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Archive for the ‘The Greatest Generation’ Category

Bicentennial Flashback – “Barrington’s 4th bursts forth”

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Barrington Courier-Review, Barrington High School, Nostalgia, The Greatest Generation, Topics Of Interest on July 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Barrington Courier-Review | July 15, 1976 Edition

“As the temperature began to soar up to a high of 100 degrees and the sun beat down upon the pavement residents of barrington began to line the streets in anticipation of the biggest 4th of July parade the village had ever seen.

Seats in the shade were a premium and most of the spectators had to brave the searing sun to watch the marchers in their trek through the streets.

The parade led off with a color guard from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Red, white and blue predominated as the many floats wound their way down Main St. and up Hough Ave.

Photo by Barry Jarvinen

Photo by Barry Jarvinen

Local precision marching units and drum and bugle corps provided the music along with the Barrington High School Band for the hundreds of boy and girl scouts in colonial costumes.

Floats depicted scenes of the Revolutionary War and our frontier past brought smiles to the faces of the younger spectators in between the times they were scrambling for candy and prizes tossed to them.

The thermometer reached 100 degrees Saturday during the Barrington Bicentennial parade, one of several events which signaled the conclusion to the 8-day celebration. And while the marchers trudged along with cool thoughts in their minds, these dogs stationed themselves next to a bucket full of water, refreshing themselves at their leisure. | Photo by Barry Jarvinen

Area fire departments sent their engines to fill the air with the sounds of wailing sirens and the antique automobiles tried mightily to answer back with their bulb horns.”

Editorial note: The Barrington Area Library maintains archives of the Barrington Courier-Review.

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The Declaration of Independence, and a question for all of us

Posted in Illinois Policy Institute, OP/Ed, Politics, The Greatest Generation on July 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »

 

The document reflects a sacrifice that its 56 signers chose to make.

By Matt Paprocki | Illinois Policy Institute President and CEO

Unexpectedly, I heard myself say, “I would sign that document. I hope you’ll join me.”

A few months ago, I was with my family in Washington, D.C., standing in a dark room in the National Archives, looking at the Declaration of Independence.

I told my kids about the sacrifice that each of those men, and their families, made when they signed that document.

My then 8-year-old daughter, Fiona, asked me,

“Dad, would you have signed that document?”

“Of course I would,” I thought. Every American would, because we know how this movie ends.

For those 56 signers, the question wasn’t easy. They were standing up against the most powerful army in the world — for an experiment in self-government.

Declaring independence was risky. They were risking their fortunes. They were risking their honor. They were risking their lives. And they were putting their families at risk as well.

As I looked down at the names on the Declaration, I realized these were more than just signatures from 250 years ago. The signers were husbands and fathers. They were business owners and farmers.

They were us.

Looking at the document, I realized the Declaration of Independence isn’t just a historical document. Every generation is asked the same question the signers were asked 250 years ago.

Would we sign the document?

Commentary continues here.

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Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Today

Posted in Education, Entertainment, The Greatest Generation, Topics Of Interest on May 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“Honor our nation’s heroes at Barrington’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 25.

The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. from the Veterans Memorial on Park Avenue. It will proceed west on Main Street, turn left on Dundee Avenue, and then head right into Evergreen Cemetery.

A ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery will follow the parade at 11 a.m. Come together with the community to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed for our nation”

Source: Village of Barrington

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Deferred, not defeated: Wreaths Across America hosted Dec. 15 in Barrington

Posted in Resident Spotlights, Signal Hill NSDAR, The Greatest Generation on December 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Photo courtesy Bob Lee

Submitted by Jacqueline Marcus

Snow cover and single-digit temperatures conspired to postpone this year’s Wreaths Across America Day at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, but members of the Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR in Barrington were undaunted in their mission to honor all veterans there.

A much smaller, but equally enthusiastic group of volunteers arrived at noon on Monday, Dec. 15, to remember, honor and teach about the veterans interred at Evergreen. As DAR Daughters read 857 veterans’ names aloud, wreaths were secured along the cemetery’s main roadways in a modified wreath laying.

Signal Hill Chapter acknowledges the community members, Barrington firefighters, and especially those veterans who volunteered to ensure that U.S. military service was commemorated.

The chapter thanks to those corporate and group sponsors who contributed to the many wreaths needed: Palatine American Legion Post 690, UBS Financial, Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores, MotorWerks of Barrington, Leopardo Foundation, and Allstate Foundation. The chapter gives acknowledgments to recycling partners Jewel-Osco of Barrington and Groot Waste Management, and thanks the citizens of Barrington and families of Veterans at Evergreen for their personal wreath sponsorships.

Signal Hill Daughters also salute the management and grounds crew of Evergreen Cemetery for their endless patience, flexibility and innovation in staging Wreaths Across America Day for the past seven years.

Wreaths Across America Day will be held at Evergreen Cemetery next year on Dec. 19, 2026.

The Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was chartered in Barrington in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women’s service organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman aged 18 and over who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information, visit Signalhilldar.com.

