Saturday,Oct 25th; Chicago River Bridge Lift and Mum Bowl
Chicago River Bridge Lift
Every spring, the Chicago Department of Transportation lifts the many bridges along the Chicago River one by one so that masted sailboats can pass through the openings to enter Lake Michigan for the recreational boating season. And every fall, beginning in late September, they are lifted once again so that sailors can travel downriver to one of the many boatyards where they will dry dock their vessels for the winter. This lift is one of several that I've photographed this fall and other sailing seasons. I'll publish a comprehensive collection sometime after the last scheduled lift on November 15.
Loyola Park Dolphins-12; Kelvyn Park Hurricanes-7
I have to confess that I wasn't at the MUM BOWL to cover the game, but to cheer on my friends and neighbors and staff at LOYOLA PARK, my local Chicago Park District park; a place I've come to love very much, having grown up a park-rat from the South side. Anyone who has grown up near a park in a Chicago neighborhood knows what a park-rat is; school, homework, park, not necessarily in that order. My Mom used to come drag me home, and our dog too. LOL. So I saw these kids and their coaches training hard, and it paid off with a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at Soldier Field. It turned out to be a once in a lifetime photo shoot for me too. I got sent to the wrong cheering section. But the perspective from that side of the field made for some great team pics. And I'm sure I'll never be sitting in the first row on the 50 yard line in Soldier Field again. So thank you and congratulations to the LOYALA PARK DOLPHINS, their families and park staff. Enjoy the pics. RJ
Saturday, October 25th; Sunrise 7:14 am at Watersedge Chicago/ Chicago River Bridge LIft/ and Chicago Park District MUM BOWL
Chicago River Bridge Lift, 9:00am and meandering to MUM BOWL at Soldier Field.
MUM is actually short for Chrysanthemum. Each player presents a loved one with a Chrysanthemum flower to express their appreciation and gratitude for their support. The players in the Chicago Park District's Junior Bear program are aged 11-13. They play for the Thomas "Coach" Mitchell trophy.
Loyola Park Dolphins-12; Kelvyn Park Hurricanes-7
Still time to practice a couple of plays before the big game.
Players are greeted by the significant adults in their lives as they are announced onto the field.
Coach Jason Yolich addresses the team and coaches them up one last time from every angle.
Loyola Park Supervisor, Kristen Rezny, ready for kickoff.
Time expires on Kelvyn Park's late drive.
Savoring the victory! How hard work and determination makes dreams come true.
Handing out the Hardware
Coach Jason Yolich brings the Thomas "Coach" Mitchell trophy home to Loyola Park, where it will spend the next year, at least.
Recent Pics And Favs
Dateline: Saturday, September 27, 2025; WatersEdge Chicago. Winds from the southwest bring temps in the mid-80s, a refreshing spray from Buckingham Fountain, and their own personal rainbow for these young visitors and their family.
This family moved on without checking for the mythical Pot Of Gold. I think they were too close to see it. So I checked. LOL. Nada. It must have been on the other end.
Chicago River bridge lift is cancelled. First lift to allow sailboats to travel down river to their winter storage.
