Navy Pier is partnering with the National Museum of Mexican Art to present El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a cultural celebration and exhibition to honor the departed, taking place Nov. 1 through Nov. 4 from 11am to 5pm in Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens.

The public is invited to participate in the four-day event, which features live music, crafts and elaborate ofrendas (altars) designed by prominent artists.

The festivities kick off at noon Sunday with live performances from the Nahui Ollin Ceremonial Dancers and the Son Del Viento music group. Experience the living tradition of Mesoamerica with Nahui Ollin as they present pre-Hispanic traditions of central Mexico.

Then, join Son Del Viento as they interpret traditional jarocho music, with occasional currents of reggae, cumbia or blues, bringing expression to the Windy City.

“Navy Pier’s participation in cultural events, such as “El Dia de los Muertos,” is our way of celebrating the history, heritage and ethnic diversity that make Chicago one of the world’s greatest cities,” said Juan A. Ochoa, Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority (MPEA), owner of historic Navy Pier.

“We are happy to welcome the world to experience various cultures at our premier venue.”

To honor the departed, featured artists will install and decorate traditional ofrendas (altars). Writer, director, and producer, Patricia Carlos Dominguez, will construct her ofrenda in memory of Jeff Abbey Maldanado, Jr., titled, “Altar of the Angels.”

Having served four and a half years in the United States Air Force, Eric J. Garcia has not forgotten about his time in service. His ofrenda pays homage to the men and women who lost their lives to the war in Afghanistan.

The public also can share in the tradition as Esparanza Gama installs an ofrenda (altar) for a community offering.

Guests are invited to leave their own photos, notes, letters or crafts to deceased loved ones.

Everyone is welcomed to discover and experience the custom traditions of El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). To celebrate, guests are invited to the Craft Area to decorate sugar skulls, make papel picado (cut paper folk art) and face paint.

There are a variety of craft activities available to help personally capture the festivities and culture of El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) for each individual.

There is entertainment for all ages at Navy Pier. Chicagoans, suburban residents and travelers from around the world are thrilled when they explore the many facets and treasures of Chicago’s lakefront playground.

For additional information and event listing, call 312-595-PIER.

Outside the Chicagoland area, call 800-595-PIER or visit our Web site at navypier.com.

Experience El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Cultural Celebration and Exhibition at Navy Pier | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

And NEW this year, Fall Fireworks for everyone to enjoy!

Locked inside THE FEAR Haunted House at Navy Pier now through November 1, every Friday from 5 – 10pm, Saturday, 2  – 10pm, and Sunday, 1 – 6pm in South Gateway Park Captain are large shipping containers that were dumped from a missing vessel that had traveled the globe in search of darkness. Under the Captain’s command, the crew captured the most feared creatures known to man.

The creatures are held dockside at Navy Pier chained inside, clawing for their freedom and waiting for revenge. Visitors enter at their own risk and walk through the twisted cages of pain in hopes of escaping the fear before it overtakes them.

The haunted house attraction is produced by Zombie Army Productions, the award-winning producer of Stateville Haunted Prison, City of the Dead, and Dragon’s Dome.

Amazing, intriguing and astonishing human wonders are occurring in Pier Park, every Friday from 5 – 10pm, Saturday from 2 – 10pm, and Sunday from 1 – 6pm at the Carnival of Curiosities in Pier Park.

Come to explore a traveling sideshow of curios feats and walk on the weird and wacky side as children and adults of all ages explore human oddities such as the Half Bride/Half Groom, Walking Puppets, Contortionist, Monkey Boy, Fortune Tellers and more!

Navy Pier’s Halloween Fun has something for everyone, including the fearless, the curious and the special occasion enthusiast. We bring them all together every Friday and Saturday night at 9pm through Oct. 31 for Fall Fireworks on South Dock Street.

Friday night fireworks are accompanied by the haunting music soundtracks from classic horror movies and Saturday night fireworks are accompanied by soundtracks from spooky and suspenseful Halloween thriller.

Navy Pier has fun and excitement to keep your family and friends entertained yearround.

