Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo - The 30th Annual Whirl Gala - Saturday, April 16, 2011

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For the seventh consecutive year, HDO Productions is providing the tenting equipment for Brookfield Zoo’s 30^th Annual Whirl Gala – the Zoo’s largest fundraiser with proceeds helping the Chicago Zoological continue its excellence in animal care and well-being.  The Whirl is attended by over 700 corporate and civic leaders and is a highlight of the spring social calendar.  This year’s Whirl includes the use of one of one of our more unique tents – the 5,000 square foot Parawing tent.  The Parawing’s silhouette is the basis for our logo and will provide a truly unique environment for this year’s guests – first for cocktails; then as a lounge tent for the after dinner crowd.

This year’s event, Whirl on the Shimmering Seas, will celebrate the Seven Seas exhibit and the Zoo’s commitment to conservation and highlight the zoo’s resident dolphins.  Guests will be bused back and forth from the main tenting compound in the Discovery Center parking lot to the Seven Seas exhibit where a satellite cocktail tent will be tied into the exhibit so attendees can view the dolphins at play in the dolphinarium.  The Brookfield Zoo has a storied history when it comes to dolphins.  On August 1, 1961, the Chicago Zoological Society opened the nation’s first inland dolphinarium at Brookfield Zoo, featuring dolphins—Vicki, Maggie, Power, and Tommy—who became overnight sensations. 50 years later, the Chicago Zoological Society continues to be a leader in dolphin care and research, managing the Dolphin Conservation and Research Institute.

April 16 will be here before we know it, so HDO needs to get busy.  We begin installing almost 40,000 square feet of tenting beginning next week on Monday, April 4^th.  Much of the tenting will be floored and carpeted with plenty of heaters on hand should Chicago’s spring prove to be chilly.

Is spring really in the air?