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Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani bringing two new restaurants to Barrington

Posted in Daily Herald, Economy, Entertainment, Property Taxes, Taxes on September 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani will open BOCADO in Barrington this fall. | Courtesy BOCADO

By Rick West | Daily Herald

Celebrity chef and suburban resident Fabio Viviani is bringing two new restaurants to downtown Barrington.

The first, BOCADO Tapas, will open this fall upstairs at 133 Park Ave. in the village’s downtown.

The eatery will focus on “shareable plates, bold yet approachable flavors and a thoughtfully crafted beverage program, all within a warm, energetic atmosphere designed for everything from weeknight dinners to cocktails and late-night gatherings,” according to a news release.

After BOCADO, Viviani plans to open Retoro downstairs in the same building in early 2027.

Read the full report here.

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Things to do Sept. 4-10: Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival, Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling, Buffalo Grove Days and more

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Fundraisers on September 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 4

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Carnival, food and beer tents, live music, craft fair, car show and kids’ activities. Classic/custom car show from 5-9 p.m. Friday in Sunset Park. Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Skate Park, heading along Haligus to Miller Road, right on Miller to Sunset Park; followed by community picnic from noon to 3:30 p.m. On Sunday, Sunset Market featuring artisans, crafters and businesses from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Music lineup — Friday: Aberdeen Drive at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: SINGO at 1 p.m., Brass From The Past at 4 p.m., Heartache Tonight at 6:30 p.m. and Dirty Pop at 9 p.m.; and Sunday: Cadillac Groove at 3 p.m., 28 Days at 5:30 p.m., and Tennessee Whiskey at 8 and 9:15 p.m. Free. summersunsetfest.com.

The Buffalo Grove High School Marching Band Flag team performs in the Buffalo Grove Days parade Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 in Buffalo Grove. This year’s parade steps off at at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Buffalo Grove Days: Carnival hours 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4; 1-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6; and 1-6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at Mike Rylko Community Park, Buffalo Grove. Carnival, live entertainment, bingo, blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; craft fair and business expo from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday; kids’ entertainment; Rotary Duck Race at 5:15 p.m. Sunday and more. Music lineup — Friday Hi Infidelity at 6 p.m. and The Brothers Gibb at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 7th heaven at 3:30 p.m., Sounds of Seattle at 6 p.m. and 16 Candles at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday Nashville Electric at 3:30 p.m., LP Vinyl at 6 p.m., and Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press at 8:30 p.m.; and Monday Turning Down Today at noon. Free. bgdays.com.

Lucy’s Comedy: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Curated by comic and radio personality John DaCosse with headliner Chastity Washington, featuring Jack Baker and hosted by Ted Willson. Tickets start at $29. Rauecenter.org.

Saturday, Sept. 5

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. eastdundee.net

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sept. 5 through Nov. 1, at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, camel rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $20 on weekdays; $24 in advance online and $27 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day. Extra fees for some activities. goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Long Grove Irish Days: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, and 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, in downtown Long Grove. Irish music, food and drinks. Free. longgrove.org/festival/irish-days.

Schaumburg Septemberfest runs Saturday through Monday, Sept. 5-7, at the Al Larson Prairie Center in Schaumburg, and includes a Labor Day Parade. | Karie Angell Luc/for the Daily Herald

Septemberfest: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Live entertainment on two stages, carnival, arts and crafts show, craft beer and wine area, Taste of Schaumburg, bingo, drone show on Sunday night, and a Labor Day parade at 10 a.m. Monday. Music — Saturday: Cheap Foreign Cars at 6:30 p.m. and Night Ranger at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday: White Lion at 6:30 p.m. and Warrant at 8:30 p.m.; and Monday: Krysten Knievel at 5:30 p.m. and Max Weinberg’s Jukebox at 7:30 p.m. Free. villageofschaumburg.com.

TheosoFest Mind, Body, Spirit Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Theosophical Society, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton. Mind-body-spirit festival featuring meditative practices from several traditions, Labyrinth Walk, Qigong and Tai Ji, Kids Korner, a drumming circle, exhibits and vendor booths, hands-on demonstrations, vegetarian food and more. Free; lawn parking is $5 (cash or credit card). theosophical.org/theosofest.

