level Rooftop 1050 W.  Waveland

Thursday, February 18th
3 PM to 7 PM

Or

Friday, February 19th
1 PM to 5 PM

Free Parking Available at Red Top Lot
(Waveland and Clark)
Enter through the alley – Take elevator to the 3rd floor

Come tour our new facility and join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres!

RSVP by calling Mary and mention you were referred by “Jim Grillo of Hereschicago.com” (773)362-1050 www.WrigleyView.com

The highly anticipated banquet room at Sunda is NOW OPEN for last-minute holiday luncheons, dinner events or for a private party, corporate events, wedding rehearsal dinners, and groups and parties of all sizes. We are also booking events and meetings for 2010. Call me for a quick proposal… I can accommodate you!!

DATES STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL OF OUR VENUES:

The Underground: Private venue for 50 – 200 guests on Dec 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 still available. Beverages and passed appetizers starting at $50* per person!

Rockit Bar and Grill River North: Private and non-rrivate Parties for 25 – 250 guests on Dec 14, 15, 21, 22 still available. Beverage and passed appetizers starting at $45* per person!

Rockit Bar and Grill Wrigleyville: Private parties for 50 – 90 guests on Dec 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 still available. Beverage and passed appetizers starting at $40* per person!

Sunda Banquet Room: Private parties for 40 – 125 guests on Dec 14 – 19, 21, 22 still available. Beverage and passed appetizers and sushi starting at $60* per person!

Contact Nicole Salerno, Director of Events for more information and mention Hereschicago.com

Capt’s Log

This has been a great year with many memorable events and a strong finish despite the difficultly of the economy.

Our course is set toward the upcoming summer and warmer weather. We are planning some new sailing tours with new themes.

We are planning to teach more students and inspire more smiles than ever before.

We are sending our warmest wishes during this cold month! We also want to introduce you to just a few things coming up on the horizion.

Give the Gift of Summer for the Holidays

We are offering gift certificates that are now available online to help you with your holiday hints and lists.

Certificates are good for merchandise and for sailing adventures on all 3 boats (Windy, Red Witch and Crescendo).

WIN the $150 “Gift of Summer”

Sailing Events on Deck for 2010

Windy Wedding Giveaway Do you know someone getting married this spring? Let them know about our elegant wedding that we are giving away on Tall Ship Windy (additional details will follow).

Chicago hosts Tall Ships 2010 Windy and Red Witch are the host ships for this event: Aug 24-29. Based on the success from 2006, we know this will be a sell out. For a private adventure, reserve your date and time NOW. Public ticket sales will be announced here first, so stay tuned.

Strictly Sail boat show Navy Pier will be hosting this event in their Festival Hall from Jan 28-31. Windy and Red Witch are the represented in the Tall Ship Chicago 2010 booth. Stop by and shoot the breeze.

Chicago’s Spirited Sailing Fleet

From pirates to martime history tours, elegant events to “Cocktails & Skyline Sails”, we have a venue that will suit you!

Tall Ship Windy
Located at Navy Pier
Up to 150 guests.
Public sails, fireworks and elegant private events.

Tall Ship Red Witch
Located at Burnham Harbor
Up to 49 guests.
Public sails, fireworks, corporate and impeccable private events.

Sloop Crescendo
Located at Burnham Harbor
Up to 6 guests.
Private sails, fireworks, corporate and champagne suppers.

Great Lakes Events

Let our pros make your next event exceptional by reflecting your personal style!

We specialize in team building, corporate, private/themed events, remarkable birthdays & gourmet soirees on all 3 boats.

We’re known for our Red Witch Royale. Find some new favorites from a dozen flagship cocktails and perfect summer menu pairings! info@greatlakesevents.net

Stay aboard for our upcoming event notifications, promos and email only discounts. We welcome your feedback.

Members of Lakeshore Maritime Collective:

Capt Bruce Randall & Dr. Karen Randall
Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago
Windy of Chicago, Ltd
Lakeshore Sail Charters, LLC

Linda Decker
Great Lakes Events, LLC

Patti Lock
Great Lakes Marketing Group, LLC

401 E. Illinois St. #332
Chicago, IL 60611

Win
“Gift of Summer” $150 We are giving away a $150 gift Certificate!

Here’s the info:

Who?

Anyone can enter – one per email address (tell your friends).

What? Share your sailing comments.

Where? Windy, Red Witch, Crescendo

When? Now would be nice!

How? Make an entery in one of our guest books above.

Then what? A random drawing will take place on 12/20/09. Winner will be notified by email!

Photo booths and photo booth rentals are extremely popular additions to Chicago weddings, corporate events, client events, company party, friends gatherings, family and high school reunions, charity events, anniversary parties, school dances, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s and private parties. Photo booths are the perfect way to capture all of the fun and excitement of your event and a great way to give your guests unique and memorable keepsakes.

Here are Chicago’s Top 3 Planner Prefered Photo Booth Rental Companies

Shutterbox Photo Booth Rentals

ShutterBox is a Chicago-based company, providing professional photo booth rentals for special events. A twist on an old-time favorite, our modernized photobooths accomodate 2-10 guests and print photostrips instantly.

c: Jen McCarty – Please mention Hereschicago.com when contacting me

Photo Booth Express Photo Booth Rentals

Photo Booth Express photo booths are extremely popular additions to Chicago weddings, corporate events, charity events, anniversary parties, school dances, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s, promotional events, holiday parties and private parties.

Our photo booths will provide you and your guests with hours of fun filled entertainment. At the end of your event your guests will rave about how much fun they had in the photo booth. In addition to the entertainment value a photo booth is the perfect way to capture all of the fun of your event and give your guests unique and memorable keepsakes.

Call us today at to find out how a photo booth can help make your event exciting and memorable.

c: Mike Dodson – Please mention Hereschicago.com when contacting me

 ShutterBooth Chicago Photo Booth Rentals

ShutterBooths are designed to blend in and compliment your event while adding another level of entertainment for your guests. Our booths can accommodate groups of 1-10 and our personalized photos print out instantly, providing an excellent keepsake for your guests. We know that each event is unique and we offer our clients a customized experience.

ShutterBooth is locally owned and operated – contact us to discuss how we can customize a booth for your event!

c: Cheryl Bayma – Please mention Hereschicago.com when contacting me