As much as things change, they remain the same.
Naperville families head to Centennial Beach. They plan picnics in Central Park before the Thursday night Municipal Band Concerts. And they anticipate the spectacular fireworks on Independence Day.
The Naperville community embraces outdoor events. That’s likely why the good old summertime is chock full of memorable traditions and class reunions that we yearn to experience over and over again.
As we anticipate sizzling summer sidewalk sales throughout town, the longest running local sidewalk sale started in downtown Naperville more than 50 years ago.
We often recall a time several years ago reminiscing with Dean DeGeeter who established Dean’s Fine Clothing in 1959. Back then it was a shop for boys. He said 50 years ago, they ran full-page ads in the newspaper to pitch sidewalk sales. Then the entire community came for the bargains and to catch up on local news that didn’t make the newspaper. While communication surely has changed, the downtown shop for women’s and men’s clothing and accessories still is known for its sensational sidewalk sale under the big tent in Dean’s Parking Lot.
Today the lifestyle destination in the city’s central business district offers more than 100 shops and 40 eateries. Along with nearby galleries and performance venues at North Central College, the Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art Fair at Naper Settlement, kids’ play for learning at the DuPage Children’s Museum, adult floats at Centennial Beach and Municipal Band Concerts in Central Park, local businesses are sponsoring an outdoor sculpture exhibit all around downtown. Some of those activities date back to 1859!
Just about any day, you can plan an itinerary with plenty to do from early in the morning until late in the evening. Think about creating an adventure right here in Naperville.
Independence!
For most of its history, the Exchange Club of Naperville has hosted Ribfest in conjunction with Independence Day in Knoch Park. This year’s 4-day family festival with nearly nonstop music will showcase spectacular fireworks at 9:30PM Mon., July 4.
Our hope is everyone takes a moment to remember America’s birthday, mindful of the intention of our Founders to create a government in which the generality of citizens 18 years old and up determine policies and laws through elected officials and representatives—and in which no individual has a vested right to office.
This month offers a chance to witness the election process in high emotion when the Republican Convention is held in Cleveland and the Democratic Convention meets in Philadelphia. Presumptive candidates will take the stages for final approval and a place on the ballot in November. Then we’ll wait to see how they attract independents.
One more thing about independents… Waldo, that elusive guy in the distinctive red-and-white-striped shirt, blue jeans, bobble hat and glasses who likes to hide, returns all month to raise awareness about shopping locally and supporting local independent businesses whenever possible. Find a large number of members of Naperville’s independent business community at www.indieboundnaperville.org. Note the bright red IndieBound sign at local merchants. Then find Waldo 12 times at participating stores all over the city.