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World War II veteran and D-Day pilot celebrates 106th birthday with major home renovation in McHenry County

Posted in Fundraisers, Lake & McHenry County Scanner, The Greatest Generation on December 7, 2025| 1 Comment »

Edward “Bud” Berthold, who was a B-24 bomber pilot in World War 2, received a major home renovation at his residence in Fox River Grove to celebrate his 106th birthday. | Provided Photos

By Sam Borcia | Lake & McHenry County Scanner

A 106-year-old veteran of World War II has received an amazing birthday gift after supporters and donors renovated his McHenry County home to assist him with his continued care.

Edward “Bud” Berthold was a B-24 bomber pilot in World War 2 who flew over 35 successful combat missions as the pilot of the famed Fort Worth Maid B-24 Liberator at the age of 24.

The bombing runs included runs on D-Day over Utah Beach.

Edward “Bud” Berthold, who was a B-24 bomber pilot in World War 2, received a major home renovation at his residence in Fox River Grove to celebrate his 106th birthday. | Provided Photos

The goal of the Bud Project was to raise money and labor needed to renovate Berthold’s home in McHenry and to make his house wheelchair accessible, according to Mark Finnegan, the President and Co-Founder of VetsRoll, which is a veteran charity non-profit.

The work included a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system and an ADA-compliant ramp to make it easier for Berthold to get around.

The work also included new bathroom fixtures, new doors, new cabinets, updated electrical wiring, a new roof and a new driveway.

A GoFundMe account has raised almost $20,000, not including a $5,000 donation from a local business.

Read more here.

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How a 101-year-old WWII veteran from Barrington Hills brought a daughter closer to her late father

Posted in Resident Spotlights, The Greatest Generation on November 11, 2025| Leave a Comment »

George Hitchcock, a 101-year-old veteran from Barrington Hills, piloted 27 B-17 bombing missions in the European theater during World War II. | Joe Lewnard/ lewnard@dailyherald.com

By Christopher Placek | Daily Herald

Kathy Rennie never got to meet her father, who perished in World War II when her mother was three months pregnant.

But through Rennie’s discovery of a 101-year-old veteran from Barrington Hills — and their friendship that has blossomed in recent years — she feels like she knows her dad a little bit.

Rennie’s mother spent years trying to find any of the five surviving crew members from the fateful Feb. 14, 1945, B-17 bombing mission over the North Sea between England and Germany. It was on that flight that four others — including Rennie’s dad, Sgt. Walter Mayer, a 30-year-old radio operator from a small town in Minnesota — had to bail after one of the plane’s engines caught fire.

Mayer parachuted into the cold waters below, and his body has never been recovered. He is still listed as missing in action.

Only about 15 years ago did Rennie learn of a museum in Tucson, Arizona dedicated to the history of her dad’s unit in the U.S. Army Air Forces: the 390th Bombardment Group. Officials there provided two names and phone numbers of possible survivors in his squadron, the 570th.

One number was disconnected, but Rennie was able to call and leave a message on the other.

“It was like about 10 o’clock, and we were in bed already, and I heard the phone ring out in the kitchen and this long message coming to us,” said Rennie, who lives in Bloomington, Minnesota. “So I ran out there, and it was him calling back — this man. And so then I picked it up, and we had a 20-minute conversation. And he told me that he was the pilot of the plane — the only one left. The pilot of the plane!”

The man on the other end of the line was George Hitchcock.

“She was so elated to find somebody who knew (her father), saw him, touched him, and that sort of thing,” said Hitchcock, who, as a 21-year-old captain, flew 27 missions in the European theater toward the end of the war.

George Hitchcock, left, struck up a friendship with Kathy Rennie decades after he piloted a war plane on which her father was aboard. | Courtesy of George Hitchcock

That phone call led to a visit months later at Hitchcock’s Barrington Hills home, subsequent trips by two of Rennie’s children, a FaceTime with other Minnesota-based family members, and plenty of other phone calls, exchanges of emails and Christmas cards.

Rennie visited Hitchcock again in 2023 just before he turned 100, and now they often talk on the phone twice a week.

“We became very good buddies,” he said. “She felt sort of close to me for some reason.”

Read more here.

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Things to do Nov. 7-13: Chicago Toy & Game Fair, Antique Bottle and Advertising Show, Veterans Day events and more

Posted in Entertainment, The Greatest Generation, Topics Of Interest on November 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

See the latest products along with costumed characters at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. | Daily Herald file photo, 2021

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Nov. 7

Veterans Dinner: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Meridian Banquets, 1701 W. Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows. Veterans are invited to a complimentary dinner. Registration required. cityrm.org.

PuzzleMania: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Teams of up to four adults can compete in this jigsaw puzzle tournament. $30 per team. Register at carypark.com

ECC Theatre’s “Our Town”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 7-16, at ECC Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic. $12-$14. eccartscenter.org

GreenRoom’s First Fridays Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Hemmens Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Improv comedy. $15-$20. hemmens.org.

30th annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival: Various times, Friday through Monday, Nov. 7-10, at Elastic Arts, 3429 W. Diversey Ave., No. 208, Chicago. Scheduled performances include Francis Wong and Chicago Time Code at 8:30 p.m. and Jeff Chan and Ratchet at 9:30 p.m. Friday; Ester Hana at 8:30 p.m. and Yoko Noge and Jazz Me Blues at 9:30 p.m. Saturday; Chien-an Yuan and All Things Shining at 8:30 p.m. and Mai Sugimoto, Haruhi Kobayashi and Kioto Aoki at 9:30 p.m. Sunday; and the MIYUMI Project at 8:30 p.m. Monday. $20, $10 for students with ID. airmw.org/aajazz.