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival Parade: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. Starts at Sunset Skate Park, heading along Haligus to Miller Road, right on Miller to Sunset Park. summersunsetfest.com.

Taste of Schaumburg: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, on the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Campus grounds, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Not-for-profit organizations partner with restaurants and food vendors to sell food and beverages. Part of Schaumburg’s Septemberfest celebration. Free. villageofschaumburg.com.

The Great American Lobster Fest comes to Chicago’s Navy Pier Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6. | Daily Herald

The Great American Lobster Fest: 1-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and 1-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Navy Pier, 900 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Live lobster flown in from the East Coast, live music, vendors, nonseafood and dessert items and more. Tickets start at $74. greatamericanlobsterfest.greencurtainevents.com

Hanover Park Fall Fun Fest: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave., Hanover Park. Taste of Hanover, featuring a variety of food trucks and vendors, live music and more. Free. hpparks.org/specialevents.

Love On the Lawn Festival: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Music, food and community. R&B superstar MÝA will perform. “American Idol” season 24 Top 10 finalist Philmon Lee is a featured performer. All-day celebration of “50 Years of Chicago House” with DJ Slugo, DJ Sundance, DJ Roszay, DJ Rodney B, DJ Way and DJ CZR. Food trucks, a Kidz Zone, local talent and a vendor village. Gates open at 2 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. $30 for 10 or older. Tickets: lotlfest.com

Wauconda Street Dance: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, on Main Street in Wauconda. Annual dance with music, food and more. Free; over-21 wristbands $5. waucondachamber.org.

Green Room Improv: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Clean, high-energy, multifaceted improv comedy. $13-$20. greenroomimprov.com

Trains & Tunes: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union. Blues by The Stephen Hull Experience. Bring blankets, chairs and a picnic dinner; on-site vendors. Fireworks at around 8:30 p.m. Museum admission: $16-$20. irm.org/trains-tunes.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to popular and special occasion soundtracks. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Sept. 6

Illinois Mycological Association Display & Sale (Shrooms): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Exhibits 50 to 100 varieties of mushrooms foraged from area forests in the days prior to the show. Members will answer questions about mushrooms and fungi. Mushroom-related books, T-shirts and other items are for sale. Included with general admission. chicagobotanic.org.

Battle of the Bags: 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Cornhole tournament. Registration begins at 11 a.m. The competitive division will offer up to $5,000 in cash prizes. The social division features a variety of prizes including cash and gift certificates. $80 per team for the competitive division, $40 per team for social. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Summer Concert Series: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Semple will perform. Free. bgparks.org/summer-concert-series

Wauconda “Big Bang” fireworks show: Dusk Sunday, Sept. 6, at Homer T. Cook Memorial Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Originally scheduled for July 3. wauconda-il.gov.

Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival fireworks: 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. summersunsetfest.com.

Monday, Sept. 7

Schaumburg Septemberfest Labor Day Parade: 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7, lining up on Wise Road between Roselle and Plum Grove roads, Schaumburg. Parade travels northbound on Summit Drive toward the festival grounds. Free. villageofschaumburg.com

Labor Day trolley rides: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, at Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. Last train leaves between 4 and 4:15 p.m. $10, $8 for 62 and older, veterans and first responders; $5 for kids 3-11; free for kids 2 and younger. foxtrolley.org.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Sandwich Fair: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 9-11; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12; and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at 15730 Pratt Road, Sandwich. Food, rides, livestock events, live entertainment and more. The VFW 9/11 and POW Memorial Service is from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday. Harness racing at 11 a.m. and Illinois State RC Car and Truck Racing Championships at 7 p.m. Wednesday, truck pulls at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and an antique auto show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and demolition derby at 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Friday Night Concert with country rock singer/songwriter Brantley Gilbert at 8 p.m. with opening act Riplock ($45). On the Ag Land stage — Wednesday: Darrell Data and Bob from 1-4 p.m. and 13 Days from 7-10 p.m.; Thursday: Two Girls-One Guitar from 1-4 p.m. and Back Paiges from 7-10 p.m.; Friday: WSPY Noon Show from noon to 1 p.m. and The Vodka Boys from 7-11 p.m.; Saturday: The Beaux from 1-4 p.m. and The Sociables from 7-11 p.m.; and Sunday: worship at 8:30 a.m. and Sami Krueger from 1-4 p.m. $10; $7 for kids 6-12; and free for kids 5 and younger. Five-day pass: $10-$25. sandwichfair.com.

