Flag Day Weekend In Batavia: Free Concert, Memorabilia Sales, Tours

BATAVIA, IL — Flag Day in Batavia is a grand affair thanks to the city's connection to one of the holiday's founders. This year, the June 14 celebration includes a free concert, memorabilia sale, tours and the return of the "Human Flag."

The celebration will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Peg Bond Center and Batavia Riverwalk on North Island Avenue. Other activities and local business participation will last through the weekend. Several downtown Batavia shops are donating a portion of their sales from Flag Day weekend to support the Flag Day monument, officials said.

During the event, guests can hear a performance by the Batavia Community Band, take tours of the Flag Day Monument and participate in the "Human Flag," where people will create the American Flag by holding cardboard signs. Other activities will include Scouting America games and demonstrations, a mural signing for a time capsule, and a brick, coin and memorabilia sale.

Officials are also using the holiday to encourage locals to learn about Batavia's Flag Day Monument. The structure honors the life of longtime Batavia dentist Bernard Cigrand, one of the founders of Flag Day.

"Dr. Cigrand worked tirelessly to promote a day of recognition for the American flag and on June 14, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed such a day throughout the United States," city officials said.

The monument also pays homage to veterans, active military, first responders and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients from Illinois.