Find antique advertising, old bottles, coin-op machines and more at the Grayslake Antique Bottle and Advertising Show Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. | Courtesy of Zurko Productions

Grayslake Antique Bottle and Advertising Show: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Shop for items like antique bottles, coin-op machines, antique advertising, breweriana, signs, slot machines, antiques and more. Early admission from 8-9 a.m. Saturday $25; regular admission $8; free for kids 12 and younger with an adult. zurkopromotions.com

Chicago Toy & Game Fair: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. See the newest toys, meet favorite characters and more. $12 for adults, $6 for children. choosechicago.com

Elgin Pumpkin Smash: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin. Drop off your pumpkins (with no decorations) for the annual composting event. elginil.gov/pumpkinsmash.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Bimonthly show that hosts vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

Huntley Veterans Day Ceremony and Collection Event: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in Huntley Square on Coral Street. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. For the Honoring Our Veterans Collection, bring donations to stock the shelves at New Horizons and Veteran’s Path to Hope. Hosted by the village and Huntley American Legion 673 Women’s Auxiliary. For a list of needed items, visit huntley.il.us.

MSI Tree Lighting: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. See more than 50 twinkling holiday trees, each decorated to represent a different country, and displays representing international seasonal celebrations of light, like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and more. The grand tree lighting is at 11 a.m. with Santa. Museum admission: adults $25.95; kids 3-11 $14.95; free for members. griffinmsi.org.

Cocoa & Chocolate Crawl: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in downtown Geneva. Cocoa creations will be offered at participating Geneva businesses. Event is suitable for adults and kids. Purchase tickets at genevachamber.com/events/cocoa-crawl.

Brew It Forward: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Annual outdoor beer tasting benefits the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Purchase beer tokens for attending veterans or donate directly to the Midwest Shelter. Veterans who attend receive complimentary tastings. Family activities in the Tank Park. $21 per car. fdmuseum.org/event/brew-it-forward-4/.

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball: 5 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 800 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake. McHenry County Marine Corps League celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. $85. Tickets: mchenrycountymcl.com.

Elgin Symphony “Mozart & Mendelssohn”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. With Greg Flint on horn and featuring Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 and Symphony No. 13, Schumann’s Three Romances and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian.” $20-$68; $10 for students. elginsymphony.org.

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Lights: Saturday, Nov. 8, through Jan. 5 at The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The museum’s annual celebration features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. Holidays of Light is a celebration of global holidays throughout the year that honor light and enlightenment. Museum admission: adults $25.95; kids 3-11 $14.95; free for members. griffinmsi.org

Sunday, Nov. 9

Hog House to Smokehouse: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. See how 19th-century farmers made salted hams, sausage and other pork products to be hung in the smokehouse. Food for purchase. $3 per person; $12 family; free for kids 2 and younger. parkfun.com/event/hog-house-to-smokehouse

Dinner for Veterans: 2-4 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. Veterans and their family and friends are invited to a free dinner catered by Aliano’s in East Dundee. For dine-in, options include pastas, garlic bread, chicken, salad and homemade desserts. To-go meals include lasagna, garlic bread, salad and dessert. Military memorabilia will be on display. Reserve a spot at EventBrite.com.

The Mount Prospect Community Band will perform its Fall Concert Sunday, Nov. 9, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Mount Prospect. | Courtesy Mount Prospect Park District

Mount Prospect Community Band Fall Concert: 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect. Mount Prospect Community Band presents “Out of This World.” $5 at the door. mppd.org

Northwest Choral Society Concert: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 Central Road, Arlington Heights. The Northwest Choral Society presents “Stardust,” a concert centered around music about stars, planets and the night sky. $15-$20. nwchoralsociety.org

Jazz Consortium Big Band Salutes Veterans: 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Durty Nellie’s Gastropub and Entertainment Hub, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. 14th annual holiday food drive and musical salute for Veterans Day. McHenry Community High School returns as a special guest at 6 p.m. Bring canned or nonperishable food items, which will be delivered to the Palatine Township Food Pantry. Go to palatinetownship-il.gov for a list of especially needed items. Cover: $10 cash; $5 for ages 17 or younger. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged at (847) 358-9150. Visit jcbigband.com.

Daryl Nitz & Friends: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Hemmens Cultural Center Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Featuring songs from Broadway, pop, jazz and blues, as well as requests. This is an after-dark show with a cash bar. ​​​​​​​Table seating is general admission, with four seats to a table. $24.50-$27.50. Tickets: hemmens.org or (847) 931-5900.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Palatine American Legion Veterans Day Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Palatine High School, 1111 N. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. To honor veterans in the community. Free. RSVP by e-mailing cbays@d211.org. https://www.alpost690.us/veterns-day-breakfast.

Elmhurst Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. elmhurst.org.

Mount Prospect Veterans Day ceremony: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, RecPlex, 420 Dempster St., Mount Prospect. Join VFW Post 1337 and American Legion Post 525 to commemorate veterans. Elizabeth D. Soto, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County, will be the keynote speaker. vfw1337.com.

Schaumburg Veterans Day Ceremony: 10:45 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Gateway Park, Roselle and Schaumburg roads. Schaumburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2202 hosts the annual ceremony to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Schaumburg police and fire departments will perform the honor guard while flanked by the Schaumburg VFW Post 2202 Rifle Squad. villageofschaumburg.com.

