Cantigny mixes history with July 4 celebration
While the historical aspect of Independence Day is often lost in a sea of festivals, fireworks and food, one event is embracing the holiday as an opportunity to both remember the past and have some fun.
The annual July 4 celebration at Cantigny Park in Wheaton will be packed with patriotic activities aimed at the entire family.
"This is different from the typical community Fourth of July," said Laura Evans, Cantigny's director of visitors services. "It's really a great opportunity to come out to Cantigny and enjoy everything it has to offer."
The 500-acre estate includes several gardens, picnic areas, hiking paths and two historical museums.
The Robert R. McCormick Museum was built in the late 1800s, and is the former home of Joseph Medill, one of the Chicago Tribune's first editors, and Col. Robert R. McCormick, a former Tribune publisher.
The First Division Museum pays tribute to the United States Army's First Division, which McCormick served in during World War I.
Evans said both museums will be free to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4.
"In addition to enjoying our special activities, we encourage guests to tour our museums," she said. "There are interactive elements and there's something fun for everyone."
From noon to 3 p.m., children can pay tribute to their country on the Parade Field by ringing a replica of the Liberty Bell or signing a faux Declaration of Independence. Inflatables, American flag tattoos, sack races and other games will be available for kids.
Both children and adults will have the opportunity to participate in a Revolutionary War re-enactment at 2 p.m. Members of the Northwest Territory Alliance will march through the estate.
"This is not your traditional parade," Evans said. "We're doing something different this year, making it more interactive and educational for guests."
Guests are encouraged to decorate tricycles, scooters and strollers for the march.
After the parade, the Southwest Community Concert Band will perform a patriotic concert in front of the First Division Museum. Organizers are advising guests to bring blankets to stake out lawn space early because the band was a hit at last year's event.
Food and beverages will be for sale near the Parade Field. The park's restaurant, Le Jardin, will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and Bertie's Coffee Shop will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests also may bring their own picnics.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Cantigny Park 4th of July Celebration</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> Activities begin at noon; Revolutionary War re-enactment parade at 2 p.m.; concert at 3 p.m.</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road</p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Parking, museum admission and activities are free</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 668-5161 or <a href="http://www.cantignypark.com" target="new">www.cantignypark.com</a></p>