Historical twist offered at Cantigny celebration
Sandwiched between a morning of parades and an evening of fireworks this Fourth of July, Cantigny Park in Wheaton is giving festival-goers the opportunity to reflect on the historical aspect of the holiday while still having fun.
Cantigny's annual July 4 celebration will be packed with patriotic sights, sounds and activities for the entire family, organizers said. Events and parking are free on that day.
"It's is a nice way to spend a family afternoon together on the holiday," said Laura Evans, Cantigny's director of visitors services. "We've got a lot of great things planned this year."
From noon to 3 p.m., the Cantigny parade field will feature inflatables, sack races and other games for kids. Children can get an American flag tattoo, ring a replica of the Liberty Bell and sign a faux Declaration of Independence. Revolutionary War re-enactors will be doing cannon demonstrations throughout the day.
The 500-acre park includes several gardens and a large public picnic area with a playground. Both of Cantigny's historical museums - the Robert R. McCormick Museum and the First Division Museum - will offer free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 4.
Starting at noon, the Robert R. McCormick Museum will host children's activities on the south porch.
Then at 3 p.m., the Southwest Community Concert Band will perform a patriotic concert in front of the First Division Museum.
"They are definitely a fan favorite," Evans said, adding that guests are advised to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Evans said visitors also are welcome to bring their own picnics, though food will be available to purchase. The park's restaurant, Le Jardin, will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Bertie's Coffee Shop will sell ice cream, snacks and coffee drinks from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
With so much happening at Cantigny on July 4, Evans said organizers are expecting a large turnout.
"Whatever people decide to do on that day," she said, "we just hope that they come to Cantigny."
Cantigny Park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk daily during the summer. A complete schedule of concerts and events is available at cantigny.org.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Cantigny Park's Fourth of July celebration</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> Activities start at noon; concert at 3 p.m.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Free parking, museum admission and activities</p>
<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 668-5161 or <a href="http://cantigny.org" target="new">cantigny.org</a></p>