Sun sets on another Naper Days

As 5-year-old Joey Ryan sat perched atop his father's shoulders, his ice cream-smeared grin left little doubt the Naperville tot was having a great time.

From below, his dad seemed pretty content, too, even if the golf enthusiast was missing the U.S. Open.

"It's a great way to spend Father's Day," Ryan Sr. said. "The weather's holding out nicely and there's lots to do. I can watch it later, just as long as no one tells me what happened."

The father-son duo were among thousands Sunday enjoying the final hours of Naper Days, a three-day festival held on the grounds of a 19th-century museum that pays homage to local history and founder Joe Naper.

The annual party is a fundraiser for the Naperville Heritage Society. Last year, it netted about $125,000. Organizers expected even larger crowds this year. An estimated 150 volunteers helped make the event a success.

Naper Days is smaller than the city's other two summer parties -- the July 4th Ribfest or the Labor Day Last Fling. But folks such as Lisa Mueller and her three young daughters look forward to it each summer. They rode the trolley, checked out baby goats, sheep and chicks at the petting zoo, and were on their way to the arts and crafts projects.

"I actually prefer this fest most of all," the Naperville woman said. "It's very family-oriented and has a lot for the kids to enjoy. It's just a real nice day."

Naper Days packs a big punch in terms of entertainment, food and family fun. This year's big attraction was the band the Gin Blossoms, which played Saturday. And teen bands hit the stage during a showcase of young talent.

Visitors on Father's Day also checked out the blue-ribbon baking competition, which featured about 40 entrees, including many young participants, such as 14-year-old Megan Schnick's lemon bars and 15-year-old Shannon McClure's cookies.

Food lovers also weren't disappointed. One dozen local vendors offered their cuisines. Traditional foods such as fried elephant ears, ice cream, corn on the cob and homemade lemonade were popular with the crowd.