BARN FAREWELL CELEBRATION Naperville Park District Invites the Community

Naperville Park District Barn Farewell Celebration Saturday, June 4, 4:00-9:00 p.m. 421 W. Martin Ave. in Knoch Park A familiar place such as the Barn calls for a special send off, a celebration of its unique history and of the people who helped make it a special place for youth and everyone. The Barn Farewell Event on June 4 is a party for all generations. Thanks to a number of generous sponsors, the event will include free food for the first 250 guests, catered by Belgio’s, a commemorative cup for the first 400 guests, water and soda, inflatables for kids, raffle prizes and other giveaways. Adults will be able to purchase alcoholic drinks from Belgio’s with the requisite identification.

In keeping with the Barn’s early tradition of hosting teen dances and local rock bands, the celebration will include performances by three local bands:

1) the second place winner of the May 6, 2016 Battle of the Bands

2) a 1970s-era band, Nepenthe, including several musicians who played at the Barn

3) OMT, a popular Chicago-area band with members who also were part of the Barn’s history. The bands will perform from the stage located on the field immediately west of the Barn, to allow room for a larger audience. Food and beverages will be served under a tent near the band stage. In addition to enjoying live music and refreshments, guests will be able to travel down Memory Lane inside the Barn, viewing photographs, memorabilia, a video history by NCTV-17 and much more.

A number of special guests plan to be present, including George Bussey, one of the Naperville Central High School students who led the fundraising campaign to build the Barn. Several staff members from Naper Settlement will be on hand to comment on the history of the Barn, and those who have experienced the Barn as youth or adults throughout its history are encouraged to gather and share memories. Soon after the close of Ribfest in the first full week of July, site work will begin for a new maintenance facility at Knoch Park and the Barn Recreation Center will be demolished.

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