Local USA birthday observance hearkens back to Hinsdale's own beginnings
Hinsdale's annual Independence Day parade, beginning at 10 a.m. July 4 and marching through the central business district, will feature some special participants this year in observance of the village's 150th anniversary. (file photos)
The Independence Day parade in Hinsdale is almost as old as the village itself.
As Timothy Bakken recounts in his book "Hinsdale," a Chicago newspaper chronicled an assembly in town on July 4, 1874, that began at the train station - then west of Washington Street - and proceeded to Alfred Walker's grove near Elm and Hickory streets. There they heard remarks from the first village president, Joel Tiffany, and Rev. P. Cossitt on patriotism and civic duty.
"This was all 'interspersed with stirring music from the Hinsdale band' and then capped by a baseball contest between Brush Hill and Hinsdale boys, 'in which Brush Hill got beaten'," writes Bakken, quoting the article.
A century and half later, Hinsdaleans will gather again to celebrate the nation with the annual parade on Tuesday, July 4. stepping off at 10 a.m. at Sixth and Garfield streets and proceeding north on Garfield, west down First Street to Grant Street, then south on Grant to finish at Sixth.
Among the many participating groups this year will a special entry from the Hinsdale Historical Society, marking the village's 150th anniversary with a tribute to one of the community's most notable native daughters, dancing pioneer Loie Fuller.
Katharine Andrews, society manager, said several participants will depict the one-time international star as they ride in a vintage car.
"A few kids will be dressed up as little mini-Loie Fullers, and I will be dressed up as Loie Fuller," Andrews said, noting that Fuller is actually a distant cousin, and she can detect some family resemblance. "I've been working on making a Loie Fuller costume."
Following the parade, head over to Burlington Park for the annual craft fair that opens at 10 a.m. Visitors can browse and shop among dozens of vendors offering their unique handmade arts and crafts.
Free family activities and entertainment will also be available, along with food vendors selling tasty treats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair ends at 4 p.m.
Visit http://www.villageofhinsdale.org for details.
Here are some other events worth checking out this holiday weekend.
Picnic vintage style
Bring a picnic to Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago, between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, for Picnicking for the Glorious Fourth. Enjoy the farm's lovely surroundings while celebrating the nation's oldest holiday with a historical picnicking display. Visitors can help make a special dairy treat using ice from the ice house, learn about period music, play historical games and watch model hot-air balloon launches, too.
Reservations are not required. Visit http://www.dupageforest.org or call (630) 876-5900 for more information.
Add flavor to the Fourth
Enjoy a special evening of food from selected Oak Brook restaurants and a spectacular closing fireworks display at Taste of Oak Brook from 4 to 10 p.m.
Monday, July 3.
The festival will be held on the Oak Brook Polo Fields at 700 Oak Brook Road and will feature culinary offerings from traditional participants with some new vendors as well.
The band Sixteen Candles will transport audiences back to the vibrant '80s with a musical performance, and an Alter Brewing Co. beer garden tent will be located next to the stage.
Gates open at 3 p.m. On-site parking is $20; pre-paid premium parking ($30 or $50) is available in advance.
Beer, wine, sangria, water and soda will be available for purchase; outside alcohol is not allowed. The fireworks display will begin at about 9:30 p.m.
Visit http://www.oak-brook.org/375/Taste-of-Oak-Brook for more information.
Strike up the band
The Southwest Community Concert Band will perform patriotic songs and Americana favorites from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, in the First Division Museum Military Plaza at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.
The celebration will include a special salute to the American Flag and U.S. armed forces, past and present. Seating for the concert is on the lawn; chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome. Concessions will be available for purchase; pets and alcohol are not permitted. Admission to the concert is free, parking is $10.
Visit http://www.cantigny.org for details.
Light up the sky
Experience Westmont's annual Independence Day Celebration and fireworks display from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Ty Warner Park, 800 N. Blackhawk Drive.
The celebration will feature 10 food trucks, concessions, games, beer and live music in the lead up to the a double display fireworks presentation, which start at about 9:30 p.m.
Parking is available at Westmont High School, 909 Oakwood Drive; Westmont Junior High, 944 Oakwood Drive; and at the FMC Natatorium, 275 Plaza Drive.
Visit http://www.westmont-parks.org for more information.
