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Read the press release here.

Great Chicago Fire Festival Moving to Northerly Island After River Debacle

 Redmoon Theater's Great Chicago Fire Festival promised to light up the Chicago River. While things didn't go as planned, thousands turned out for the festival.
Redmoon Theater's Great Chicago Fire Festival promised to light up the Chicago River. While things didn't go as planned, thousands turned out for the festival.
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Justin Barbin

CHICAGO — The Great Chicago Fire Festival is moving to Northerly Island this year, officials announced Friday morning.

The festival, which celebrates "Chicago's people, history and unique neighborhood culture," debuted to mixed reviews last year after a mechanical failure prevented the scene from burning on the Chicago River as planned. The citywide event was created to honor Chicago's resurgence after the fire in 1871.

Last year, kids from 15 neighborhoods helped construct props and scenery for the event, which was doused in rain accompanied by cold weather, keeping the spectacle from burning as planned. Still, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said it "touched a spirit" in the city, one of "resilience, rebirth, renewal."

"Clearly, we're gonna makes changes and adaptations," Emanuel said.

Thousands are expected for the closing ceremony, which will feature a neighborhood bazaar with local artisans, multiple performance stages showcasing neighborhood talent and a fireworks finale with the burning of the GRIT house.

This year's fest, produced by Redmoon, will take place Sept. 26, officials said.

The Great Chicago Fire Festival kick-off event will be on July 9 in La Villita Park in Little Village. For more information on the festival click here.

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