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(Above) A rendering by Lin Ye of a procession of illuminated fiberglass sculptures floating along the Chicago River past Trump International Hotel & Tower. (Click on image to view larger version.) River-floating ‘fire festival’ sculptures will be 20 feet tall 18-Apr-14 – A surprising detail, arguably not apparent in an early illustration, has been clarified about the illuminated fiberglass sculptures that will float like a fashion show down the main branch of the Chicago River on October 4. The sculptures will be about 20 feet in height. A spokesperson for Redmoon, the theater company producing the Great Chicago Fire Festival, confirmed the height on Thursday. Centerpieces in the festival’s grand finale, the sculptures will be mounted on platforms measuring 20 feet by 40 feet. “The sculptures will start out in Redmoon’s Pilsen warehouse studio, then be transported to various neighborhoods throughout the summer for the community’s help in decorating them,” said Eric Eatherly. Tens of thousands of people are expected to watch as the sculptures float just after sunset from State Street to Columbus Drive. Another procession earlier in the day will span from Chinatown to Wacker Drive. Taking place throughout Chicago, the festival will feature live music, acrobatics, and what Redmoon calls “fantastical machines.” It will cost between $1.2 million and $1.8 million, covered mostly by private sources including The Boeing Company. The City of Chicago is helping with $100,000 and Redmoon has received a $250,000 grant from ArtPlace America.
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