Taste of Chicago and fireworks 2007?

Travel Info
Did anyone go to either of those and enjoy themselves? I went to the taste today with some friends then walked down by the pier and chilled til the fireworks. I love going to these two events ever year but holy ... the food is EXPENSIVE and taking the metra sucks. I felt like the world was ending and everyone in Chicago was evacutaing to some unknown shelter as I was leaving, jeez. But of course, I'll be there next year.. oh well, I had fun?

Travel Tips

It's one of those things you have to do, regardless of the price. So much fun!
Others

I haven't gone to the taste yet, but the metra does suck, especially if theres drunk ppl on there or right after the gay pride parade, *rolls eyes*
I missed the Taste this year & viewed the fireworks from a different spot...Museum of Science & Industry. Not the same fanfare as by the Pier. I love it...despite the crowds..LOVE IT!
Yeah, it's one of those sort of things you sort of feel like you *should* do, even with the crowds. I live near the Museum Campus so for me it's relatively easy to walk down to the lake or the taste and walk back home - but I was really impressed with the traffic last night trying to exit Grant Park. Stretched for miles. I wouldn't have wanted to be in that.
I didn't go yet, but when I go I will be taking the metra, I live in Carpentersville. I haven't went in 6 or 7 years. So I don't know what changed.
I wonder on what days do they do the fireworks.