PN Post Update Sept. 8, 2013: Local traditions are set for the weekend beginning Fri., Sept. 13, with the opening night of the 8-day Naperville Independent Film Festival, followed by the Naperville Art League Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, Sat., Sept. 14 and Sun., Sept. 15. Note also at 4:30PM Sat., Sept. 14, the Class Act II Big Band returns to Fredenhagen Park for its annual concert, free of charge, hosted by the Riverwalk Foundation.
2012 Post
Sunshine, lights, cameras and arts lovers are invited to a showcase of art, concerts and independent films beginning on Sat., Sept. 15.
First up, the Naperville Art League’s 27th Annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair will be set up outdoors for two days, 10AM-5PM Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16, in downtown Naperville. Again, the famed Riverwalk will shine during one of the community’s most attractive outdoor events with exhibitors from across the nation.
According to NAL Executive Director Debbie Venezia, the award-winning art fair will feature 140 artists and craftsmen set along the winding Riverwalk and Jackson Avenue between Main and Eagle streets. Visitors will be welcomed to discover painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, 2-D and 3-D mixed media, fiber art and clothing and more. Admission is free.
Ensembles from the DuPage Symphony Orchestra again will perform in the Riverwalk Amphitheater.
As is tradition, the Naperville Art League Information Booth will be located on the northeast corner of Jackson and Webster. That’s where visitors can pick up a copy of a printed news insert with a map, award winners, judges’ profiles and many reasons to shop, dine and return to Naperville for another visit.
Plus, members of the Evening Kiwanis are always pitching packs of peanuts during their annual Peanut Days that coincide with the dates of the NAL Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.
Weed Ladies Fall Floral Sale
A side trip over to Naper Settlement, just steps across the Riverwalk Covered Bridge and along Webster Street, will offer a chance to see floral arrangements created for the Weed Ladies Fall Floral Sale. The sale in the Daniels House runs Sept. 13-16. For details, visit www.napersettlement.museum.
Class Act II Big Band Concert at Fredenhagen Park
At 4:30PM Sat., Sept. 15, the Class Act II Big Band returns to Fredenhagen Park for its annual concert, hosted by the Riverwalk Foundation. The free concert offers lively classics performed under the leadership of Ted Fredenhagen, the son of Grace and Walter Fredenhagen, after whom the gateway park is named.
Tributes to the Fredenhagen family again will celebrate community spirit and the nostalgia of the popular ice cream enterprises—first Prince Castle and then Cock Robin— that previously were located on the property before the family gifted it to the citizens of Naperville for a park along the Riverwalk.
While some folks dance around the Exchange Club Memories Fountain, many other people relax on park benches set up for folks to enjoy the sounds of live music. Other individuals simply stroll through the park on their way to North Central College and/or Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
Naperville Independent Film Festival
Since 2008, the Naperville Independent Film Festival has taken place on big screens throughout the city in September.
The 2012 film festival is slated Sept. 15-22 with shows scheduled at Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theaters, Hollywood Palms Cinema and Smith Hall-North Central College in Naperville as well as at Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in Woodridge.
In total, 76 films and five screenplays officially were selected to be part of this year’s NIFF. From these choices, 48 entries were selected as contenders for awards.
Back in 2009, PN’s columnist Barbara Blomquist, pictured here, won an NIFF Award for her documentary.
After a week of screenings, the winners of this year’s Film Festival will be announced at the Red Carpet Closing Night Ceremony at the Hollywood Palms Cinema on Sept. 22.
This fun event, open to everyone, will begin at 5:30PM. Tickets can be purchased at the door or on-line at www.Naperfilmfest.org.
For complete information about NIFF, its movie schedule and locations, visit www.Naperfilmfest.org.
Celebrate 50 Years with Naperville Art League
Looking ahead, plan to help celebrate the first 50 years of the Naperville Art League. Get a good picture of all the happenings and classes hosted by the Naperville Art League at their fine art center and gallery, located at 508 N. Center Street, just off Fifth Avenue.
