Naper Settlement’s fifth annual Hometown Picnic kicks off the summer season with a taste of the past.
Among the activities being planned for the June 11 event are a hula-hoop contest, cookie walk, three-legged race, corn hole, croquet, lawn twister and apple pie and brownie baking contests, said Emma Vodick, public relations and social media coordinator for Naper Settlement.
“We have activities and games that kids aren’t normally used to doing anymore,” Vodick said.
The picnic runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the settlement, 523 S. Webster St., and is free for members and all Naperville residents with proof of residency. Otherwise, adults pay $12, seniors pay $10 and children are $8 for access to the picnic and the 12-acre history site.
“We have people from all over the suburbs come to Hometown Picnic,” Vodick said. “It’s really a family event.”
One of the highlights of the day will be a 2:45 p.m. demonstration of the Joe Naper Fire Pumper, a 19th century fire truck that was the first piece of fire fighting equipment purchased when the Naperville Fire Department was established in 1874. The equipment is far different from the trucks used today, Vodick said.
“We also have a fire truck out here so they could see the difference,” she said.
Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Hot dogs from John’s Rib House and cookies from DeEtta’s Bakery will be available for purchase.
Organizers are still seeking participants for the apple pie and brownie baking competitions, Vodick said.
First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded, and entries will be judged on several criteria, including first impression (aesthetic, presentation), closer inspection (filling, crust) and overall impression (creativity, taste), Vodick said. Brownies will be judged based on texture and taste, she said. Brownie bakers are typically between the ages of 6 to 12.
The last day to sign up is June 10. To enter either contest, email Jessie Sekiya at sekiyaj@naperville.il.us. or call her at 630-305-5252.
Pie judges will be Naperville City Councilwoman Patty Gustin, Naperville City Councilman John Krummen and Naperville Heritage Society Board member Mark London. Brownie judges are Naperville City Councilwoman Judith Brodhead and DeEtta’s Bakery Owners Kevin Tyschper and Morgan Tyschper.
For more information, go to www.napersettlement.org/.
