Elmhurst History Museum hosts Family Fun Fair

Amusement parks have a way of conjuring up vivid memories: the smell of cotton candy and popcorn in the warm summer air, the whirling of the rides, ticket booths and carnival games on the midway, and streams of people soaking it all in.

They're all part of the classic Chicago summer experience of visiting a favorite local amusement park such as Kiddieland, Dispensa's Kiddie Kingdom, and Santa's Village.

The Elmhurst History Museum is celebrating summer and the old-school amusement park experience with a free Family Fun Fair on the museum grounds from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 12, at 120 E. Park Ave.

Planned activities include:

• A trackless train and mini-Ferris wheel for kids.

• Carnival games, including Kiddieland Kats, ring toss, go fish, shooting gallery and football frenzy.

• The chance to make an amusement park-themed craft and try out marble roller coaster runs at activity stations.

• Live music provided by School of Rock.

• A dunk tank.

• A balloon twisting artist on-site.

• Complimentary popcorn and cotton candy, while supplies last.

The Family Fun Fair is presented in connection with the museum's "Worlds of Wonder: Remembering Chicagoland's Amusement Parks" exhibit, which is open through Aug. 18. Guests will have after-hours access to the exhibit inside the Glos Mansion during the event.

The exhibit recalls many of the area's favorite destinations for thrills and excitement - from the first Ferris wheel at the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition to the Bobs at Riverview - and features many interactive displays and artifacts.

It's sponsored by Classic Cinemas/York Theatre, Suburban Bank & Trust and The Marke of Elmhurst by Opus.

For details, visit www.elmhursthistory.org or call (630) 833-1457.