Not many people can say they climbed to the top of a Carillon. Now here's your chance to add that unique detail to your personal resume. After years of politics and construction the Moser Tower (Carillon, Bell Tower) will be officially dedicated and open for tours.

The dedication kicks off at noon with a prelude recital for picnickers to enjoy as they spread out across Rotary Hill, north of Aurora Avenue and west of Washington Street. The nearly hour long concert will culminate with trumpets inside the tower accompanying the 72-bell carillon for Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.”

Free lottery tickets will be given out, one to each family member attending, and 160 lucky citizens will be selected to be one of the first to the top (under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult). They will enjoy a unique view of downtown Naperville including the Riverwalk and Centennial Beach, weather permitting.

After the dedication on Sunday tours will be conducted every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. into October, weather permitting, until the Park District determines that it has become too cold or getting dark too early for tours to be conducted safely. Admission is $3 for everyone ages 5 and older. Children under 4 are free.

You'll see the Carillon in the horizon it as you turn west onto Aurora Ave. off of Washington Street. The structure is 160-foot-tall, 14 stories high, about 10 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. The hike to the open-air Observation Deck poses some physical challenge; mental, too, if you’re sensitive to heights.

There is an elevator that can take visitors nearly halfway up to a platform where they can view of the surroundings and the largest of the carillon’s 72 bells. Ascending higher requires climbing up to eight more flights of stairs.

Several stops along the way give insights into the workings of the bell tower
Lower Belfry, where “Big Joe,” at nearly 6 tons, the largest of the carillon bells, hangs inscribed with an inspirational poem about music and its connection to life
Carillonneur’s Cabin, the operating post of the instrument, where musicians offer their weekly Summer Recital Series and concerts for holidays and special events
Upper Belfry, where the smaller, higher-pitched bells encircle the rafters

Get all the details at: Friends of Naperville Carillon Website

Visit NaperNightlife.com for a complete guide to all the full-service restaurants and nightclubs in Downtown Naperville along with ideas and information on things to do while visiting.

www.napernightlife.com

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