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St. Paddy’s Day celebration suggestions

March 12, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

ShamROCK the Fox kicks off Friday

Friday, March 13

ShamROCK the Fox: 5-11 p.m. Friday, March 13; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 14; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Miller Point Park, 1202 N. Riverside Drive, McHenry. Heated festival tent with live music, food trucks and family activities. Fox River dyeing at 10 a.m. Saturday, the ShamROCK the Fox Parade at noon Saturday, and a fireworks finale at 7 p.m. Sunday. Music lineup: on Friday, Members Only (1980s tribute) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Rumor Hazit from 9-11 p.m.; on Saturday, The Messengers from 12:30-2:30 p.m., The Abby Kay Band from 3:15-5:15 p.m., Southbound from 6-8 p.m. and Beyond the Blonde from 9-11 p.m.; and on Sunday, Jess Irish Piano Bar from noon to 2 p.m. and Fast Times from 5-7 p.m. Free. naturallymchenrycounty.com.

Saturday, March 14

Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove goes green for its annual St. Paddy’s Shindig Saturday, March 14. There will be green beer flowing all day, with the party kicking off at 9 a.m. with authentic Full Irish Bunnies (a Pullman loaf filled with bangers, bacon, mushrooms and English beans and topped with an egg). Irish folk dancing from McNulty’s School of Irish Dance and live music from New Vintage Irish Strings will keep you entertained.

Breakfast with the Bunny: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Family-friendly pancake breakfast and Easter egg coloring. Bring a camera. $29 for residents and $44 for nonresidents; free for kids younger than 1. carypark.com.

St. Patrick’s Party: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at The Quarry Cable Park & Grille, 5517 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake. Sixth annual family-friendly celebration features Irish festivities including a minimarket, fire pits and cornhole. Traditional Irish bagpiper from 11:30 a.m. to noon; live music from Jimmy Marquis from noon to 1:15 p.m. and 1:45-3:30 p.m.; and the Rebecca McCarthy School of Dance Irish Dancers from 1:15-1:45 p.m. $5. thequarrycablepark.com.

Join in the shenanigans at the 14th annual Durty Nellie’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Saturday, March 14, in Palatine. It begins with a traditional Irish breakfast from 8:30-10:30 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by the annual Durty St. Pat’s Parade, which steps off at Wood and Oak Streets and ends at Durty Nellie’s. The after party will kick off at noon featuring traditional Irish fare, music, dancing and more.

St. Patrick’s Celebration at The Dole: 2-11 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at The Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Family-friendly festivities including appearances by a leprechaun, traditional bagpipers and Irish dance troupes from 2-5 p.m.; live music from The Lilies of the Midwest from 2-3:30 p.m.; acoustic performance by Brett Gaertner from 4-6 p.m.; The King of Mars from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; and a 21+ After Party in Lou’s Lounge featuring DJ Dave of Entertainment Media from 8:30-11 p.m. Open to all ages until 7 p.m.; 21 and older after 7 p.m. Food and beverages for purchase. Free, but reserve tickets in advance. thedole.org.

“An Irish Heartbeat — A Tribute to Van Morrison”: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Soundtrack for a Generation presents a 10-piece band led by singer and harpist Derrick Procell. The show covers Van Morrison’s career, from soul and jazz to Celtic folk. Tickets start at $53. rauecenter.org.

The Hampton Social is starting St. Patrick’s Day weekend with daytime drink specials until 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Specials include half off well drinks, $6 Stella Artois and Michelob Ultra and $10 Jameson shots. They have suburban locations in South Barrington, Burr Ridge and Skokie.

Tuesday, March 17

The Greggory in South Barrington will be serving up Irish flavors Tuesday, March 17, adding Guinness stew and a hearty corned beef sandwich to the mix, in addition to the signature corned beef bites from the bar bites menu. They’ll also be pouring green beer, Irish coffee, Guinness cans and Bushmills Irish whiskey flights. A local bagpiper will perform Irish tunes starting at 6 p.m.

 

 

Posted in Entertainment | Leave a Comment »

Candidate Erin Chan Ding’s opinion on Data Centers

March 11, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Quote of Erin Chan Ding from League of Women Voters debate with Maria Peterson on February 14, 2026:

“Data Centers right now are obviously a huge issue, an electric issue, no pun intended, and we’ve heard communities speak out against their implementation because of some of the environmental costs. At the same time… you know, we are— our public, our children, they are already hooked on AI and artificial intelligence.

Data centers are going to be built, and if they’re not going to be built in Illinois, they’re going to be built in other states… Data Centers … are a huge water suck, but this problem has begun to be addressed through the use of gray water.

