French Connection Day honors Cantigny founder’s history
For those who dream of popping the question in the most romantic place on earth but can’t quite swing it, Cantigny Park has something for you.
It’s the sights, sounds and flavors of the City of Love. It’s Paris, France, on a Cantigny Park budget: free.
Creating romance isn’t really the intention of the park’s annual French Connection Day, organizers say. But if someone feels moved while at the foot of the event’s 23-foot Eiffel Tower replica — that may or may not be the perfect backdrop for a proposal (wink, wink) — well, that would be exciting.
French Connection Day — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 — began as a way to honor a chapter in the life of Cantigny founder Col. Robert R. McCormick, who helped liberate Cantigny, France, during World War I. He was so moved by the event that he returned and renamed his Wheaton estate after the experience. Later, in his will, he left the 500-acre estate to become a public park and museum.
On Sunday, people will honor that connection with a day of all things French.
“I haven’t heard of anyone proposing, but that would be pretty cool,” said Laura Evans, director of visitor services. “It may have happened. It’s very popular in Paris.”
See? Other people agree. Nudge, nudge.
This side of France, it doesn’t get much more French than the French Connection.
“It’s kind of like a little mini-Paris, only not quite as crowded,” Evans said.
Appreciate the park’s natural beauty while tasting crepes or sampling beer and wine in the beer garden.
Visitors can listen to music by Travelers Dream and wander through the open-air French market. Or they can stop by Le Jardin restaurant for a French meal.
People can play the French yard game Petanque or interact with the French street performers such as a caricaturist, a mime, a stilt walker and face-painters. Or they can stop to view hot air balloon demonstrations or listen to the children’s story “Madeline.”
And, of course, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to drop to a knee at the base of the Eiffel Tower and ask that one important question — if one feels so inclined, that is.
No pressure or anything.
Wedding talk aside, Evans said it’s a relaxed event for people of all ages.
“It’s just a nice, enjoyable day,” Evans said. “Come out and enjoy the activities with friends and family.”
Admission is free with the cost of parking, which is $2 before 10 a.m. and $5 after. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, is open 7 a.m. to sunset.
If you go
What: French Connection Day
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free admission with the cost of parking
Info: (630) 668-5161 or cantigny.org