Teatro Popular-Identidad: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Gail Borden Public Library’s Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Comedy about family, culture and identity. Presented in Spanglish. A conversation with multimedia artist Karina Chavez follows. gailborden.info.

Wine Down Wednesdays: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Live music, drinks and food. Jagged Little Pill will perform. Free. eastdundee.net.

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Semple Band will perform. Food Truck Wednesdays: 6-8 p.m. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Jane Don’t Does America: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race. $46.19-$77.23. improv.com/chicago

Thursday, Sept. 10

Brown Bag Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. Linda Rock shares the history of neighborhood grocery stores in Elgin and tells the story of grocer Libbie Samuelson. Free. RSVP: elginhistory.org.

Wrigleyville Night Market: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. Vendors offer specialty foods, vintage clothes, crafts, artisanal goods and more, with live music and special offers. Free. gallagherway.com

“Betsy Ross and the Making of America”: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, on Zoom and in Gail Borden Public Library’s Elgin Room, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Presenting via Zoom, historian Marla Miller describes the life and times of Betsy Ross. Register: gailborden.info.

Thursday Nights Live: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Free concerts in the plaza with food and beverage options from local restaurants. Big Brother’s Vinyl will perform. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Ongoing

Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 25 at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. See 35 life-sized dinosaurs and more. $20.95-$29.95 and free for kids 2 and younger. brookfieldzoo.org/events

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day through Sept. 7 at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. 16th-century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, characters and more. $48, $45 for 62 and older and military with ID, $23 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Minecraft Experience, Villager Rescue: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 7 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays; and noon to 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, through Sept. 7, at EXP Rosemont, 9900 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont. The world of Minecraft comes to life in an immersive experience. Tickets start at $28. minecraftexperience.com.

“An Iliad’: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 20, except Sept. 5-6, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 220 DuPage St., Elgin. Janus Theatre Company’s production of Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s modern retelling of Homer’s epic poem. $28. janusplays.com

“Come From Away”: Various times Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 18, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Based on the true story of the time when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets start at $78.10. marriotttheatre.com.

Find much more here.

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Barrington parents ask District 220 to reduce students’ screen time

Posted in 220, AI, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, School Districts, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on September 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

A group of parents in “Barrington Area Unit School District 220” are asking district officials to reduce the reliance on technology in classrooms and more closely monitor students’ screan time.

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

More than 1,200 parents, educators and community members have signed a petition calling on Barrington Area Unit School District 220 to reduce students’ screen time and access to technological devices.

“Technology can absolutely be a valuable educational tool,” Jenna Bennett, one of the parents involved in the effort, said in a statement. “But a tool should be used purposefully — not become the default.”

The parents are asking the district to demonstrate how and why technology is being used, establish appropriate guardrails, and ensure educators’ decisions are supported by research and data.

District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman said educators already are addressing some of the concerns, including with a policy change this year that keeps kindergarten and first-grade students from taking school-issued iPads home, unless teachers require it for an assignment.

“We used to have a stance that all of our devices went home as the standard, and we have changed that,” Winkelman said.

Petition signers say they want to district to go further, by keeping all elementary students’ devices at school whenever possible and creating screen-free lunch environments in middle schools.

Report continues here.

Editorial note: The petition the report refers to can be found here.

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Stop Stacking Costs on Illinois Small Businesses

Posted in Cost of Living, Daily Herald, Economy, Letters to the Editor, Overhead, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Resident Spotlights, Springfield, Taxes on August 31, 2026| 1 Comment »

 

Daily Herald Letter to the Editor

Illinois is home to more than 1.2 million small businesses. Small businesses create jobs, serve their communities, and drive economic growth across the state. To keep that momentum going, Illinois must foster a business and legal climate where a small business can continue to succeed.