Navy Pier is the place where summer fun never ends and fall and winter entertainment is provided to keep your our visitor excited about returning time and time again.

For more information on Navy Pier events and attractions visit navypier.com.

Halloween at Navy Pier: Come and Experience THE FEAR Haunted House, Carnival of Curiosities and Fall Fireworks | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, from 10am in Room 329 of Chicago’s Navy Pier®, the event will feature the unveiling of a new entry into the Navy Pier Chicago Timeline, which marks the 2008 world premiere of the collaboration between four Chicago fashion designers and Toyota’s cutting edge personal mobility vehicle, the iREAL concept.

The timeline unveiling event will also mark the launching of a new pilot collaborative project featuring the opening of the creative lounge CHICAGO, a creative research space in the Windy City’s famous Wicker Park neighborhood, where Toyota engineers plan to work with local creative talent from fashion and the arts.

Chicago fashion designers Melissa Serpico Kamhout, Lidia Wachowska, Agga B. and Anna Fong will join representatives from Toyota and the City of Chicago at the picturesque and historic Navy Pier to celebrate the collaboration and the next venture.

The event will feature a minifashion show, including new works from guest designers who hail from Bangkok, Thailand and the four Chicago designers, as well as an iREAL test-drive event, followed by an opening party to be held at the creative lounge CHICAGO location in Wicker Park.

The amazing iREAL concept will be on display at Navy Pier’s Gateway Park on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18, with an opportunity for the public to take a test ride.

“I have many fond memories of the wonderful project we took part in last year and I am really looking forward to our continued creative collaboration with Chicago’s fashion community and beyond with our new Wicker Park project” said Tetsuya Kaida, General Manager of TMC`s Business Revolution Corporate Value Creation Department.

“This is a great opportunity for these Chicago-based designers to continue their collaboration with Toyota and its innovative technology. These partnerships will lead to new design ideas for tomorrow across various industries.” said Melissa Gamble, Director of Fashion Arts & Events for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

“Navy Pier is honored to host this event and to play a part in an important and timely collaboration which has already made its mark on Chicago’s historical timeline.” said Marilynn Gardner, General Manager of Navy Pier.

“The continued support, inspiration and generosity from Toyota on an international level are more than I could have ever imagined. I am extremely excited to see the results of the creative lounge CHICAGO this coming year!” commented Melissa Serpico Kamhout, designer of Serpico collection and one of the artists in residence at the Wicker Park creative research venue inspired by Toyota.

About Toyota

Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products.

Today, the Company manufactures vehicles and parts at 53 production sites in 27 countries and regions around the globe and is an active member in the communities it serves. In fiscal ending March 31, 2008, the Toyota Group sold approximately 8.91 million vehicles in 170 countries and regions under the Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino brands.

In the United States, Toyota markets products and services though a network of more than 1,450 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 35,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2007.

For more information about the company, please visit toyota.com, lexus.com, and scion.com.

For global Toyota information, please visit toyota.co.jp.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Curt McAllister, 313-259-4598
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
curt_mcallister@toyota.com

Toyota Joins City of Chicago in Creative Collaboration with Chicago-based Talent and Chicago Fashion Community | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Chicago fair will also feature special exhibits by renowned museums, universities and arts organizations, as well an extensive lecture series, all included in the admission price.

Debuting this year is SOLO at SOFA, dedicated spaces on the show floor featuring cutting-edge installations by individual artists outside of the more formal structure of the representing gallery’s exhibit booth.

Mark Lyman, founding director of SOFA says, “In this difficult economy, we’re delighted by the quality galleries participating again this year, including New York’s venerable
Barry Friedman Ltd. and London’s Galerie Besson, as well as dealers from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Israel and Italy. We’re
also planning a major presentation on Studio Furniture and will honor of the lifework and influence of the late Sam Maloof.”

Lyman and partner Michael Franks, Chief Operating Officer, dmg world media, recently reacquired the SOFA Fairs in Chicago, New York and Santa Fe, N.M. from dmg. Headquarters for
the new company, The Art Fair Company, Inc. remain in Chicago.

