Chicago Blackhawks fans from the city and surrounding area turned out in droves on a steamy Friday morning to cheer the 2013 Stanley Cup victors on during their 30-minute long parade through downtown and a subsequent victory rally in Grant Park.
Story continues below
Up Close At The 2013 Blackhawks Victory Rally
All photos by Joshua Mellin for Huffington Post Chicago
Reports of fans camping out for a space at the 11 a..m rally in Grant Park's Hutchinson Field came in as early as 6:30 a.m., while ABC Chicago said some celebrants even camped out overnight.
More photos of Blackhawks victory parade
Blackhawks Parade & Rally In Chicago 2013
Despite high sprits, confetti cannons and lots of cheers, the celebration had some dangerous moments as well. Just before 10:30 a.m. NBC Chicago's Mary Ann Ahern tweeted a photo of a man getting arrested near City Hall indicating he had two loaded guns.
As of 1 p.m., the Chicago Fire Department said 92 patients were treated for heat exhaustion and heat-related issues at the event, 42 of which resulted in hospital transport.
Officials have yet to release attendance estimates — early predictions were set around two million — but based on visual estimates, it's safe to say the fete was packed:
Adding to an already memorable day was the speech given by Hawks goaltender Corey Crawford: After Patrick Kane presented Crawford with the title belt — given to the team's best postseason player — Crawford launched into a charming, f-bomb-laden speech while marveling at the sight of the Hawks fans (Warning: some NSFW language):