Hoffman Estates Veterans Day ceremony: 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial site at the Hoffman Estates Police Department, 411 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Light refreshments will be served at the police department following the ceremony. Free. hoffmanestates.org

Barrington Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial, Park Avenue and Cook Street, Barrington. Join local veterans and dignitaries to honor Veterans Day. Free. barrington-il.gov.

Carpentersville Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. cville.org.

Members of the American Legion Post 57 present the colors during last year’s Elgin Veterans Day ceremony at the Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin. This year’s event is Tuesday, Nov. 11. | Courtesy of the city of Elgin, 2024

Elgin Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin. The city and American Legion Post 57 honor our nation’s veterans. Seating will be provided. Parking available in the parking deck on the southwest corner of Symphony and Grove. elginil.gov

Palatine American Legion Veterans Day ceremony: 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. Veterans Day observance. Speakers will include American Legion Auxiliary Presidents Jill Robertson and Erica Bartnicki, Former Sons of the American Legion Squadron Commander John Nemanich and American Legion Palatine Post 690 Commander Mark Cramer. The Legion color guard will also participate. Free. alpost690.us.

Streamwood Veterans Day Ceremony: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial, 301 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood. Honor the men and women who have served in times of peace and war. The event will feature a performance by the Celebration Brass Quintet. streamwood.org.

Buffalo Grove Veterans Day Celebration: 4:30-5:30 p.m. reception and 5:30 p.m. program Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Honoring all veterans, their families and friends. VFW Post 981 Color Guard will present and remove the Colors, as well as present a special Armed Services Flag Presentation. Lunch will be served before the program. Free; registration required. bgparks.org/veterans-day-celebration.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Elgin Area Women’s Connection: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Villa Olivia Country Club, 1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett. Luncheon with a craft and bake sale, silent auction of baskets, and a live auction of specialty and handmade items. Speaker Connie Beard from Bloomington presents “How to Handle the Unexpected.” $24. RSVP: (630) 213-1205 or email Carr644@gmail.com.

Critics Classics: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Elk Grove Town Center, Elk Grove Village. Billy Wilder’s 1960 comedy-drama “The Apartment,” with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. Hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association. $9 or $7 matinee; $7-$6 for ages 60 or older, $1.50 booking fee. classiccinemas.com.

The legendary Gladys Knight will perform Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, joined by saxophonist Harold Dawson. | AP file photo, 2023

Gladys Knight — The Empress of Soul: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. The seven-time Grammy Award winner will be joined by saxophonist Harold Dawson. $56.75-$158.75. arcadalive.com.

“The Moors”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 13-15, at Elmhurst University’s Mill Theatre, 253 Walter St., Elmhurst. Jen Silverman’s dark comedy about two sisters, their maid and their dog living on the moors. When a governess and a small moor hen enter their lives, everyone questions their relationships. $5-$15. elmhurst.edu.

Ongoing

Alex Ross — Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays, and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, and free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Dinovember: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Nov. 30 at Randall Oaks Zoo, 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. Learn about dinosaurs at 1:30 p.m. daily during the Dino-keeper Chat. Plus, embark on the Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt; complete it and claim a prize at the gift shop. $6 or free for ages 1 and younger or U.S. military with ID. dtpd.org/dinovember.

Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience: Time slots start at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through Nov. 30 at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Camp Duncan, 32405 N. U.S. Hwy. 12, Ingleside. Lights transform the landscape into a magical outdoor trail featuring creatures from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films. A themed village at the end of the trail offers food and drink (Butterbeer) and a gift shop. Tickets start at $31 for kids 3-12 and $46 for adults. HPForbiddenForestExperience.com.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”: Various times most Wednesdays through Sundays and some Tuesdays, through Jan. 4, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Christmas musical in which Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together to celebrate the holidays at Sun Records studio. Ticket start at $70. marriotttheatre.com

Find more here.

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Things to do Sept. 5-11: Platzkonzert Germanfest, Taste of Chicago, Bloomingdale Septemberfest and more

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, The Greatest Generation, Topics Of Interest on September 5, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Ed and Joy Rohn of Hoffman Estates enjoy beer during last year’s Platzkonzert Germanfest in Hoffman Estates. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, Sept. 7, 2024

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Sept. 5

MainStreet Libertyville’s First Fridays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, on Main Street in Libertyville. Music, refreshments and more. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Festival of the Vine: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5-6, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, on James Street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, Geneva. Geneva restaurants offer specialties under an outdoor tent at the Flavor Fare partnered with wine and live music. Arts and crafts show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Third and Campbell streets. Merchant wine events, business booths, kids’ activities and free horse-drawn carriage rides. Hosted by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. Flavor Fare tickets available online starting at $20. genevachamber.com/events/festival-of-the-vine.

