Cantigny celebrates French Connection Day
From wine tasting to can-can dancers, area residents can enjoy the culture of France at Cantigny Park's French Connection Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.
Deputy Consul General Francois Pellerin from the French Consulate in Chicago will open the festival at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting. He will address visitors with brief remarks from the entertainment stage at 11:30 a.m. Throughout the day, the French Consulate will host an information booth focused on A La Carte, a week of French culinary opportunities happening this November in Chicago.
French Connection Day at Cantigny commemorates an important chapter in the life of Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny's benefactor. In 1918, at age 37, Col. McCormick commanded an artillery unit in the Battle of Cantigny in France as a member of the U.S. Army's First Division. It was America's first significant victory in World War I.
Upon returning to Wheaton, the colonel renamed his estate after the tiny French village that he and his fellow soldiers helped liberate from German occupation.
In his will, McCormick (1880-1955) established Cantigny "as a public park and museum for the recreation, instruction and welfare of the people of the State of Illinois."
French Connection Day is a prime opportunity for families to enjoy the colonel's extraordinary 500-acre gift. Attractions and activities will include:
• French open air market presented by Bensidoun;
• 23-foot Eiffel Tower replica;
• French music by Claudia Hommel and accordionist Patricia Spaeth;
• Wine tasting and French food at Le Jardin restaurant;
• French yard game pétanque (courtesy of Chicago Pétanque Club);
• Street performers, including mimes and can-can dancers;
• Kids' art project and storytime with Madeline.
Admission is free. Parking is $5 per vehicle (complimentary for Cantigny members). For details, visit www.cantigny.org.
If you go
What: French Connection Day
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: Free admission with $5 parking
Info: www.cantigny.org