Free Family Fun Fair in Elmhurst celebrates amusement parks July 12
Amusement parks have a way of conjuring up vivid summertime memories: the smell of cotton candy and popcorn in the warm summer air, the whirling of the rides, ticket booths and carnival games on the midway, and streams of people soaking it all in. They're all part of the classic Chicago summer experience of visiting a favorite local amusement park like Kiddieland, Dispensa's Kiddie Kingdom and Santa's Village.
Elmhurst History Museum is celebrating summer and the old-school amusement park experience with a free Family Fun Fair from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 12, on the museum grounds, 120 E. Park Ave. General admission is free, and limited free parking is available.
Pack a picnic dinner and round up the kids and neighbors for an evening of old-fashioned fun for all ages.
Planned activities at the Family Fun Fair include:
• Children can ride a trackless train and mini-Ferris wheel.
• Play carnival games including Kiddieland Kats, ring toss, go fish, shooting gallery, football frenzy and more.
• Make an amusement park-themed craft and try out marble roller coaster runs at activity stations.
• Live music provided by the talented and energetic house band from School of Rock.
• Take aim at the dunk tank.
• Balloon twisting artist on site.
• Enjoy complimentary popcorn and cotton candy while supplies last.
• Ice cream for sale by Kilwin's.
The Family Fun Fair is presented in connection with the Elmhurst History Museum's current exhibit, "Worlds of Wonder: Remembering Chicagoland's Amusement Parks," which is open through Aug. 18.
Guests will have after-hours access to the exhibit inside the Glos Mansion during the event.
The exhibit recalls many of the area's favorite destinations for thrills and excitement - from the first Ferris wheel at the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition to the Bobs at Riverview - and features many engaging interactive displays and artifacts.
The exhibit is sponsored by Classic Cinemas/York Theatre, Suburban Bank & Trust and The Marke of Elmhurst by Opus.
General admission is free, and limited free parking is available. For the latest exhibit and program information, call (630) 833-1457 or visit www.elmhursthistory.org.
Follow www.facebook.com/elmhursthistorymuseum/, twitter.com/ElmhurstHist or www.instagram.com/elmhursthistory/.
The Elmhurst History Museum is a department of the City of Elmhurst supported by the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.