Taste of Chicago returns Friday through Sunday, Sept. 5-7, in Chicago’s Grant Park. | Courtesy of the city of Chicago

Taste of Chicago: Noon to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 5-7, in Grant Park, Jackson and Columbus, Chicago. Over 50 food vendors and food trucks, Eli’s Cheesecake Birthday Celebration at noon Saturday, Chicago Summer Dance events all three days and more. Music lineup: Friday: Shawnee Dez at 6 p.m. and Lupe Fiasco at 7 p.m.; Saturday: PAMÉ at 6 p.m. and JoJo at 7 p.m.; and Sunday: Blood Club at 6 p.m. and Elvis Crespo at 7 p.m. Food vendors only accept credit cards. Free. chicago.gov

Rock the Block Party: 4-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Elmhurst City Centre, 109 W. First St., Elmhurst. Music, food and drinks from local restaurants, Kids Zone from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and more. Music lineup: Friday: Cary Kanno & the Elmhurst Collective at 4 p.m., The PriSSillas at 5:15 p.m., Hello Weekend at 7:15 p.m., and Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press at 9:15 p.m.; and Saturday: DJ Dance Party at 11 a.m., Fearless/The Taylor Tribute at 12:15 p.m., Disco Circus at 2:30 p.m., Fletcher Rockwell at 4:30 p.m., ARRA at 6:30 p.m. and Sixteen Candles at 8:45 p.m. Cashless event; credit or debit cards for food and beverage purchases. Free. elmhurstcitycentre.com.

Itasca’s 17th annual Oktoberfest: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, and 3-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Washington Park, 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. Live music, German food and entertainment. Free admission and parking. itascaparkdistrict.com/602/Oktoberfest

Becky Modglin, left, of Schaumburg and Carol Frascati of Bloomingdale sip beer during last year’s Platzkonzert Germanfest in Hoffman Estates. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, Sept. 7, 2024

Platzkonzert Germanfest: 5:30-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Village Green, 5450 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. A family-friendly Oktoberfest-style celebration featuring Hofbrau beer, authentic German food, live music, free kids’ activities and more. Music: Friday: Alpine Blast at 5:30 p.m. and The Polka Floyd Show at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: Alpine Thunder at noon, Blaskapelle Milwaukee at 4 p.m. and Hello Weekend at 8 p.m.; and Sunday: Die Musikmeisters Band at noon. Free. hoffmanestates.org

Outdoor Movie Nights: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Face painting, balloon artist, games and more before “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” at 7 p.m. Free. shopdeerparktowncenter.com.

“Puffs”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 5-14, at Elgin Community College’s SecondSpace, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Follow Wayne and his Puff pals as they navigate classes, friendships and hilariously chaotic events. $16-$18. eccartscenter.org

GreenRoom’s First Fridays Improv: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Hemmens Theatre in the Round, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $15-$20. hemmens.org.

Saturday, Sept. 6

Fishing Derby: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Surrey Woods Park, 560 Ascot Lane, Streamwood. Annual Kiwanis Club of Streamwood Fishing Derby for kids 3-12. Registration at 8:30 a.m.; fishing at 9 a.m. Limited bait will be available. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Free. streamwoodparks.org.

Elmhurst’s Touch-a-Truck: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 6, at Berens Park’s east parking lot, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. Climb on and explore a variety of vehicles. The first hour will be a quiet hour for kids who love trucks, but not the noise. Food trucks: Brown’s Chicken, Tacos El Amigazo, D’s Treats & Ice Cream, Smallcakes and Windy City Ice Cream. Free. epd.org

Goebbert’s Fall Festival offers food, produce, mazes, pig races and more from Sept. 6 through Oct. 31 at the South Barrington location. | Daily Herald File Photo

Goebbert’s Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Saturday, Sept. 6, through Oct. 30, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 31 at Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Animals, corn stalk mazes, wagon rides, pig races, fall food, produce and more. Some attractions are only available on weekends. $19 on weekdays and Halloween; $23 in advance online and $26 at the door on weekends and Columbus Day; free for kids 2 and younger. Extra fees for animal rides ($8) and gem mining ($10-$25). goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/fall-festival.

Historic Elgin House Tour: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-7, in Elgin. The 43rd annual event features seven homes on Elgin’s west side. Registration site: Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave. $20, $15 for ages 65 and older and 18 and younger; $5 more the day-of. historicelginhousetour.com.

Pet Event: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Bartlett Gazebo Park, 120 N. Eastern Ave., Bartlett. Seventh annual event for pets and their humans. Features 20 area rescue organizations, more than 20 pet-related vendors and animal demos. Food and treats for purchase. Free. artsinbartlett.org/pet-event.

Art on the Fox: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, along Main Street in downtown Algonquin. Featuring 75 original artists; live music; Kid Zone for art projects, games, spin art and sand sculpture; live painting classes; and food and drink. Free. artonthefox.com.

Big Truck Show: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 6, at the James O. Breen Community Park, 3615 Campton Hills Drive, St. Charles. The equipment may include trucks, cars and tractors. In partnership with Pistons for the Parks Foundation car show. All vehicles welcome for the car show: vintage, antique, muscle, low riders, grand tourers, hot rods, roadsters, classics, motorcycles and more. Awards presented for Owner’s Choice, People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice and Grand Champion. 50/50 Raffle. Food truck on-site. Alcohol-free event. Rain or shine. Parking spaces assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. $15 per vehicle. Register: stcparkfoundation.org/events.

DuPage Comic Con Fall Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 1, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. More than 150 comic book dealers; toy, collectible and trading card vendors; artists and guests. $10; free for kids younger than 12. mcconventions.com/dupage-comic-con.