Lyman adds, “Attesting to SOFA’s strong collector base, we’re delighted that Chubb Personal Insurance, one of the world’s preeminent insurers of fine homes, art and antiques, has again signed on to be a major sponsor of the Chicago fair.”

SOFA CHICAGO 2009 exhibitors to-date include:

Perimeter Gallery, Ann Nathan Gallery and Marx-Saunders Gallery of Chicago; Galerie Besson of London,Litvak Gallery of Israel; Galleri Udengaard and Galleri Grønlund of Denmark; Galleri Norsu of Finland; Kirra Gallery of Australia; Galerie Porkona of Czechoslovakia; Barry Friedman Ltd., Heller Gallery, Scott Jacobson Gallery (formerly Leo Kaplan Modern), Chappell Gallery, Alastair Crawford Contemporary and Charon Kransen Arts of New York City; Holsten Galleries of Stockbridge, Mass; del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles; William Zimmer Gallery, Mendocino, Calif; Bullseye Gallery, Portland, Ore; Blue Rain Gallery and Jane Sauer Gallery of Santa Fe, N.M.

16th SOFA CHICAGO 2009: Nov. 6 – 8, 2009
at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall
Opening Night Preview, Thursday, Nov. 5

THE INTERNATIONAL SCULPTURE OBJECTS & FUNCTIONAL ART FAIR

• 4401 NORTH RAVENSWOOD, #301, CHICAGO, IL 60640-5871
• phone 773.506.8860
• fax 773.345.0774
• SOFAEXPO.com

SOFA CHICAGO 2009 VIP Program and Special Exhibits

SOFA CHICAGO 2009 will again produce an exclusive VIP Program for upperlevel gallery clients and collector groups which includes visits to private collectors’ homes, as well as behind-the-scenes curator-led tours of museums and corporate collections.

Special Exhibits to be mounted by international arts organizations confirmed to-date include the Association of Israel’s Decorative Arts (AIDA), which two years ago presented the hugely popular Offering Reconciliation exhibit featured in the international press; the Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts; American Association of Woodturners; and BIGG: Breakthrough Ideas in Global Glass, presented by Ohio State University and Hawk Galleries.

Returning by popular demand is the Corning Museum of Glass’ Hot Glass Roadshow, a mobile glassblowing studio that will make on-going Fair presentations.

SOFA Lecture Series

The SOFA Lecture Series will again feature top museum curators, professional art advisors, artists, collectors, interior designers, critics and art market journalists who will share their
professional and personal experiences in the field.

Speakers to date include Janet Koplos, former senior editor, “Art in America,” and currently editor of “American Craft”; Italian artists Laura de Santillana, Barry Friedman, Ltd, and Andrea Salvador, Berengo Collection; ceramic artist Kurt Weiser, Ferrin Gallery; glass artists Giles Bettison, Jane Sauer Gallery and Vaclav Cigler, Litvak Gallery; and Chicago architect George Larsen discussing his recent trip to Iran with Persian carpet dealers Geoffrey Orley and Bahram Shabahang and more.

For a full list of lectures and lecture topics, visit sofaexpo.com.

SOFA National Design Committee

SOFA’s National Design Committee, co-chaired by prominent interior designers and architects John Barman, Holly Hunt, Amy Lau, Suzanne Lovell and Alison Spear, will again present an annual Designers Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 6, where designers and clients may preview the Fair before it opens to the public.

SOFA CHICAGO 2009 Opening Night Preview Gala

The SOFA CHICAGO 2009 Opening Night Preview Gala, much anticipated by collectors, museum curators, art advisors, interior designers and architects, artists and cognoscenti is scheduled for Thursday evening, Nov. 5.

More than 2,600 persons attended last year’s opening, which offered first viewing and the best selection of outstanding master works, as well as the opportunity to meet and mingle with leading members of the art and design communities.

The public is invited to enjoy, study and acquire top quality art examples at this Preview Gala from 7 to 9pm.

Tickets are $50 and may be purchased in advance at sofaexpo.com, or at the door.