Data Centers provide huge property tax relief, potentially. So, I think we need to consider that as well… I’ve been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, which includes ironworkers and operating engineers, and these are hundreds of thousands of jobs…” ~ Erin Chan Ding

How many Data Centers is Erin Chan Ding proposing to build in our community if she thinks they would be providing “hundreds of thousands of jobs” for AFL – CIO workers?

Why is Erin Chan Ding willing to sell out our community for the “potential” for property tax relief when it is apparent that Pritzker, who Chan Ding is banking on getting campaign donations from, initiatives provide sales and use tax exemptions for Data Centers for up to 20 years?

How will she protect our aquifers? And why is she willing to destroy our tranquil environment for political gain?

We’ll pass on voting for Chan Ding and suggest you do the same!

Related: “Barrington area Democrats condemn Chan Ding mailers,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “School district’s parking plan defies logic,” “Zoning change defies village policy,” “District 220 Public Hearing December 16th re: ‘proposal to sell bonds of the District in an amount not to exceed $5,400,000’,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “Erin Chan Ding: The violations just keep piling up…,” “Erin Chan Ding starring in another episode of, ‘Rules For Thee But NOT For Me…’,”  “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency,” “Ding Politicking on School District Property,” “Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible,” “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

Posted in 220, BACOG, Board of Education, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Springfield, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Well Water Quality, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | 1 Comment »

Barrington Golden Triangle developers: Multifamily development can handle traffic

March 11, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Rendering of The Residences at Liberty Commons | Courtesy of the Barrington Development Co.

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Developers aiming to build a $100 million residential complex at Barrington’s Golden Triangle addressed village trustees’ concerns about traffic, while also emphasizing the need to fast-track the project.

The proposal for The Residences at Liberty Commons calls for 16 studio apartments, 119 one-bedroom, 66 two-bedroom, six three-bedroom and 16 townhouses (223 units).

Michael Fleck and Nick Marrocco of the Barrington Development Co. told trustees Monday they will have their traffic consultant, KLOA, conduct a full traffic study of the area, which is already clogged with traffic.

“I think our interests are definitely aligned here,” Fleck said. “We want to make sure that the development is good for Barrington, good for the residents and no further burden.”

Fleck said the overall conclusion of an initial study is the development, bounded by Liberty, Hough and the railroad tracks, will have a modest effect on the surrounding street network.

Fleck noted the development’s location is less than a half-mile from the Barrington Metra station.

Article continues here.

Related: “New residential development floated for Barrington’s Golden Triangle”

Posted in 220, Daily Herald, EJ&E/Canadian National, Land Use, METRA, Real Estate, School Districts, Transparency, U.S. Route 14 Underpass | Leave a Comment »

Barrington Hills Park District (Riding Cult) meets tonight

March 11, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Barrington Hills Park District Board/Riding Cult of Barrington Hills will hold their monthly meeting this evening in person and via Zoom at 6:00 PM. Some topics on their agenda include:

  • Horse Statues
  • Park Board Advocacy Protocol

A copy of their agenda can be viewed here. Instructions for accessing the meeting remotely can be found here.

Posted in Agendas, Algonquin Rd, Animal Welfare, Barrington Hills Park District, Barrington Hills Polo Club, BraveHearts, Commercial Horse Boarding, Cost of Living, Countryside Elementary School, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Fox River Valley Hunt, FPDCC, FRVPC, HARPS, Horizon Farm, Immigration, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Land Use, Lighting Ordinance, Massbach Hounds, Overhead, Politics, Privacy, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Center Advisory Committee, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Taxes, The Other Half, Transparency, Unions | Leave a Comment »

Barrington plans to borrow $1.6 million for streetscape improvements

March 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Streetscape enhancements in downtown Barrington the intersection of Cook and Station streets. | Courtesy of Barrington/Kimley-Horn

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington officials updated the village board Monday with a plan to borrow $1.6 million to fund phase one of the village’s downtown streetscape improvement plan.

Aaron Gold of Speer Financial Group spoke before the board, telling trustees the funds could be secured late next month.

Deputy Village Manager Marie Hansen said work on the first phase on Station Street between Hough Street and Grove Avenue and Cook Street between Main and Lake streets, as well as a portion of Park Avenue, will begin later this month or early next.

The scope of work includes the removal of pavers, installation of new sidewalks and clay brick accents, relocation of the trash enclosure on Station Street and enhanced landscaping throughout.

Hansen said the entire project, including the second phase at Main and Hough streets, is likely to cost $3.5 million.

Article continues here.

Posted in Daily Herald, Topics Of Interest | Leave a Comment »

An easy way to get more education money for Illinois

March 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants more federal funding. A new program would provide donor money— but he must opt in.