Mundelein Arts Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-7, in Courtland Commons in downtown Mundelein. Juried art festival showcases the works of local artists in a variety of media, plus local musicians and food. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Printers Row Lit Fest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-7, in Chicago’s Printers Row neighborhood on South Dearborn, from Ida B. Wells to Polk Street, Chicago. Hundreds of booksellers and two days of programming. Free. printersrowlitfest.org.

Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove hosts pig races during its annual fall hours. Courtesy | Adam Glickman/Adam Glickman Photography

Richardson Adventure Farm: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m. Sundays and 3-11 p.m. Fridays, starting Saturday, Sept. 6, through September, and 3-9 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays in October through Oct. 26, at Richardson Farm, 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, observation tower, zip line, zorbing, pig races and more. $24, $20 for kids 3-12, and free for kids 2 and younger; $30/$24 Saturdays and Sundays in October. richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Summer’s Last Hurrah!: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St., South Elgin. Rotary Club of Elgin event with live music, kids’ activities, food trucks and beverages. Touch-a-Truck from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children’s FunFest, Crafts Fair & Makers’ Market, Sponsors and Community Showcase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Costumed pet parade at 4 p.m. Electro Retro, Dance Party for 4 Generations, from 5-8 p.m. Bring blankets or lawn chairs; no coolers. facebook.com/RotaryClubofElgin.

TheosoFest Mind, Body, Spirit Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 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.

Taylor Swift tribute band Fearless kicks off the music Saturday, Sept. 6, at Bloomingdale Septemberfest. | Courtesy of the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce

Bloomingdale Septemberfest: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Old Town Park, 111 Third St., Bloomingdale. 51st annual event features performances, carnival rides and games, crafts, food and Lions beer tent. Parade starts at 11 a.m. near DuJardin School, 166 S. Euclid, heads west onto Schick Road to Third Street, ending at the festival grounds. Stage entertainment starts at noon featuring performances by local groups and emcee Brett Walkow. Music starts at 4 p.m. with Fearless, followed by LouderNow, then Hair Band Night. Free. villageofbloomingdale.org.

Windy City Market: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Artists, makers and vintage curators will be selling handcrafted goods. Free. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Kane County Flea Market: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Up to 400 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles indoors and outside. $6; free for kids 12 and younger. kanecountyfleamarket.com.

The Batmobile made an appearance at last year’s Vintage Car Show in Highland Park. This year’s event takes place Saturday, Sept. 6, at St. John’s North Lot. | Courtesy of Ripple Public Relations

Vintage Car Show: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at St. John’s North Lot, 525 Central Ave., Highland Park. Vintage vehicles on St. Johns Avenue, a live radio remote with Free Country 102.3, music from DJ Russ Fritz, kid-friendly activities, and food and beverages. Free for spectators. enjoyhighlandpark.com

Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Duane Street public parking lot in downtown Glen Ellyn. 17th annual end-of-summer benefit for Bridge Communities with an amateur barbecue competition showcasing local grill masters and music. glenellynbackyardbbq.org.

Illinois Brews: 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Bowes Creek Country Club, 1250 Bowes Creek Blvd., Elgin. 14th annual fundraiser featuring local craft beer, food and live music. Proceeds provide at-risk Elgin youth with access to recreational programs and services. VIP sneak peek admission at 3 p.m.: $75; regular admission: $55; designated driver: $25. Register: elginparksfoundation.org/ilbrewsatbowes.

Sunday, Sept. 7

Great Midwest Train Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Over 110 exhibitors with new and used model trains, accessories, parts and more. $7 online or $8 at the gate; cash only. Free for kids 11 and younger with an adult. trainshow.com.

Tails on the Trails: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Dog-friendly event featuring a Pet Expo with local vendors, info about dog adoption and volunteering opportunities at local animal shelters. $12-$18 and $5 for each dog. Tickets: mortonarb.org.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

A Viking ship replica was part of a previous Scandinavian Day Festival at Vasa Park in South Elgin. This year’s event happens Sunday, Sept. 7. | Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, 2018

Scandinavian Day Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin. Traditional food of five Nordic cultures, crafts, entertainment, vendor walkway, kids’ activities, free pony rides and face painting. $15; free for kids 12 and younger. Free parking. scandinaviandayil.com.

Battle of the Bags: Noon Sunday, Sept. 7, 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 prizes including cash and gift certificates. $80 per team for the competitive division, $40 per team for social. ParkwayBankPark.com.

Festival of Cultures: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Entertainment, activities and authentic ethnic cuisines. Performances include Jasmin Jahal Dance Company, Brotherhood of Harmony Chorus, Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai Performing Group and St. Matthew’s Chimu Don Don, Junior Klezmer Orchestra and Chicago Cossacks. Free. palatineparks.org

PuzzleMania: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary. Teams of up to four adults can compete in this jigsaw puzzle tournament. $30 per team. Register at carypark.com

Railroad Street Block Party: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Duke’s Alehouse parking lot, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Local bands, food from local eateries, and family activities and games for kids. Free. facebook.com/dukesalehouse.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

Park On Park Classic Car Show: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Seymour and Park, 469 N. Seymour Ave., Mundelein. Car show specializing in pre-2001 cars and trucks. Food, music and more. Free. mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

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

Chicago Water Music: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, on the Riverwalk between LaSalle and Clark Street, Chicago. Music on the river with Music of the Baroque, which includes a citywide sing-along of Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus at approximately 8 p.m. Free. baroque.org/hallelujahchicago.

