DuPage County invites children to paint mural for nation’s 250th

DuPage County is offering children a chance to leave their mark on a mural celebrating the nation's 250th birthday.

The mural, featuring the American flag and a large 250, will be at the DuPage County Fair next week. Children are invited to help paint it from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 24.

“We wanted to add a youth component to our countywide celebration of our nation’s anniversary that would allow kids of all ages to express themselves and have fun,” said DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy, who is also an artist. “Young artists can leave their personal stamp on our canvas as we mark America’s 250th birthday together.”

The mural will feature an American flag with a line that reads “DuPage County Celebrates 250.”

Conroy is leading the project with PowerForward DuPage Executive Director Karyn Charvat.

The 250 on the mural will be “big and bold” so it can be filled with children’s yellow painted handprints, said Conroy, who created the mural with supplies donated by IBEW Local 701 and PowerForward DuPage in Warrenville.

“We’re proud to support this inclusive family activity at the DuPage County Fair,” said Frank Gravina, business manager of IBEW Local 701. “We hope children, teens and young adults will enjoy doing a little painting while they check out the rides and the Fair food.”

Conroy said several groups, including summer camps, have already signed up to help paint the mural, but children can still show up on the day of the event to paint. Supplies will be provided.

She added that the mural will remain at the fairgrounds after it is completed.

The DuPage County Fair runs from Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26. For more information about the fair, including group registration and discounted rates, visit dupagecountyfair.org. The fairgrounds are at 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton.