For many kids, Lego set is a highly coveted present that they hope to unwrap over the holidays.
But just how much can be built with the colorful bricks will be on full display at the 20th annual Lego Train Show at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, which highlights the amazing creations that can be crafted.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years already,” said Jamie LeBlanc, president of the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club, which has been involved with the event from the start. “We never would have thought this would become such a big event. But it’s the highlight of our year. This is the show that people always talk about.”
The event, held inside the Cantigny Park visitor’s center Dec. 10 and 11, brings together members of the club to create various Lego scenes — some that reflect the holidays and others from a different world. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11.
“We put it out to our members to see what they want to do,” LeBlanc said. “It’s up to them to decide what they want to create each year.”
In the past, some highlights have included buildings from Chicago and around the world — including a 12-foot-high Willis Tower — scenes from movies and outer space.
“The builders know what people like to see,” said LeBlanc, who estimated that about 40 people will be involved with the creations this year. “They’re always creating and trying to do something different. They’re always trying to bring something new to the table to keep it fresh for people.”
The display is filled with various sized tables, and the club organizes who is responsible for each space. It’s up to them to put their own idea for the show. When they’re all brought together, the entire display fills the visitors center with a Lego world that’s unique every year.
“One of the things I love about Lego is that there’s so much room for creativity and fun,” he said. “People create these scenes with lots of elements, and the more you pay attention, the more that’s going on. A lot of them have a great sense of humor.”
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For LeBlanc, he started playing with Lego growing up in the 1970s. “My mom was looking for a toy that didn’t fall apart or break or something,” he said. “And she thought, well, let’s try this out, and it just kinda played into my imagination.
“It’s one of those beautiful things that you can buy a car and put it together, and then, you can take it apart and combine it with a couple of other sets, and you can make a submarine. Whatever your imagination desires, it can be done in Lego.”
As an adult, just before the first show at Cantigny, he first found out about others putting together Lego displays and thought it was right up his alley. “It gave me a chance to continue doing what I love.”
The show has become well-known in the Lego building community. “I’ve gone to conventions, and people see I’m from Chicago and say, ‘Oh, you put on that show at Cantigny.’ It’s got a reputation as one of the best.”
During particularly good weather in 2016, the show drew 12,000 visitors over the course of the weekend.
“I mean, getting those crowds for a Lego show is amazing,” he said. “It shows that people really like to see what we put together.”
He also credits the staff at Cantigny, the venue and other show participants for helping to create the area’s most popular event.
“You have the beautiful park, and it’s all decorated to the nines for Christmas,” he said. “And in the past we’ve had Star Wars re-enactors and Marvel re-enactors there. There are the Marines in full dress collecting items for Toys for Tots. It’s just a conglomeration of all these facets that make it special.
“I had a woman walk up to me a couple of years ago and say that her family starts Christmas by coming to the Lego train show,” he said. “I mean, when did you ever expect yourself to become somebody’s tradition?”
Lego Train Show
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Tickets: $5 parking fee; free with Toys for Tots donation
Information: 630-668-5161; cantigny.org
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.