Thursday, Sept. 11

A 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will be held at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, outside at the Fire Department Memorial Monument in St. Charles. | Courtesy of Shaw Local News Network

St. Charles 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, outside at the Fire Department Memorial Monument, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles. The ceremony includes posting the fire department memorial flag, placing the memorial wreath and observing a moment of silence. stcharlesil.gov

Elgin 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. elginil.gov

Wheaton Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony: 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Park, 225 N. Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. Pays tribute to those lost in the terrorist attacks and the ensuing military conflicts, and honors fire and police personnel. wheaton.il.us.

Brown Bag Lunch: Noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St., Elgin. “Chicagoland Neon Signs” with Nick Freeman. $5; free for members. Register at elginhistory.org.

St. Charles Jazz Weekend: Various times Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 11-14, at various St. Charles venues. Live jazz featuring jazz groups and performers, including Haley Reinhart, Frank Catalano, Inversion Jazz Trio, Megan Kranz Quartet, On the AIR, Black and Blue Hearts, Extraordinary Popular Delusions, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, STC North High School Jazz Band and Kirby Fellis, Andrew Egizio, STC East High School Jazz Band, Toby Morden Trio, Mike Horton Quartet, Beveled, New Vintage Strings, Shout Section Big Band, John Wesley Experience, Matt Ulery Quintet, Samuel Wyatt, Diego Rodriguez Big Band, Andy Schlinder & Kevin Brown, Michael Shebar Trio, Gregory Hyde, Ten Cat Swing, Elaine Dame Trio, Sincerely Sinatra Big Band with Nick Pontarelli, and Mario Dueñas Electric Group. Tickets and covers at some locations. stcjazzweekend.com.

Ongoing

Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays, and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays, through Feb. 16, 2026, at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. A larger-than-life presentation of the work of legendary comic book artist Alex Ross featuring heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes. Museum admission $3-$10, exhibit tickets $5-$10, free for kids 3 and younger. LCFPD.org/planyourvisit.

Patterned by Nature: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 21 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Celebrates the universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired artistic installations. Admission: $19.95-$21.95 for adults, $13.95-$15.95 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/patterns.

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Things to do Aug. 22-28: Buffalo Grove Days, Palatine Street Fest, Chicago International Boat Show and more

Posted in Entertainment, Fundraisers, The Greatest Generation, Topics Of Interest on August 22, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Taste of Greektown is Friday, August 22 through Sunday, August 24, 2025, along Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren.

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Aug. 22

Anime Magic! 2025: 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, through 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Anime convention with vendors, cosplay, celebrity guests, special events and more. $65 for Friday, $70 for Saturday, $60 for Sunday, $75 for three days, and free for kids 7 and younger. animemagic.org.

Chicago International Boat Show: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22-23, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Navy Pier Marina & Festival Grounds, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. See luxury yachts, cutting-edge vessels, adventure gear, marine accessories and high-end vehicles, plus interactive displays, on-land and in-water exhibits, food, entertainment, fireworks and more. Tickets start at $37.92, free for kids 12 and younger. officialchibs.com.

Taste of Greektown: 4-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23-24, in the Greektown Neighborhood, along Halsted Street, from Adams to Van Buren, Chicago. Sample food from the neighborhood’s Greek restaurants along with live music and entertainment, Greek dancing and more. Free; suggested donation $7. GreektownChicago.org.

West Dundee French Market: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 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.

Sixteen Candles will perform Friday, Aug. 22, at Palatine Street Fest. | Courtesy of Sixteen Candles

Palatine Street Fest: 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 22; noon to midnight Saturday, Aug. 23; and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at 298 W. Slade, Palatine. Live music, food and drinks, family activities and more. Music lineup: Friday: Rearview at 7:30 p.m. and Sixteen Candles at 10 p.m.; Saturday: ROK Brigade at 7:45 p.m. and ARRA at 9:45 p.m.; and Sunday: Stache at 1:30 p.m. and Hello Weekend at 4 p.m. Free. palatine.il.us/927/Street-Fest.

Buffalo Grove Park District Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Mike Rylko Community Park Amphitheater, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. The Abby Kay Band will perform. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks for purchase. No outside alcohol allowed. Bring blankets and chairs. Free. bgparks.org/summer-concert-series

Finally Friday: 7:30-9 p.m Friday, Aug. 22, at The Pump House, 98 Oregon Ave., West Dundee. American Cash will perform. Food vendors. Free. wdundee.org.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Calibre Car Show: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Car show with the theme “Bimmers and Beans.” Free. shopthearb.com/events.

Fishing Day: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at William Aldis Sr. Park, Maiden Lane and First Street, West Dundee. Dundee Township Park District will provide the equipment or bring your own. Each child will get a small tackle box filled with bobbers, lures and more. There will be giveaways, prizes, crafts, games and a lunch of hot dogs, chips and drinks for participants and their families. Each registered family will get a fishing spot (for 30 minutes) and instruction. $5 per family. Register by noon Friday, Aug. 22, at dtpd.org/fishing-day.

