Celebrating 60 Beautiful Years at Cantigny

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by Jeff Reiter, Senior Communications Manager

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is marking 60 years by inviting visitors for a special day at Cantigny Park on Thursday, July 30. Annually celebrated as the birthday of Col. Robert R. McCormick, the day will offer guests extra special experiences including behind-the-scenes tours, and a free evening concert by the renowned Chicago Sinfonietta.

As McCormick’s former home located in west suburban Wheaton, Cantigny enriches our community every day and is enjoyed by more than 350,000 visitors each year. On July 30, visitors will get a special glimpse of everything Cantigny has to offer: including the formal gardens, the walking trails, the McCormick Museum and the First Division Museum, dedicated to the history of the Big Red One, the famed 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.

“This is our birthday celebration with the community,” said David Hiller, President and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. “Sixty years ago, Col. McCormick gave Cantigny to the residents of Illinois for education and recreation. It is only fitting that we celebrate this milestone year on his birthday.”

There will be activities throughout the day that the whole family can enjoy including performances from Miss Jamie & The Farmhands (2 pm) and Barefoot Hawaiian (5:30 pm), a vintage baseball game, living history performances, remote control plane demos and much more.

The celebration will be capped off with a performance with Maestro Mei-Ann Chen and the Chicago Sinfonietta (7:30 pm). Music performed in front of the First Division Museum will include Saibei Dance, Carmen Fantasy and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, along with some surprises tailored to the festive occasion.

Whether you join us on this particular day or any other, you’ll enjoy every moment you spend at Cantigny. Admission is free. For a complete list of events on July 30th visit Cantigny.org.

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