Naper Settlement offers Trades Day
What's the buzz at Naper Settlement? Ed Bell of Belfry Bees and Honey will be talking about beekeeping at this year's Trades Day.
He is among the tradespeople who will demonstrate trades of the past and present from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at the settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. The tradespeople include 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 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.
Bell aims to teach visitors about how bees live and work.
"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," Bell 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." Accept 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. Share your funniest photo with Naper Settlement on Twitter or Instagram for a chance to win tickets to the August Naper Nights concert.
It's also a Settlement Sunday with free ice cream sundaes for the first 250 visitors.
Admission to Trades Day is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 and older, and $8 for ages 4 to 12. Children 3 and younger, members and Naperville residents are admitted free. For information, visit napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.
If you go
What: Trades Day
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Cost: $12 adults; $10 seniors 62 and older; $8 ages 4 to 12; free for children 3 and younger, members and Naperville residents
Info: napersettlement.org or (630) 420-6010