Lawsuit abuse has become a major driver of the rising cost of doing business in Illinois. As owner of my new business, American General Storage and part of my family’s 60-year-old manufacturing company, Stanley Machining & Tool, I’ve seen firsthand the many obstacles that can jeopardize a company’s growth. Success becomes harder to sustain as lawmakers continue to add new costs and legal risks onto small business owners.

Last year, Gov. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 328 into law, which now opens Illinois courts to hear cases with out-of-state plaintiffs and defendants. From policies like this one that expose Illinois businesses to more lawsuits, to higher taxes and rising costs, small-business owners are being asked to absorb one added expense after another. Even worse, recent worker’s compensation legislation  threatens to add yet another layer of litigation risk for employers. For small businesses, these costs add up very quickly.

Illinois lawmakers should give small businesses a fair chance to invest, grow, and support their communities. That starts with addressing lawsuit abuse, which is rising costs and making it harder to do business in Illinois.

Karen Trzaska, Barrington

Source

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Barrington hopes streetscape improvements boost downtown’s draw

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Fools and their money, Politics, Road construction, Taxes, Traffic, U.S. Route 14 Underpass on August 31, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington officials are celebrating the completion of phase one of the village’s downtown streetscape project, which they hope will boost the town center as a regional attraction.

The $1.5 million project included replacing deteriorating sidewalk pavers with new concrete and clay brick accents, and resurfacing and restriping aging streets.

New landscaping includes flower beds and planters bursting with color.

“From the beginning, our goal was to create a downtown that is more beautiful, accessible, welcoming and easier to maintain for years to come,” Village Manager Scott Anderson said.

Village President Mike Moran noted the work also creates expanded outdoor dining spaces (but not parking) for businesses such as Cook Street Coffee and Gigi Wine Bar and Bistro.

Article continues here.

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Reminder: Route 59 in North Barrington scheduled to close today

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Daily Herald, IDOT, Lake, Road construction, Topics Of Interest, Traffic, U.S. Route 14 Underpass, Unions on August 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“Route 59 from Cuba Road to Route 22 in North Barrington will be closed to traffic for more than a month beginning Thursday, Aug. 13, through Sept. 15.

The closure is necessary to replace the large box culvert under the highway and is part of the $2.17 million GHO Stormwater Drainage Project, designed to address 20 years of flooding in the area. The detour route is Route 59 to Cuba Road to Ela Road to Route 12 to Route 22.

Motorists should allow extra travel time. Visit northbarrington.org for more information about the stormwater drainage project.”

Source

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Century-old treasure awakens: Catlow Theater’s historic revival gains momentum

Posted in Daily Herald, Fundraisers, Resident Spotlights on August 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

People tour the Catlow Theater to see the progress on the restoration of the 1927 theater in Barrington late last month. | John Starks/Daily Herald

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

A sleeping giant in downtown Barrington is gradually emerging from its slumber.

As the Catlow Theater heads toward its 100th birthday in May, the downtown Barrington movie house is about halfway toward reaching its $6 million fundraising goal, said Brian Long, president of the Catlow 1927 Foundation, the nonprofit group spearheading the project.

The foundation is working to restore the theater, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Long and his wife, Julianne, bought the theater in 2022, two years after it closed.

Its latest fundraising effort, a match campaign, was launched last month, with an anonymous donor matching all contributions.

Long, who owns Long & Co. Jewelers and Long Story Short Pub in downtown Barrington, is guiding the project with a businessman’s sensibility.

“It’s not if, it’s when,” he said, emphasizing the project will be run responsibly. “It will be done.”

“We’re not going to sign contracts that we can’t afford,” Long said. “The good news is this. The Catlow Foundation is a foundation, but the person steering the ship is a businessman, and he is running it like a business.”

Article continues here.

