25-Jun-15 – His heart may be in the right place, but Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday announced a thin lineup of events intended to serve as the “grand opening” of the Chicago Riverwalk.

Among the “special events” for this weekend is a bridge lift that has been scheduled since March 24 and is mandated by the federal government.

Other events include food and drink specials at bistros along the Riverwalk, such as O’Brien’s Riverwalk Café.

A “Downtown Worker Appreciation Day” on Friday is literally nothing more than a suggestion that people who work in downtown Chicago meet on the Riverwalk to patronize vendors.

The family-oriented events scheduled for Saturday are unlikely to offend anyone. They include a “hydration station” on the Riverwalk to promote a marathon taking place in September, yoga, a plant sale, various arts and crafts, family-friendly music, and police and fireboats on view.

The only event scheduled on Sunday is an opportunity, hosted by Urban Kayaks, to help clean the river. (Left) Mayor Emanuel at City Winery on Tuesday. City Winery shared this photo on its Twitter page over the noon hour.

“With this new and exciting programming,” says Emanuel, “the Riverwalk will offer entertainment and opportunities for all to learn, relax, have lunch or dinner, meet new friends, and enjoy our great city from the Chicago River.”

The mayor’s office on Wednesday again referred to live music and events happening on the Riverwalk on a weekly basis, but still the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has not released any details.

All but two vendors up to speed

Vendors on two newly opened sections of Riverwalk – Marina Plaza between State and Dearborn Streets and The Cove between Dearborn and Clark Streets – have not been waiting for a grand opening.

Flander’s Belgian Beer and Fries has been open since June 9. City Winery officially opened on June 12, ceremoniously popping a bottle of champagne.

The latest vendor to open on the newer sections is Urban Kayaks. Owner/manager James Morro says they had a “soft opening” on Saturday. By Tuesday, the space at the west end of The Cove was fully operational, renting kayaks and selling supplies such as t-shirts, soda, and candy. The space complements their main location east of Columbus Drive.

(Right) With more amenities available soon, Urban Kayaks opened last weekend in this space at The Cove.

Still not fully open yet is Downtown Docks, which will rent by the hour a spot – along Marina Plaza west of State Street – for boats to dock.

Chicago Water Taxi still hopes to start making stops at River Theater this weekend. The operation, owned by Wendella Sightseeing Company, will use the new Riverwalk location on weekends and holidays, and its regular stop on the north bank near LaSalle Street Monday through Friday.

West of LaSalle Street, barges loaded with construction supplies are docked along the south bank of the river in preparation for work starting this summer on the final phase of the Riverwalk. Although the area has been cleared, demolition has not started. When it does, and the project is completed next year, three more sections will extend the Riverwalk to Lake Street.

(Left) A construction barge along the south bank of the Chicago River, east of Wells Street, on June 23. This section of Riverwalk will be called “Water Plaza.”