Families flock to Burlington Park to enjoy s picnic and a special outdoor performance
Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans entertained a young but enthusiastic crowd at Burlington Park on July 17. Attending the Lunch on the Lawn concert were John Gialousakis and son P.J., as well as Hinsdale newcomers Adam and Linda Yin and their son, Henry. Nanny Hannah Pjesky treated her charge, Wesley Cockroft, to an afternoon of music and fun. (Photos for The Hinsdalean by Kennedy Hannah)
There were plenty of picnic blankets and kid-friendly snacks at Burlington Park on July 17, but the village's Lunch on the Lawn event wasn't just about enjoying a mid-day meal. Lunch on the Lawn is all about the entertainment.
Sandwiched between the Memorial Building and the railroad tracks, Burlington Park is among performer Jeanie Bonansinga's favorite places to perform.
"I love the setting because the park has so much variety in the areas that people can enjoy," said Bonansinga, who performed as Jeanie B. in the second of three children's concerts offered this summer by the Village of Hinsdale and the Hinsdale Public Library.
Lunch on the Lawn is an annual series intended to draw Hinsdale's youngest residents and neighbors out for an afternoon of free entertainment in the heart of Hinsdale. At just 5 months old, Grace Casey has already attended two Lunch on the Lawn events.
"It's a nice little weekday activity," said Grace's mom, Molly, and will one day provide a way for Grace to meet and interact with other children.
Henry Yin also is a bit too young to be dancing and singing with the crowd of children gathered for Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans, but the Wednesday afternoon concert was an opportunity for his parents, Adam and Linda, to get out, enjoy the weather and get to know their new home. The Yins moved to Hinsdale just months ago and are exploring all the village has to offer.
The concert also served as an introduction to Hinsdale for Hinsdale resident Carrie Chorawicki's friend Angie, who was visiting from Wisconsin. The concert offered a fun outing for the older kids, who danced and sang in front of the stage while the moms and younger kids listened from their blanket.
Bonansinga, who performs all over the Chicago area, said she comes prepared to customize each concert to her audience. After taking a quick inventory of the crowd, she chooses songs that she thinks will appeal to all of the ages in attendance.
"I like to engage kids' minds and bodies while entertaining them and making them think and move and dance and sing," Bonansinga said. She does so with songs about music, animals, food, and even feelings. Some songs, she said, are just for fun, but most are intended to teach children something without them even knowing.
The village's three-part Lunch on the Lawn series will continue Aug. 14 with a performance by magician Gary Kantor. The performance is set for 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. on the stage in Burlington Park. In case of rain, check the rainout line at http://www.villageofhinsdale.org.
