By Emily Clott, Class of 2012
On the cold and windy evening of November 7, Chicago’s First Lady Cruise Lines hosted CAC River Docents and CAC and CFL staffs at a party aboard the Classic Lady. We celebrated the 25th anniversary of a match that was made perhaps not in heaven, but even better, in the waters of the Chicago River. Holly and Bob Agra, owners of CFL Cruise Lines, led us in a toast to mark 25 years of this very successful partnership.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet of Italian culinary delights were served while a jazz combo serenaded us. The boat left the dock passing through the lock for a cruise on Lake Michigan, then down the main stem of the river. Docents who climbed up to the deck to enjoy the views could go below deck if they got cold, enjoying their temporary status as guests the way our passengers do on cruises where docents are subject to the elements, be they pleasant or not.
River docents commented that they look forward all year to this gathering, since there aren’t many chances for us to chat with our colleagues aside from a quick hello as one docent disembarks and the next one boards. We are most grateful to the Agras for recognizing our contribution to the success of the River Cruise, and look forward to the next 25 years of rolling down the River together.