This year’s summer picnic is Sunday, June 26, at Cantigny Park, 1s151 Winfield Rd. in Wheaton, IL 60189.

Cantigny is a beautiful park with gardens, the Robert R. McCormick House, and the First Division Museum.

Our club picnic is the perfect time to come together and enjoy bonsai.  We should take this opportunity to bring a tree to show others and bring trees that we would like advice on.  It is a great time to hang out together and work on trees.  Nothing beats a summer day talking bonsai and wiring trees.

Our picnic will take place under the shelter at the First Division Pavilion. Lunch will take place around noon. The club will provide the burgers, hot dogs, and drinks; members are asked to bring their sides and share if they feel comfortable.  Phil Maliot will give a demonstration at 2 pm.

Members, please plan on bringing a tree or two to work on.  The club will have our wire box available if people need wire for their trees.

I would love to see people bring trees to show the public at this event.  It is not a formal show, so the trees don’t need to be in perfect show shape.  We want to let the public know about all the trees we are working on.  However, please do if you are inclined to bring the tree you plan to show at the Midwest symposium.  We would love to get a preview of the tree.

We will raffle off a couple of trees, so bring a little extra cash.  A raffle will be open to the public with the tree Phil Maliot works on for the demonstration.  A separate raffle will be held for club members only for a Jim Keith-Styled Shimpaku.

Win a beautiful Shimpaku juniper styled by former club president and member Jim Keith!  Only members will be allowed to buy tickets for this tree’s raffle. Don’t miss your chance to add this fabulous piece to your personal collection at the club picnic!

So we hope to see you on June 26th!

Please be aware that while there is no entry fee to Cantigny, there is a $10 parking fee per car.

Please feel free to call me (Nick DiBattista 630-479-2112) should you have any questions.

Map of Cantigny with picnic area circled in red.