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CHICAGO — Navy Pier will celebrate the City of Chicago lifting its face mask requirement by giving free rides on the iconic Centennial Wheel to guests who flash their long-hidden smiles from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28. Each participating guest at the Smile to Ride event will receive a free souvenir photo of their smiling face, provided by Photogenic Inc. Those happy faces will then be displayed in rotation on the hub of the Centennial Wheel in March.
“The lifting of the COVID mandates, which helped keep us safe for so long, is worthy of a big smile,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “We could all use a smile, so Navy Pier is encouraging guests to show off their toothy grins, sly smirks, and all-out ear-to-ears for the entire city to see.”
“Being able to safely lift COVID-19 mandates and take a ride on the famous Centennial Wheel is certainly something to smile about,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “I thank President and CEO Gardner and her team for taking initiative and helping to bring some joy to residents and visitors alike. I also look forward to seeing Navy Pier’s attractions, restaurants and businesses be patronized by visitors once more.”
Guests will be required to sign a photo release granting Navy Pier permission to use their photo on the hub of the Centennial Wheel and other screens at Navy Pier.
Additionally, guests will no longer have to show proof of vaccination to dine or drink indoors at Navy Pier, effective Feb. 28.
City officials this week announced that Chicago will align with the State of Illinois’ previously announced easing of restrictions. Navy Pier has strictly adhered to the City’s COVID safety mandates and will continue to do so should the need arise. Individual businesses on the Pier may still require such mitigations. Navy Pier will be supportive of visitors and employees who choose to continue wearing masks.
All events subject to change or cancellation.
To learn more about Navy Pier’s COVID protocols, click here.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NAVY PIER PRESS KIT, INCLUDING B-ROLL, PHOTOS AND LOGO.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more.
The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.