Benson's Blog » parade http://www.bensonblake.com/blog News and updates Thu, 08 Jul 2010 06:05:13 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Taste of Chicago 2009 http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/1220 http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/1220#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:14:42 +0000 Benson Blake Photography http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/?p=1220 During the 4th of July weekend I took a road trip to Chicago IL, where the Taste of Chicago was in full swing.  Just about any kind of food you can imagine was there… Connie’s Pizza, Manny’s turkey legs, Harold’s Chicken, Garret’s popcorn, and much more.  There were an estimated 1.5 million people at “The Taste” on Friday alone, reminding me a lot of Inauguration Day.  The July 3rd fireworks display lit up the sky at dusk on the lakefront.

On Saturday morning, there was a parade just outside where I stayed in Oak Park.  Yes, I was quite the tourist for a moment… taking in the festivities.  After a full weekend with The Taste, fireworks, parade, and three cookouts, I can say I truly enjoyed my time in the windy city.  Thanks to everyone who made the trip possible and kept my stomach full. :o)  Below are some images captured during my visit.

Chicago Skyline
The Chicago Skyline

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, as seen In the TV intro of "Married with Children"
Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park

Taste of Chicago entrance

Taste of Chicago map of vendors

Crowd of 1.5 million at The Taste of Chicago

Main concert stage at The Taste of Chicago
The main concert stage.  Most concerts took place earlier in the week.

Tight security at The Taste of Chicago
Security was very tight.

Cloud Gate sculpture aka 'The Bean' in downtown Chicago
‘The Bean’ sculpture in downtown Chicago, reflecting the famous skyline.

Benson at The Bean

July 3rd Fireworks at the lakefront

The Chicago Theater at night

Chicago Channel 7 News, where Oprah Winfrey began her TV show

Oak Park Parade near Chicago
Oak Park Parade with many organizations showing their patriotism

July 4th parade in Oak Park IL 2009

]]> http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/1220/feed 7 Holly Days Parade 2007 http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/130 http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/130#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:15:53 +0000 Benson Blake Photography http://www.bensonblake.com/blog/archives/130 On the way from a photo session Saturday, I stopped by the Holly Days Parade in downtown Hampton VA. This year’s annual parade was hosted by local WVEC (ABC ch.13) news anchors Janet Roach and Joe Flanagan. The parade will be re-broadcast on WVEC on December 23rd at 2pm. Here are a few images I captured of the festivities.

parade band

school band in parade

parade

parade

Hosts Janet Roach and Joe Flanagan
Holly Days Parade hosts Janet Roach and Joe Flanagan

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