About SOFA CHICAGO

SOFA CHICAGO is the longest continuously running art fair in Chicago, debuting at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in 1994, with 58 exhibitors and 14,000 people attending.

In 1995, SOFA CHICAGO moved to Festival Hall at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier.

Since then, this pioneering fair has grown steadily in the number of exhibitors, averaging approximately 100 galleries and dealers in recent years, and attendance has increased more than 100 percent.

A record 35,000 people attended SOFA CHICAGO in 2008 and the fair was marked by brisk sales to museums, art advisors, interior designers and architects as well as both seasoned and new collectors.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Matt Miller, 773-327-3830 Ext. 104
mattm@carolfoxassociates.com

SOFA Chicago 2009, the International Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Fair, Returns to Navy Pier Nov. 6-8 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Officials from Navy Pier today joined AeroBalloon to celebrate the launch of Chicago’s newest major attraction: the Navy Pier AeroBalloon™.

Chicago’s beautiful lakefront has long been the top regional destination, but now visitors and residents alike can take in spectacular panoramic views from 350 feet above Navy Pier.

The Navy Pier AeroBalloon™ is a state-of-the-art anchored, helium-filled balloon that can carry up to 18 passengers at a time to a height of 35 stories.

“With the launch of the AeroBalloon, the Midwest’s top tourist destination is getting even better. In addition to enjoying all the great activities and attractions on Navy Pier, visitors will now have a chance to see Navy Pier and Chicago from 350 feet in the air. We’re proud to make Navy Pier a place worth coming back to time and time again,” said Juan Ochoa, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.

“We’ve enjoyed giving people a chance to see venues around the country from a bird’s-eye view. But there are very few vistas that can compete with Chicago’s lakefront. The Navy Pier AeroBalloon will be an unforgettable experience for people who have a chance to ride,” said Doug Hase, president of AeroBalloon.

The Navy Pier AeroBalloon will fly daily through October 31, 2009 at Gateway Park, just south of the front entrance to Navy Pier. Riders are welcome from 8am to 10pm Monday through Thursday, and 8am to midnight Friday through Sunday. Each flight lasts approximately 8-10 minutes.

Tickets cost $25 for adults; and $15 for children (12 and under), seniors (65+), veterans and active military personnel. Reservations can be made for morning flights (8am – 10am) by calling (312) 2248827.

Flights during all other hours will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

AeroBalloon™ has been wowing crowds for years at sites throughout the U.S. with its safe, Americanmade balloons. For more information, visit navypier.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Abby Ottenhoff, 773-266-1884
Civic Entertainment Group
abby.ottenhoff@cegny.com

Delores Robinson, 312-595-5031
Navy Pier
drobinson@mpea.com

Navy Pier AeroBalloon Takes to the Sky, Public Can See Chicago’s Magnificent Skyline From 350 Feet Above Lakefront! | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The eight-horse Hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon at Navy Pier Wednesday, July 22, 2009 through Friday, July 24, 2009 from 3:30 to 6:30pm, Saturday, July 25, 2009 and Sunday, July 26, 2009, from 1 to 3pm. These “Gentle Giants,” as they are often referred to, will parade Dock Street and be available for photo opportunities.

The Clydesdales’ appearance in Chicago is one of 300 made annually by the five traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.

Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white stockings, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important, as hitch horses often meet millions of people each year.

A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.

Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian dog. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

Budweiser Clydesdale traveling hitches are based in St. Louis, MO, Menifee, CA, San Antonio, TX, San Diego, CA and Merrimack, NH. The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the following Anheuser-Busch breweries: St. Louis, MO, Merrimack, NH, and Ft. Collins, CO. Also Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, MO and at the following Anheuser-Busch Theme Parks: Busch Gardens Tampa, FL, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA, Sea World San Diego, CA, Sea World Orlando, FL and Sea World, TX.

