Mypartner and I saw a shorter version of waterfire in September of 2003. Just brilliant - incredible combination of music, light, heat, people, artists - the place was hopping yet serene. The walks along the river, under the low, elegant bridges glowing with candlelit chandeliers is such a surreal, romantic experience. While cliched, it does remind me of Venice, especially the gondolas which ply the water with tourists, and the black clad volunteers in their dark boats, slowly stoking the fires. I hope the images stoke your heart and imagination if you go. Word of warning - if you want to have dinner or cocktails at a restaurant on the river, book well in advance as they were packed the night we went. It appears that large corporate groups take over many of these establishments during waterfire. The city would do well do either build more restaurants with views, or limit the corporate takeovers of these places on the nights of waterfire.