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Join National Night Out events in the suburbs

Posted in Daily Herald, Politics, Public Safety on August 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Harper Police Chief John Lawson at a previous National Night Out. The Harper College Police Department will be part of the Dundee Township National Night Out celebration in collaboration with police departments in Carpentersville, Sleepy Hollow, West Dundee and East Dundee on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Carpenter Park in Carpentersville. (Harper College)

By Kim Becker | Daily Herald

National Night Out is an annual event held on the first Tuesday in August, intended to bring communities together to enhance the public’s relationship with local police and emergency personnel while building neighborhood spirit. This year’s official date is Tuesday, Aug. 4, although some events take place in the surrounding week.

Tuesday, Aug. 4

Wauconda National Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, on Main Street, between Bangs Street and Route 176, Wauconda. The village of Wauconda Police Department and other community organizations host a family night out featuring emergency and utility vehicles, games, food, raffles, prizes, music and more. Free. wauconda-il.gov.

Dundee Township National Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Carpenter Park in Carpentersville. Features touch-a-trucks, emergency vehicles, drone demos, drunk-driving simulator, and local first responders, as well as family-friendly activities, inflatables, food vendors/trucks and community resource tables. Hosted by the Carpentersville, East Dundee, Sleepy Hollow and West Dundee police departments, as well as the Dundee Township Park District and Harper College. Free. facebook.com/villageofcarpentersvillepublicsafety/.

Algonquin National Night Out: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the historic village hall, 2 S. Main St. Meet police, fire, and public works personnel while enjoying K-9 demonstrations, safety displays, music, giveaways. algonquin.org.

Deer Park National Night Out: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Vehe Farm Park, 23570 Cuba Road, Deer Park. Free. villageofdeerpark.com

Hoffman Estates National Night Out: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at new location, Fabbrini Park, 1704 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates. Enjoy activities, meet local officers, explore police vehicles, learn about programs and more. Free. hoffmanestates.org

Wednesday, Aug. 5

Palatine National Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road, Palatine. Entertainment, food trucks, live demonstrations, police cars, fire trucks and more. Free. palatineparks.org.

Thursday, Aug. 6

Barrington National Night Out: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Cook and Station streets in downtown Barrington. Burgers, wood workshop for kids, bike helmet giveaways, games, prizes and more. Free. barrington-il.gov

Crystal Lake National Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, on Williams Street, between Brink Street and Crystal Lake Avenue. Features face painting, balloon artist, first responder vehicles, an opportunity to leave your handprint on a Crystal Lake Police squad car, live entertainment, and local vendors and community organizations. facebook.com/CrystalLakePD.

Cary National Night Out: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Cary Municipal Center’s lower level parking area, 755 Georgetown Drive and the grounds of nearby Kaper Park. Police, fire, public works and township vehicles will be on display for guests to explore. Meet first responders and take a tour of the police department and village hall. There will be a police drone presentation, K9 presentation, and LifeNet will land a helicopter on-site. Fireworks and drone show at dusk. Visit caryillinois.com.

Find many more locations here.

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Things to do July 31 to Aug. 6: Lake and McHenry County fairs, National Night Out and more

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Politics, Topics Of Interest on July 31, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, July 31

Lake County Fair: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, July 31; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Rides, food, live music, motocross, monster trucks, demolition derby, bull riding and more. $15; $5 for kids 6-12, 65 and older, and military, veterans and dependents with ID, for one day; $55/$20 for a season pass; free for kids 5 and younger and active military in uniform. lcfair.com/2026.

Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, July 31, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, spices, honey, cheese, eggs, meats and more. With live music, pop-up events, kids’ activities and more. Free. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 31, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. A mixed market offering fresh produce, honey, greens, soaps, breads, cheeses, flowers, artwork, wearables and more. wdundee.org.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. Free. eastdundee.net

Celebrations Around the World Flower Show: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at American Legion Post 911, 515 S. Main St., Wauconda. Floral designs and horticultural exhibits. Free. grayslakegardenclub.org.

Uncaged in the Zoo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Lords Park Zoo, off Grand Boulevard, Elgin. See live animals up close with Chi-town Exotics. Free. elginil.gov.

