Celebrate an 1890s July 4 at Kline Creek Farm

Enjoy Independence Day the 1890s way at "Celebrating the Fourth" from 1:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at Kline Creek Farm, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's living-history farm at 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

"This time-honored tradition provides visitors with a pleasant retreat to a bygone era and a truly unique and memorable way to celebrate our nation's birthday," forest preserve Commissioner Al Murphy said.

Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the excitement of one of the country's first holidays by playing hoops and graces and other 1890s outdoor games, touring the historic farmhouse, joining a casual game of baseball, making a patriotic craft project, churning ice cream for an ice cream social, and watching celebratory model hot-air balloon launches.

At 6 p.m., costumed interpreters will present a Fourth of July ceremony featuring patriotic songs and a reading the Declaration of Independence, followed by an ice cream social at 7 p.m. There also will be horse-drawn wagon rides at 5:30, 6:15 and 7 p.m.

Admission to "Celebrating the Fourth" is free, but wagon rides cost $5 per person for ages 5 and older. Adults must accompany children younger than 13 on all rides. Registration is not required.

For details, call (630) 876-5900.