CANTIGNY PARK CELEBRATES FRANCE AUGUST 11-12 |
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July 27, 2018
CANTIGNY PARK CELEBRATES FRANCE AUGUST 11-12
CANTIGNY PARK CELEBRATES FRANCE AUGUST 11-12
French Picnic Under the Stars proceeds Annual French Connection Day
WHEATON, IL, July 26, 2018 — Cantigny will celebrate French culture—and the park’s special connection with France—at upcoming back-to-back events: Saturday, August 11, 6 to 11 pm
Guests will have Cantigny Park all to themselves for an evening of food, wine, live music and stargazing. An illuminated 23-foot Eiffel Tower replica will add a festive touch of Paris while picnickers enjoy cabaret and popular music by Chicago Elite Orchestra (6:30-8:30). Take home a memory from silhouette artist Cassidy Alexander, too! As darkness falls, members of the Naperville Astronomical Association and Chicago Astronomical Society will assist guests in viewing stars and planets through telescopes. At 7:30, enjoy a presentation on constellations in the Cantigny Theater.
Special event admission applies: $15 per car or $12 for Cantigny members. French-themed picnics for two are available for preorder (wine optional). Pricing and ordering information is online at Cantigny.org. Sunday, August 12, 10 am to 4 pm
One of the park’s signature events is back for an 11th year. Attractions and activities include:
The French theme commemorates an important chapter in the life of Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny’s benefactor. In 1918, at age 37, Colonel 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.”
Cantigny Park is open every day this summer from 7 am to dusk.
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About Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundations, is the 500-acre Wheaton estate of Col. Robert R. McCormick. It is home to the McCormick House, the fully renovated First Division Museum, newly redesigned formal gardens, picnic grounds, walking trails, and a remodeled Visitors Center with banquet and dining facilities. More information, including hours, directions, and upcoming events, is online at Cantigny.org. Cantigny Golf, adjacent to the park, features a 27-hole championship golf course, clubhouse with banquet and dining rooms, Cantigny Golf Academy, and the 9-hole Cantigny Youth Links. For more information, visit CantignyGolf.com.
French Picnic Under the Stars proceeds Annual French Connection Day
WHEATON, IL, July 26, 2018 — Cantigny will celebrate French culture—and the park’s special connection with France—at upcoming back-to-back events: Saturday, August 11, 6 to 11 pm
Guests will have Cantigny Park all to themselves for an evening of food, wine, live music and stargazing. An illuminated 23-foot Eiffel Tower replica will add a festive touch of Paris while picnickers enjoy cabaret and popular music by Chicago Elite Orchestra (6:30-8:30). Take home a memory from silhouette artist Cassidy Alexander, too! As darkness falls, members of the Naperville Astronomical Association and Chicago Astronomical Society will assist guests in viewing stars and planets through telescopes. At 7:30, enjoy a presentation on constellations in the Cantigny Theater.
Special event admission applies: $15 per car or $12 for Cantigny members. French-themed picnics for two are available for preorder (wine optional). Pricing and ordering information is online at Cantigny.org. Sunday, August 12, 10 am to 4 pm
One of the park’s signature events is back for an 11th year. Attractions and activities include:
- French Market by Bensidoun USA
- Music by Traveler’s Dream
- Can-Can dancers
- Strolling mime, accordionist and vocalist
- French yard game pétanque (courtesy of Chicago Pétanque Club)
- Kids’ craft project
- French treats at Bertie’s Bistro
- Beer and wine garden
- 23-foot Eiffel Tower – the perfect photo opp!
The French theme commemorates an important chapter in the life of Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny’s benefactor. In 1918, at age 37, Colonel 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.”
Cantigny Park is open every day this summer from 7 am to dusk.
###
About Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundations, is the 500-acre Wheaton estate of Col. Robert R. McCormick. It is home to the McCormick House, the fully renovated First Division Museum, newly redesigned formal gardens, picnic grounds, walking trails, and a remodeled Visitors Center with banquet and dining facilities. More information, including hours, directions, and upcoming events, is online at Cantigny.org. Cantigny Golf, adjacent to the park, features a 27-hole championship golf course, clubhouse with banquet and dining rooms, Cantigny Golf Academy, and the 9-hole Cantigny Youth Links. For more information, visit CantignyGolf.com.
