Exelon Corp Unveils Exciting Summer Kickoff Event with ComEd and Chicago Park District
1. ComEd and Chicago Park District Team Up for “Switch on Summer”
Exelon Corporation's subsidiary, ComEd, is set to ignite the summer spirit in Chicago with its annual Switch on Summer event. Scheduled for May 10, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this free event will take place at Grant Park, where the historic Buckingham Fountain will be ceremoniously switched on, marking the beginning of the summer season. This marks the eleventh consecutive year the utility company has partnered with the Chicago Park District for this much-anticipated celebration.
2. A Family-Friendly Celebration
The event promises a vibrant lineup of activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages. Alongside the ceremonial lighting of the fountain, visitors can look forward to previews of the Park District’s Night Out in the Parks summer series, which features a variety of family-friendly performances. Among the acts scheduled to entertain are the NAJWA Dance Corps, Jabberwocky Marionettes, and Cielito Lindo Family Mariachi, ensuring that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
3. Sweepstakes Opportunity for Residents
In a unique twist, ComEd is inviting residents of northern Illinois to enter a sweepstakes for the chance to be selected to switch on Buckingham Fountain during the event. Interested participants must submit their entries by 11:59 p.m. CT on April 18, 2025. This interactive element not only engages the community but also enhances the festive atmosphere expected at the event.
4. ComEd's Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Gil Quiniones, ComEd President and CEO, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “Summers in Chicago are glorious – but the season doesn’t start until water is flowing through Buckingham Fountain.” He emphasized the opportunity for residents to gather around this iconic landmark while also accessing valuable resources on energy efficiency and bill assistance through ComEd’s new assistance website.
5. A Symbol of Chicago's Summer Spirit
The historic Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, a major attraction for both locals and tourists, serves as a stunning backdrop for summer festivities along Chicago’s lakefront. Chicago Park District CEO & General Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa articulated the excitement surrounding the event, particularly as it marks his first summer in the role. He remarked, “This event serves as a symbol for all the fun and joy that comes along with summer in Chicago and is a celebration of our longstanding partnership with ComEd.”
6. Night Out in the Parks Series
The Night Out in the Parks series, which is part of the summer celebrations, is designed to make the arts accessible to all Chicagoans. This initiative will feature a diverse array of events, including outdoor movies, dance performances, and theater productions, reaching all 77 community areas across 250 parks in the city.
7. Conclusion
As Chicago gears up for another vibrant summer, the Switch on Summer event promises to be a fantastic kickoff, bringing community members together to celebrate the season while promoting energy conservation and efficiency. For the latest updates on the event and to enter the sweepstakes, residents can visit ComEd.com/SwitchOnSummer.
Exelon Corporation continues to demonstrate its commitment to community engagement and sustainability through initiatives like this, further solidifying its role as a leader in the energy sector while enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves.