Name: Voicing Our Veterans' Stories Opening Reception
Start: 2026-09-24T18:00:00-05:00
Location: Des Plaines History Center

Des Plaines History Center

The Des Plaines History Center cordially invites you to our opening reception for our new exhibit, “Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories."
The Des Plaines History Center cordially invites you to our opening reception for our new exhibit, “Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories” on Thursday, September 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. “Voicing Our Veterans’ Stories” explores critical moments in a service member’s journey: boot camp, traditions, camaraderie, homecoming, and the lasting effects that come with military service. Throughout the exhibit, local veterans will share their stories about military service with you in their own words, covering history from the Civil War to the Global War on Terror. We invite you to stop by on September 24 to explore the history of our local veterans while enjoying community and refreshments. Please RSVP by filling out this link: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/DPHC-Reception-926" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">tinyurl.com/DPHC-Reception-926</a>.

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Voicing Our Veterans' Stories Opening Reception

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.Gift of Wings Proudly Presents The IKEA Frank Mots International Kite Festival
47 Years of Tradition Returns to Veterans Park!
The skies over Milwaukee’s lakefront will once again come alive with color and excitement as Gift of Wings hosts the IKEA Frank Mots International Kite Festival on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrNgcpp5Mn8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrNgcpp5Mn8</a>
The event will run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday (until 5:00 PM on Sunday) at Veterans Park, a beautiful Milwaukee County park on the lakefront. The highlight of each day is the spectacular Grand Launch at Noon, when more than 600 kites will fill the sky at once.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrNgcpp5Mn8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Watch the excitement of past Grand Launches here</a>
Featured Performers Include:
<ul>
 <li>Too Much Fun – The world-renowned precision kite flying team from California returns, performing four times daily.</li>
 <li>Chicago Fire Kite Team – Celebrating their 38th consecutive year at the festival. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5J5X2dKmr0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Watch them fly →</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5J5X2dKmr0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5J5X2dKmr0</a></li>
 <li>Kurtis Jones &amp; the Wind Wolves Kite Team (with Dan Jones) – Making their 4th appearance with their massive Super Giant Whale kites, the brand-new 120-foot Trilobite kite, and the all-new IKEA Giant Kites — a Mots Kite Festival exclusive! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIQHOrtUCrk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">See the giants in action →</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIQHOrtUCrk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIQHOrtUCrk</a></li>
 <li>Connor Doran – America’s Got Talent star, returning once again</li>
</ul>
James Almas from Vancouver will attempt to fly 4 kites all at the same time while doing tricks.
<ul>
 <li>Free kite-flying lessons with Jim Cosca</li>
 <li>The high-energy Flaming Emus will be performing with their 4 line kites.</li>
</ul>
Special Kids Activity
The first 100 kids to participate in the Window Nation “Kids Mad Dash” will receive a free kite courtesy of Gift of Wings and Window Nation! Watch as 100 colorful kites launch into the sky at the same time — it’s a sight you won’t want to miss. We will need a volunteer to untangle lines. Can I count on you 😊
Gift of Wings will also have a full selection of kites and delicious food available for purchase throughout the weekend.
The IKEA Frank Mots International Kite Festival is FREE to attend and offers plenty of FREE parking.
We’d love for you to help share this beloved Milwaukee tradition! Please consider listing the event in your community calendar or featuring it in a story. We are open for interviews.
For more information, contact: Scott Fisher Gift of Wings 414-305-3145
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GiftofWings" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.facebook.com/GiftofWings</a> Website: <a href="https://www.giftofwings.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.giftofwings.com</a>
Come celebrate the end of summer the right way — GO FLY A KITE!


<hr>


*IKEA has stores in Oak Creek, WI, Bolingbrook, IL, Schaumburg, IL..coming soon to Gurnee and Madison

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The Center of Concern is proud to announce a special&nbsp;free event dedicated to addressing how&nbsp;rising costs&nbsp;are&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;our community&nbsp;on Monday, September 14, 2026. The evening will start with appetizers and networking at 5:30 PM and an expert panel discussion and awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 PM.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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