By Mailee Smith | Illinois Policy Institute

Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants a bipartisan effort from Illinois lawmakers to demand more education money from the federal government.

Yet Pritzker himself hasn’t taken a simple step to get more funding for Illinois students.

If he wants to keep money in Illinois and away from the Trump administration, the answer is easy: Opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, which provides a tax credit to donors who give money that can go to public, private or homeschool students.

If the governor doesn’t opt in, that money will flow out of the state — exactly where he doesn’t want it to go.

Pritzker demands more money from the federal government

Pritzker didn’t mince words in his annual budget address last month. He blames the Trump administration for stripping Illinoisans of billions of dollars — and he wants it back.

“I want to say to anyone on either side of the aisle: If you want to talk about our (fiscal) 2027 budget, you must first demand the return of the money and resources this president has taken from the people of Illinois,” he said.

Two days later, the governor sent a letter to President Donald Trump demanding a refund of $1,700 for every Illinois family. The letter followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down the presidents’ tariffs. Pritzker says the tariffs have cost Illinoisans over $8.6 billion.

But Pritzker has the means to keep at least some Illinois tax money from flowing to Washington. The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program would do exactly what he wants: keep money in the state while costing nothing.

To do that, he must opt into the program.

Pritzker could get more money for kids

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program provides a dollar-for-dollar annual tax credit up to $1,700 for donors to scholarship-granting organizations. Those organizations then provide money to eligible public, private or homeschool children for tutoring, fees for dual enrollment, educational therapies for students with disabilities and other academic needs.

It’s a win-win-win: Students get much-needed education funding, donors get tax credits, and no money is diverted from public schools.

Pritzker must opt the state into the program for students to get the money. Donors will get the tax credit even if he doesn’t.

If Pritzker doesn’t act, that money will go out of Illinois — either to students in other states as education donations or to the federal government in the form of taxes.

To date, at least 28 states have indicated they will opt into the program.

Article continues here.

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Commodius Maximus, Cost of Living, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Simple Minds, Springfield, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? | 3 Comments »

Special Plan Commission meeting this evening

March 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The Village Plan Commission will hold a special meeting this evening at 6:30 PM. Topics on their agenda include:

  • [Vote] Approval of a Final Plat of Subdivision (Acorn Corner) made by the Owner of Residential Property Located at 65 Spring Creek Road, PINs 20-29-151-010 and 20- 29-300-002
  • Tree Preservation Regulations – Discussion

A copy of the agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.

Posted in Agendas, Land Use, Meeting Minutes, Plan Commission, Tree Preservation Ordinance, Village Attorney, Village Code, Village Director of Administration | Leave a Comment »

Village Adjudication Hearing(s) today

March 10, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

The monthly Village Adjudication Hearing(s) is scheduled for today at 11 AM in the MacArthur Board Room.

Posted in Adjudication Hearing, Village Attorney, Village Code | Leave a Comment »

Driver who struck utility pole, causing power outage in Barrington Hills, charged with DUI

March 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Daily Herald report

A vehicle striking a utility pole early Saturday morning (5:15 a.m.)  in Barrington Hills caused a temporary power outage in the area before the lines were repaired.

The driver — 31-year-old Alonso Albarran-Vazquez of Wauconda — was treated at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates and cited for driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of liquor, failure to reduce speed and operating an uninsured motor vehicle, police said.

More here.

Posted in Accidents, Police Reports, VBHPD | Leave a Comment »

Illinois lawmakers weigh options to change rising property tax

March 9, 2026 by Barrington Hills Observer

Photo: Emilee Calametti / The Center Square

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor

Republican state Rep. Joe Sosnowski has filed legislation he hopes will make life easier on Illinois residents now facing some of the highest property taxes in the country.

With the issue of affordability being a critical one across much of the nation, Sosnowski recently filed House Bill 4626, which seeks to cap rising property taxes by basing costs on the equalized assessed value of a home in the year that it was bought.

Final assessment costs would then not increase for as long as the person owns their home, with the goal being to make housing more attractive and affordable for first-time buyers, working families and fixed income seniors.

“We’re not growing, and one of the biggest problems is we have the highest property tax rate and the highest overall combined tax rate of any of the 50 states,” Sosnowski told The Center Square. “This legislation would be an immediate help to homeowners. It allows people to have an investment that grows, similar to retirement accounts and things that just because they grow in value doesn’t mean you pay more taxes year to year.”

With Illinois also being home to the most local taxing bodies, House Bill 3723 would also cap annual property tax increases at 1% for seniors and House Bill 3724 would cap all such increases for homeowners at 3%.

Article continues here.

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Illinois Federation of Teachers, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, Unions | Leave a Comment »

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