Cantigny adds picnic to French Connection celebration

This year, Cantigny Park's annual tribute to France begins a day early, with a festive French-themed evening combining food, wine, live music and stargazing.

French Picnic Under the Stars, a first-time event, is set for 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, on the Parade Field at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. The park's 23-foot Eiffel Tower will be illuminated, adding a touch of Paris, and Michel Domingue and Co. will entertain with Chicago-style jazz.

Members of the Naperville Astronomical Association will assist guests in viewing stars and planets through telescopes. If the sky is clear, it could be an ideal night to witness the Perseid Meteor Shower.

Inside the Visitors Center, guests can take in a presentation by astronomical association members about the rare total solar eclipse coming up on Monday, Aug. 21.

Complete French-themed picnics for two, prepared by Cantigny, feature artisanal meats, cheeses and flatbreads, with optional wine pairings from Gérard Bertrand. Pricing and ordering information are online at cantigny.org.

French Picnic guests will have Cantigny Park all to themselves. Special event admission applies at $15 per car or $12 for Cantigny members. For information about French Picnic Under the Stars, visit cantigny.org.

The traditional French Connection Day, now in its 10th year, will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.

A signature Cantigny event, French Connection Day commemorates an important chapter in the life of Col. Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny's benefactor. In 1918, at age 37, McCormick commanded an artillery unit in the Battle of Cantigny in France as a member of the U.S. Army's 1st Division. It was America's first significant victory in World War I.

Upon returning to Wheaton, McCormick renamed his estate after the tiny French village he and his fellow soldiers had helped liberate from German occupation.

In his will, McCormick, who died in 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 McCormick's 500-acre gift. Attractions and activities will include:

• French Open Air Market by Bensidoun USA

• Music by Traveler's Dream

• Can-can dancers

• Strolling mime, accordionist and vocalist

• French food at Le Jardin restaurant

• French yard game petanque, courtesy of Chicago Petanque Club

• Kids' craft: Create your own portrait; $3

• Storytime with Madeline

• Beer and wine garden

• 23-foot Eiffel Tower

French Connection Day is a free festival. Parking is $10 per vehicle.