Taylor Kinney, Jesse Spencer named grand marshals for Chicago Fire Festival

“Chicago Fire” stars Taylor Kinney (left) and Jesse Spencer have been named grand marshals for the Great Chicago Fire Festival. | NBC PHOTO

“Chicago Fire” stars Taylor Kinney and Jesse Spencer have been named grand marshals for the inaugural Great Chicago Fire Festival, the free spectacle of fire that takes place Oct. 4 on the Chicago River.

Kinney and Spencer, who portray lieutenants Kelly Severide and Matthew Casey, respectively, on the NBC hit series, will kick off the festivities by lighting one of 15 massive “fire cauldrons,” which will then be lowered from bridges to various watercraft in the river. According to a festival announcement “From there, an elaborate ‘grand spectacle’ performance will unfold as the watercraft then ferry the flames out to three moored platforms, where giant ‘fire sculptures’ will be set ablaze, transforming to reveal three different symbolic cores. Some 400 different performers and singers will participate in the event, which culminates with a choreographed fireworks.”

The festival celebrates the rebirth of Chicago following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and is co-presented by Redmoon theater, the Chicago Park District and the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The fun takes place between the State Street and Columbus Drive bridges starting at 8 p.m. It’s free to attend the fest.

For more info, visit the fest’s website at www.chicagofirefestival.com

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