Franklin Park celebrates Hispanic heritage

Updated: May 3, 2012 8:36PM

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo is a long-standing tradition for the Park District of Franklin Park. Program Director Phyllis Schmidt said the free event was started long before she began working at the park district a dozen years ago.

“It promotes Latin American culture — the arts, the music,” she said. “And it promotes intercultural partnership in the village.”

This year’s festivities run from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at James Park, 10600 James St. The event will begin with a mini-parade of Hispanic children.

“We’re going to have folkloric dancing, a moon walk, a raffle and live music,” Schmidt said.

A variety of food will be sold, including ethnic items, plus kid-friendly choices such as hot dogs.

Although many people think the holiday is Mexican Independence Day, it actually commemorates an 1862 battle in which the Mexican Army defeated French forces in the state of Puebla.

For details, call (847) 455-2852 or visit fpparks.org.

Tea-time treats

You and your daughter can wear your best party dresses to the Mom & Me Tea from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at the Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park. The event includes lunch, crafts, games and a fashion show. The cost is $18 for residents, $27 for nonresidents. Registration is required.

For details, call (708) 383-2612 or visit oakparkparks.com.

Made of cheese?

Kids will learn how big the moon is and what causes it to have different shapes during “Once in a Blue Moon,” the May children’s show at 2 p.m. Sundays at the Cernan Earth and Space Center, Triton College, 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for ages 2 to 12 and seniors.

For details, call (708) 456-0300, ext. 3372, or visit www.triton.edu/cernan.

Flowery language

Bees and bats play an important role in spreading blooms. That’s one of the things docents will talk about during “Flowers & Pollinators,” the May Exploration Station topic from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield. The free session includes interactive displays and games.

For details, call (708) 386-4700 or visit fopcon.org.

Walk or ride — it’s fun outside

Preschoolers will hike around a park looking for hidden treasures to decorate their bikes, then participate in a short bike parade at Hike ’n’ Bike from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, or 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Longfellow Center, 610 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park. A snack will be served. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For details, call (708) 383-0002 or visit oakparkparks.com.

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