Above / Folks were hopping to it all weekend! Colorado sculptor Matthew Budish exhibited his brand of bronze whimsy among different sizes of Arizona-inspired jack rabbits, complete with carrots! The first-time entry was stationed at the Naperville Art League Riverwalk Fine Art Fair near Jackson at Webster, just west of the Dandelion Fountain, 10AM to 5PM Saturday and Sunday.
This post has been updated with photos from the events that found their way on PN’s calendar this past weekend.
Summer’s last weekend – Sept. 16-18
Downtown Naperville / Regular Business Hours Vary / Downtown businesses welcomed visitors to explore all that’s new! Enjoy discovering special summer savings and all the new fall arrivals at local shops in between meals at more than 40 eateries. downtownnaperville.com.
Road closures in downtown Naperville to improve pedestrian mobility, accessibility, infrastructure and safety are about to end!
But first, remember that Jackson Avenue will be closed through Sunday evening in preparation for the annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.
What’s more, progress comes with patience and plans. Save the date, Sept. 24, 2022!
Progress in Progress Celebration hosted by the Downtown Naperville Alliance is planned from 11AM to 3PM on Sat., Sept. 24.
FYI: The Downtown Naperville Alliance serves as a marketing and advocacy partner for the Naperville downtown Central Business District, comprised of 300 businesses, including shops, banks restaurants, spas, and service businesses.
For more information, visit downtownnaperville.com.
Saturday – Sept. 17
Constitution Day
Celebrate Constitution Day / All Day, Sept. 17 (And Every Day) / Consider that everyone who accepts authority to serve an elected office swears to protect the Constitution of the United States, now with its 27 Amendments, including the Bill of Rights. Consider also that the United States of America is still living within its first republic. To appreciate the importance of a republic is to also consider checking out books to study philosophy, economics, human nature and history as well as volumes written about every article of the Constitution. Thanks for reading and studying. It takes less than 60 minutes to read the original document (signed by 39 delegates on Sept. 17, 1787, and ratified in 1789), now with all 27 Amendments.
Constitution Week Commemorated at Naperville Library / 9-5 Sat., 1-5 Sun., 9-9 Weekdays, / Sept. 17-23 / All three public libraries in Naperville will host an exhibit coordinated by the Fort Payne Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Visit a Naperville Library and take the opportunity to learn something new about the document that defines the fundamental law of the U.S. federal government, setting forth the three principal branches of the federal government in the republic: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. Whenever you have an hour, take time to read the U.S. Constitution. Pay attention to Article V of the Constitution, the place where the founders provided two ways to propose amendments to the original document.
Public Safety Open House
Annual Public Safety Open House / 10AM-2PM / Naperville Public Safety Center, click here for story and details. This friendly event is perfect for families and scouts! The purpose is to disseminate important crime and fire prevention information to the residents of Naperville and to encourage citizen action regarding crime and fire prevention strategies. Both departments firmly believe that citizens are the number one defense against fire and crime and want to spread the word that residents need to “Prepare, Practice and Prevent” to keep their families safe.
Kids will love the giveaways and demonstrations! Safety Town will be open. And a “fire truck” jumpy will be just for kids!
Extra parking for the Public Safety Open House will be available across River Road in the church parking lot.
Go Fish!
Discover fall fishing! Whalon Lake, located south of Royce Road, is part of the Will County Forest Preserve District. The popular park protects a diversity of habitats, including prairie, wetland, an 80-acre lake and a portion of the DuPage River. Enjoy picnicking and biking, too.
Naperville Art League host Riverwalk Fine Art Fair
Annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair / 10AM-5PM Sat. & Sun., Sept. 17 & 18 / Jackson Avenue between Main and Eagle streets / For a sampler of what’s expected on exhibit this weekend, visit www.napervilleartleague.com.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation
Kickin’ Childhood Cancer In The Can (Right Next Door) Pepe’s Cantina – St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving Event / 2PM / 1272 E. Chicago Ave. / To help raise funds for Childhood Cancer during the month dedicated to create awareness, every dollar will go directly to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which funds promising cancer research just for kids. Sign up to shave your head, cut and donate your hair. Spectators are welcome come out to support individuals while watching heads shaved and/or buy some raffle tickets for some great prizes and enjoy some delicious tacos while you are there! Bagpipers plan to play, too!
Naperville Sister Cities presents Hispanic Heritage Festival
Naperville Hispanic Heritage Festival Main Event / 5-9PM in Central Park, 104 E. Benton / This second celebration hosted by the Naperville Sister Cities Commission is held again during Hispanic Heritage Month. An abundance of colorful activities, lively music and family fun with tastes from South of the Border are on the schedule all day Saturday at other locations throughout downtown Naperville, then the Main Event happens in the evening in Central Park. The Naperville Sister Cities Commission also will host a Special Awards presentation between 5-6PM.
Updated, Sept. 17 / Members of the Sister Cities Commission recognized Roberto Ramirez for his efforts on behalf of community engagement, Carlos Madinya for his commitment to commerce and Dr. Maribel Guerreo for dedication to education during the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Festival in Central Park.
Sunday – Sept. 18
Judd-A-Thon
Annual Judd-a-Thon / 8:30AM registration ($25) / 10.01AM Short Race (0.1km) to Make Big Difference / The less-than-a-minute walk/run/stroll/skate/dance/jump race (or not) to the Judd-a-thon finish line is to raise funds and awareness for the VFW National Home for Children. Registration check-in begins at 8:30AM, immediately followed by camaraderie. The family event kicks off at 10:01AM Sun., Sept, 18, near the Naperville Riverwalk Grand Pavilion behind the Judd Kendall VFW Post, 908 W. Jackson Ave. Individuals and teams are welcome in costume or not. Pets on leashes also are welcome. Raffles and prizes add to plenty of fun before and after the monumentally fast event! More info at www.napervillevfw3873.org.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Walk to End Alzheimer’s / Registration-Check-in at 8:30AM / Ceremony at 9:30AM –
Walk Starts at 10AM / North Central College Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium / Find walk details here.
Discover a million miles from someplace at the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve / Just south of 75th Street / The golden glow of wildflowers seems to go forever along the paths at the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve where monarch butterflies fly by the dozens and land one by one.
Though this time of year goldenrod might appear most prominent in the distance, the Illinois State Flower is the violet. That State Insect is the monarch butterfly. The State Bird is the cardinal. And the State Tree is the white oak. Buddy up to explore the ever-changing great outdoors every season in the Midwest.
All events posted here welcome all ages and require NO advance registration.
Cheers to a glorious weekend, just a few days before autumn begins on Sept. 22!
Save the third weekend in September 2023! Plan ahead for another fun time with family events that return year after year.
