The I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority held “Crossroads of America,” a free, family-friendly history celebration on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Commissioners Park in Justice. The event marked the nation’s 250th birthday with historical re-enactors portraying George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Rosie the Riveter, Jane Addams, Bertha Palmer, and other American figures.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., children participated in colonial crafts, a trading post, old-fashioned games, and washboard laundry. Live music from the Theatiki Fife & Drum and the band Trillium filled the park. Exhibits from local historical societies—Bedford Park, Flagg Creek, Hodgkins, and Willow Springs—displayed local and regional history. Food was available for purchase.
The event replaced the annual River Thru History Rendezvous, which had been held along the Des Plaines River at Columbia Woods Forest Preserve in Willow Springs.
Tabatha Sutera, a board member of both the Justice Park District and the I&M Canal Civic Center Authority, said the event succeeded on multiple fronts. “We have 12 reenactors, Rosie the Riveter, Abraham Lincoln, and others. We have historical societies here. I think it’s been a great event. There’s kids crafts and a trading post. It’s been a good day so far, and it seems that everyone is enjoying it. And I’m super happy with the turnout and what is going on right now.”
The event was sponsored by the Illinois & Michigan Canal Civic Center Authority, the Justice Park District, the Township of Lyons, the Village of Willow Springs, and the Village of Bridgeport.
For more information on The Civic Center Authority and future events, contact Alice Krampits, chairperson of the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority, at 708-299-2240 or akrampits@sbcglobal.net.
