Trades Day features trades of the past, present and future
There's quite a buzz about this year's Trades Day that will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26 at Naper Settlement in Naperville. That's because Dr. Ed Bell of Belfry Bees & Honey will be talking about beekeeping.
He is among the tradespeople, who will be demonstrating trades of the past and present, including a fiber artist, woodcarvers, a wool spinner, lace makers, quilters, a blacksmith, a farrier and an organic farmer and chef, who will demonstrate food preservation. Guests can also help operate the 1874 Joe Naper Pumper, Naperville's first piece of firefighting equipment; get a shave from Bert the Barber; try churning butter; and hear a musical performance by local recording artist and composer Kevin Presbrey. There will be "try-it" stations for typesetting and rope making.
"Guests can expect to see live bees in a safe observation hive where they are able to identify the three kinds of bees: worker, drone and queen," Bell said. "They will have an opportunity to touch and feel and examine parts of the hive as well as the honeycomb that the bees make, the real beeswax and see what amazing architects the bees are at creating perfect hexagons."
A highlight of the presentation is when visitors have an opportunity to try on real beekeeping gear for a photo opportunity.
"There are a lot of misconceptions about honeybees, from the color of honeybees to how dangerous they are," he said. "I try to dispel some myths, and of course, I will have honey to sell, too."
Young guests can take the "Become an Apprentice Challenge." Pick up an apprentice's duties at the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center welcome table, answer three questions about one of the trades, take part in an activity and take a photo at the photo booth. All apprentices will receive a certificate and prize for completing their apprenticeship.
Invite friends and family to participate in the "Funniest Family and Friends Photo Contest." Guests are invited to use the props and costumes at the photo booth to take a fun photo. Post your funniest photo to Naper Settlement's Twitter or Instagram account for a chance to win tickets to the August Naper Nights concert.
It's also a Settlement Sunday with free ice cream sundaes, provided by Culver's, which will be available to the first 250 visitors. Admission to Trades Day is $12 adults, $10 seniors 62+ and $8 youth 4-12. Children 3 and under, members and Naperville residents are free. For more information, visit www.napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.
About Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society
Naper Settlement is a nationally accredited, award-winning outdoor museum set on 12 magnificent acres in the heart of Naperville. Our grounds are where history comes to play and community comes to connect. With a commitment to the community and a focus to the future, the mission of the Naperville Heritage Society, administrator of Naper Settlement, is to collect, document, preserve and support the history of Naperville, Illinois, past and present. For more information, visit www.napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.