Also featuring the new Esplanade and the Model Railroad Garden



July 4 at the Chicago Botanic Garden brings a special all-American program by carillonneur Wylie Crawford of Evanston, Illinois, as part of the popular Monday night carillon concert series. Visitors will hear lovely renditions of "America," "Simple Gifts," and "Yankee Doodle," as well as "The Entertainer." A more recent and moving song, "In Memoriam: Sept. 11, 2001," composed by John Courter, will also be featured.

Visitors can pick up a gourmet brie and paté box and a bottle of wine from the Garden Café, or bring a picnic dinner and enjoy it on the lawn by the McGinley Pavilion, with its panoramic vistas.

The concert is at 7 p.m. and is preceded by a 6 p.m. tour of the carillon.

While you're at the Garden, stroll around the newly opened Esplanade. Its stunning design, beautiful fountains and majestic sculpture have enraptured visitors since its spectacular debut in June.

Also on July 4, don't forget to visit the Model Railroad Garden. Visitors of all ages delight in the sights and sounds of G-scale trains traversing bridges and trestles, miniature scenes of America's best-loved landmarks and beautiful gardens planted to scale.

Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children.