A Chicago Landmark since 1909, Navy Pier has evolved from a freight and passenger ship docking facility to the #1 tourist attraction in the Midwest, drawing more than eight million visitors annually. Navy Pier currently encompasses more than fifty acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and exhibit facilities, making it a tourists and visitors entertainment hub. For more information, visit our web sit at navypier.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Delores Robinson, 312-595-5031
Assistant Director of Public Relations

World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales Coming to Chicago’s Navy Pier July 22-26 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

This special holiday weekend, come to celebrate our nation’s birthday at the Midwest’s #1 tourist and leisure destination, Navy Pier. Navy Pier has everything needed for a great holiday weekend: fantastic fireworks, delicious food, wonderful entertainment, exciting lakefront fireworks cruises, and many more fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages. Come to discover why Navy Pier is the best place to view the fireworks and spend the Fourth of July weekend.

A special, extended FIREWORKS SHOW will light up Lake Michigan’s shores at 9:00 p.m. on July 4th. Bring your family and friends to revisit some of America’s history making moments as it resonates in song to a heartfelt patriotic soundtrack. This is a show you don’t want to miss!

Fireworks aren’t the only reason to visit Navy Pier for an unforgettable 4th of July – Independence Day Celebration.

Here are some other exciting events and attractions which will take place during the Fourth of July weekend:

Outdoor Fun:

• Spectacular fireworks, July 4th at 9pm set to heartfelt patriotic soundtrack!
• Lakeview Rooftop Fireworks Viewing with Grilled Food and Cool Beverages available for purchase from 7-10pm.
• Visit Pier Park: Ferris wheel, carousal, mini golf, and wave swinger
• Enjoy the city: Segway tours, Double Decker Bus Tours, and Bike Chicago
• Satisfy your taste buds with food and cool treats on Dock Street

ENTERTAINMENT:

Family Pavilion Stage:

• The Buccaneers: Battle for the Booty; Saturday, July 4 at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm
• Patch & Pickle Pup TV; Saturday, July 4 at 11am, 12noon, 1pm

Dock Street Stage:

• David Kovac (Magic); Saturday, July 4 at 5:30pm, 7:30pm, 9pm
• Be the Groove (Dancing); Saturday, July 4 at 4:30pm, 6:30pm

Beer Garden Live Performances:

• Nicholas Barron Band (Blues/Soul); Saturday, July 4 at 2pm
• Lynne Jordan & The Shivers (Soul/R&B); Saturday, July 4 at 5pm
• PowerPlay (Soul/R&B); Saturday, July 4 at 8pm

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre:

• Aladdin; Saturday, July 4 at 11am, 2pm
• The Second City’s Rod Blagojevich Superstar; Saturday, July 4 at 3pm, 7pm, 9:30pm

Pepsi Skyline Stage:

• Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit; Saturday, July 4 at 4pm, 6pm, 8pm

IMAX: Open Saturday, July 4

• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; Saturday, July 4 at 9am, 12pm, 3pm,6pm, 9pm

Midnight Affinia Chicago Sun and Fun Package:

With the Fun in the Sun Package, guest can “Go A Little Overboard” with adventure at Navy Pier, the Midwest’s #1 Tourist Destination. Events and attractions that this jam-packed experience offers include:

• Four tickets to the IMAX Theatre
• Four tickets to ride the famous Navy Pier Ferris wheel
• Four tickets for the Carousel
• Four tickets for the Wave Swinger
• A round of Miniature Golf for four
• An official Navy Pier Coupon Book
• A Guided Tour to and from Navy Pier on Navy Pier Trolley (Saturdays only)
• And, a comfortable Affinia Chicago customized guestroom or suite

Pricing for this fully-loaded package begins at just $229 per night. Guest can book online at affinia.com or call 1-866-246-2203. Mention promotional code PIER.

About Navy Pier

A Chicago Landmark since 1909, Navy Pier has evolved from a freight and passenger ship docking facility to the #1 tourist attraction in the Midwest, drawing more than eight million visitors annually. Navy Pier currently encompasses more than fifty acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and exhibit facilities, making it a tourists and visitors entertainment hub. For more information, visit our Web site at navypier.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Delores Robinson, 312-595-5031
DRobinson@mpea.com

Enjoy Chicago’s Only 4th of July Fireworks, Entertainment and Family Activities at Navy Pier | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.