Above / The view from Eagle Street overlooking the quarry is a reflection of community spirit that began with the city’s sesquicentennial in 1981. From this spot, note a showcase of gifts and partnerships along the Riverwalk from the Farmers Plaza, Jaycees Marina, Gregory Gazebo, Rotary Hill and Moser Tower with the Millennium Carillon, right in the heart of the city.
On a clear day, plan a climb to the observation deck of the iconic Moser Tower for a spectacular view north, south, east and west of Naperville, recently distinguished again as a Tree City.
Meanwhile, local bell ringers say the Halloween holiday “spirit” returns a little early this year when a special spooky concert rings throughout the Riverwalk, a whole week before traditional trick or treating begins.
Moser Tower will sound with “SCARE-illon” appeal when its 72-bell carillon haunts listeners from 7-8PM on Sat., Oct. 24.
Naperville City Carillonneur Tim Sleep is on tap to play both classical and popular Halloween-themed music.
The Élan Dance Company, a program of the Naperville Park District, will perform special Halloween-themed dances.
The concert and dance performance is free and open to the public.
Click any image to enlarge, then use the arrow to advance to other photos taken on Oct. 2, 2015.
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Healing Field of Honor returns for Veterans Day
The Healing Field of Honor with a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and an exhibit of 2,015 American flags is set for Nov. 6-12.
The annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11AM on Wed., Nov. 11, traditionally held at Veterans Park, will be held at Rotary Hill this year.
Co-hosted by Operation Support Our Troops and the Naperville Park District, the 2015 Healing Field, “50 Years of Healing,” will pay special tribute to the service of the armed forces during the Vietnam era as the nation commemorates 50 years since the decade of conflict began in Southeast Asia. Individuals interested in sponsoring a flag with a special commemorative tag will find details at www.healingfield.org/naperville.
Above / From Nov. 6-12, 2015, this view from the observation deck of Moser Tower will include 2,015 American Flags in honor all men and women and their families who have served in the military. (PN File Photo)
In addition to chiming on the hour and half hour, a time for the special recital during the week of the Healing Field is planned. Carillonneur Sleep will perform a concert of patriotic music while 2,015 American flags gently wave on Rotary Hill. Stay tuned for details.
To tie in with Veterans Day observances in November off the beaten path of the Riverwalk, note other tributes to veterans also are planned locally. Naperville Responds for Our Veterans will host the 5th Annual Cheers for Veterans on November 5 at the Embassy Suites. The Naperville Marines will host the annual Marines 2015 Birthday Ball on November 10 at the Sheridan Lisle Hilton.
Colorful Moser Tower by Night
Not only are sights spectacular from the observation deck in season, Moser Tower with the Millennium Carillon also helps celebrate holidays and community causes silently through its colored lighting schedule.
The regular white lights illuminate the bell tower most of the year. From Sept. 8-14, yellow lights shined to highlight childhood cancer awareness followed by from Sept. 15-21 with orange to focus on Hunger Action Month.
Orange lights also will shine for Halloween from Oct. 27-Nov. 2.
And the tower will turn to red, white and blue in honor of Veterans Day from Nov. 3-11. Remember 11AM Nov. 11 ( also known as “11-11-11”) when the bells will chime to observe and honor all military who have served America at home or overseas.
Going forward in 2016, the lights shine soft blue in April to create awareness for autism.
Seasonal Concerts
The final Carillon special event this fall is a Thanksgiving Day concert. Beginning at noon on Nov. 26, 2015, early American music will be performed by Carillonneur Jim Brown.
Weekly recitals by local carillonneurs will take place at noon on Saturdays through December 26.
Saturday recitals are also slated for 4PM on through October and 3PM during November and December.
Then, of course, there’s Dec. 31 when everyone is invited to ring in the New Year at Moser Tower.
Observe the changing landscape in Tree City
Moser Tower tours to see 72 engraved carillon bell up close and views faraway are available from 10AM-4PM on Saturdays and noon to 6PM on Sundays through Nov. 15. The fee is $3 per person.
Above / This view from the observation deck of Moser Tower was taken in the spring of 2015, just when our Tree City had turned green again. Note the Naperville Municipal Center across from the quarry and Ss. Peter and Paul steeple in the distance. (PN File Photo)
Visitors to Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk who still have not yet seen the city from the observation deck of Moser Tower are welcome to enjoy the sensation view as the colorful landscape changes this fall, especially on a clear day.
Moser Tower is located at the base of Rotary Hill at 443 W. Aurora Ave., across the street from Naperville Central High School and along the Riverwalk.