Shakespeare in the Square: 5-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, on the historic Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren, Woodstock. Woodstock Shakespeare Players perform “Bit O’ The Bard: Fair and Foul.” Free. woodstockil.gov

Yappy Hour at Bridges Beer Garden: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Bridges Beer Garden, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Meet dogs available for adoption from local shelters. Free. heparks.org

Taste of Roselle offers food from local vendors Friday though Sunday, July 31 through Aug. 2. (Sofía Oyarzún/Daily Herald)

Corn Fest and Craft Fair: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows, 2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Fresh local sweet corn, grilled sandwiches, watermelon and soft drinks. Craft fair, face painting, balloon artist and Kona Ice. Adults $15; seniors $13; kids 4-10 $5; and free for kids 3 and younger. ccrm.church.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to music. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Aug. 2

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Fresh local food, food-related services, local organizations and businesses. Free. vbg.org/FarmersMarket.

Antique Tool Show & Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Garfield Farm Museum, 2N930 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Joint show by Early American Industries Association and the Mid-West Tools Collectors Association. Over 30 different collectors will have their tools on display and for sale. $8 and $3 for kids 12 and younger. garfieldfarm.org.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Schaumburg’s Shakespeare in the Park: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. Goodly Creatures Theatre’s annual production features the comedy “As You Like It.” Bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Rain date: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. Free. goodlycreatures.com.

Tuesday, Aug. 4

McHenry County Fair: Noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 5-6; 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8; and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock. Nearly 100 acres of animals, food, music and entertainment. Single day $10/$5; $30 season pass. mchenrycountyfair.com/tickets.

Sounds of Summer Family Series: Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Little Miss Ann will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer

Wauconda National Night Out: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, on Main Street, between Bangs Street and Route 176, Wauconda. The village of Wauconda Police Department and other community organizations host a family night out featuring emergency and utility vehicles, games, food, raffles, prizes, music and more. Free. wauconda-il.gov.

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Wild Daisy will perform, with line dance lessons at 6 p.m. before the concert. Food truck. Free. crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

Riding Club members take note!

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Hillbilly Rockstarz will perform. Free. shopthearb.com.

Thursday, Aug. 6

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the BMO Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington. Local vendors, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

Long Grove Music in the Park: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, in Covered Bridge Park, 145 Old McHenry Road, Historic Downtown Long Grove. Saturday June Band will perform. Free. longgrove.org.

Algonquin Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Towne Park’s Jerry Kautz Pavilion, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Jesse’s Girl will perform. Food trucks at 6 p.m. Algonquin.org/summerconcerts.

Elgin’s Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Wing Park bandshell, 1010 Wing St., Elgin. Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band will perform. Food trucks. Free. elginil.gov or facebook.com/cityofelgin.

Find much more here.

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District 220 board members violated campaign policies, investigation finds

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on July 28, 2026| 1 Comment »

Leah Collister-Lazzari

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Two Barrington Area Unit School District 220 board members violated board policies by posting images of students, district property and the district’s chess piece logo on campaign social media sites, an outside investigator determined.

Board members Leah Collister-Lazzari and Barry Altshuler have since deactivated those campaign Facebook pages.

Barry Altshuler

The same investigation cleared board President Sandra Ficke-Bradford of alleged wrongdoing for a photo of her in front of Barrington High School that appeared in a 2025 Daily Herald article.

The school board on Thursday accepted the results of the investigation, which was conducted by the law firm of Robbins Schwartz. None of Collister-Lazzari, Altshuler or Ficke-Bradford addressed the report during the meeting.

Collister-Lazzari and Ficke-Bradford later declined to comment on the findings.

“I admit that I’m not a perfect person,” Altshuler said after the meeting. “I’m just not sure it had to go the way it went.”

The investigation was sparked by a complaint made anonymously under the school district’s Uniform Grievance Procedure.

The investigation report said Collister-Lazzari stated that in 2023 she followed what was district protocol at the time in using the school district’s logo in campaign materials.

Report continues here.

Related: “Proposed Policy Change Would Strip Anonymous Formal Grievances in Barrington District 220,” “Reminder: CUSD 220 Board of Education meeting tonight,” “CUSD 220 Board delivers second (slappier) slap on the wrist to member Erin Chan Ding,” “CUSD 220 Board of Education public comments we applaud,” “Special District 220 Board of Education meeting Monday,” “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency” and “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’”

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