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Earth Hour in Chicago
26 March 2008 Send To a FriendThis Saturday, Chicago’s skyline will go dark for an hour, so don’t panic. From 8 to 9pm, the city will turn its lights off for the World Wildlife Federation’s Earth Hour, an international event to “inspire people to take action on climate change”.
Last year over 2 million people and 2,100 businesses in Sydney, Australia, turned off their lights for an hour. This year Earth Hour is an international effort. Chicago has been chosen as the flagship city for the United States, with San Francisco, Phoenix and Atlanta also participating. International cities include Copenhagen, Manila, Tel Aviv and Toronto.
You can sign up online to be counted in the statistics. They’re not asking that you turn off all the electricity, just the lights. On their website they also provide ideas for things to do in the dark.
The complete list of participating businesses includes bowling, restaurants, hotels, shopping, Soldier Field, the Cubs, the Sox, bars, theaters, and more. Check their list, and if you’re going to visit one of those listed contact them ahead of time to see what they have planned. For example, Weather Mark Tavern (1503 S Michigan Ave, (312)588-0230) is offering a 3-course dinner for Earth Hour ($60) and diners must be seated by 7pm since the kitchen will shut down at 8pm. There’ll be a champagne toast at 8 when the lights are turned off and the candles are lit. If you’re one of the first 50 to RSVP you’ll get a free wristband for the open bar from 8 to 9. If not, it’s $15. The wristband’s offered because without cash registers for an hour, they can’t sell individual drinks.
If you know of other special plans for Earth Hour, please leave a comment.
Streetlights, hospital and emergency services and anything safety related will still be operational.
March 26th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Deleece (4004 N. Southport, 773-325-1710) will be turning its lights out from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 29 in respect of Earth Hour in Chicago. Guests will be able to order off the regular menu and enjoy a pleasant romantic evening.
March 26th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Thanks Cindy!
Kiki’s Bistro will also be open and lit by candlelight. 900 N Franklin, (312)335-5454
March 27th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
All FlatTop Grill locations will be dining by candlelight on Saturday evening in celebration of Earth Hour.
www.flattopgrill.com
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Some photos of the event:
www.blue-echoes.com/portfolio/earthhour/index.html
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Bry - Those pictures are great!! Thanks for sharing.