Cardboard Boat Regatta: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Willow Stream Pool, 600 Farrington Drive, Buffalo Grove. Design, build and navigate a boat made entirely of cardboard. For kids 6 and older. $25-$32. Registration required. bgparks.org

Blues & Brews on the Fox comes to Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling in St. Charles on Saturday, Aug. 23. | Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography

Blues & Brews on the Fox: Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling on Riverside Avenue, between Illinois Avenue and Walnut Avenue in St. Charles. An Americana rock and blues and craft beverage festival with beer, wine and cocktails from Pollyanna and other St. Charles breweries and food from 4D’s BBQ food truck, Duke’s Northwoods and Kimmer’s Ice Cream. Music lineup: Diamond Balazhi at noon, Danny Garwood at 1:30 p.m., Al Spears & the Hurricane Project at 3 p.m., Shukin & the Ramblers at 4:30 p.m., Vino Louden at 6 p.m., blues-rock duo The Cold Stares at 8 p.m. and Matt Keen at 9:30 p.m. $10; includes a souvenir mug. pollyannabrewing.com.

Shakespeare on the Grass: 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at BarleyHaus by Church Street Brewing Company, 500 Park Blvd., Itasca. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, in partnership with the village of Itasca, presents Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food and refreshments. Free with registration: facebook.com/OvershadowedProductions.

German Beer Garden & Summer Concert: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Merkle Cabin at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Play backyard games while listening to live music. Pretzels, bratwurst, local craft beer and soda for purchase. Free. parkfun.com

Japanese Lantern Festival: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Fabyan Japanese Garden, 1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva. Decorate Japanese lanterns with memories of loved ones or hopes for the future and release them on the pond in the Fabyan Japanese Garden. At sunset, gather with the group to “light” your lanterns and release them onto the pond. Limited tickets available: ppfv.org.

Zoo Uncorked: Wines & Vines: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. Sip fine wines and cocktails during the grand opening of the zoo’s Tropical Forests habitat. 21 and older. Tickets start at $70. brookfieldzoo.org/winesandvines.

Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The Rumours will perform. Free. parkfun.com.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks display set to music. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Bike for the Kids: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. 10th annual charity bike ride to support Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley. Choose your distance to arrive at the festival or join the guided ride with a 7-mile route that starts and ends at Panton Mill Park. Pedal & Play inclusive quarter-mile event at SEBA Park. Food, Kid Zone and games from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wheaton Dad Band performs from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. An adapted bike presentation, Cycling Salute and Pedal Parade, at 12:15 p.m. $50. Register: easterseals.com/dfv

Chicago’s Historic Route 66 Classic Car Show: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Historic Route 66, 3800 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago. Car show celebrating the history of America’s most cherished highway and the cars that have driven it. Block party, music festival, car show from noon to 5 p.m. and more. Free for spectators, $25 car registration fee. carsonroute66.com.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

See antique, classic and modern cars at the annual Concours d’Elegance Car Show in Geneva Sunday, Aug. 24. | Daily Herald file photo

Geneva Concours d’Elegance: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, in downtown Geneva. Classic car enthusiasts from across the country showcase an array of antique, classic and modern automobiles. Benefits LivingWell Cancer Resource Center. Free. genevaconcours.net.

Scott Smith’s All Animal Expo: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Vendors from the Midwest. $3-$8. allanimalexpo.com.

A Walk In The Park Fine Art Fair: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at North School Park, 410 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. 80 arts and crafts vendors. Music by guitarist Jack Wilson, art demonstrations, food and treats. Free admission and parking. Presented by the Arlington Heights Art Guild. Free. arlingtonheightsartguild.com

Heirloom Garden Show: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Garfield Farm Museum, 3N016 Garfield Road, Campton Hills. Tour the museum’s heirloom gardens and interact with Midwestern growers showcasing their favorite heirloom flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables. $8; $3 for kids 12 and younger. garfieldfarm.org.

St. Charles Plein Air show and sale: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Baker Community Center, 101 S. Second St., St. Charles. Art show and sale, with awards at noon. Free. stcharlesartscouncil.org.

Bread & Butter Sunday: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at the Durant House Museum at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Learn about making bread and butter the old-fashioned way. Help churn cream into butter and see old butter molds and stamps on display. $3, $1 for ages 18 and younger. ppfv.org.

Railroad Street Block Party: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Duke’s Alehouse parking lot, 110 N. Main St., Crystal Lake. Local bands, food from local eateries, family activities and games for kids. Free. facebook.com/dukesalehouse.

Monday, Aug. 25

Cruise Nights at Willow Creek: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at Willow Creek Church, parking lot F, 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington. Hosted by the CARS Ministry of Willow Creek Church, this event is open to vintage, classic, custom, muscle, and antique cars and trucks. Food and music. Free. willowcreek.org.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Bites and Bits Event Series: 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Community Church of Rolling Meadows, 2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Food truck fare and live music. Free. cityrm.org.

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Cecy Santana will perform. Food Truck Wednesdays: 6-8 p.m. Free. southelgin.com/pantonmillpark.

Thursday, Aug. 28

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Cook and Station streets, Barrington. Barrington Farmers Market, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

The Rotary Duck Race will take place Sunday, Aug. 31, as part of the Buffalo Grove Days festival in Mike Rylko Community Park. | Courtesy of Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove Days: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28; 5-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29; 10:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 Buffalo Grove Road, 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 5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, kids’ entertainment, Buddy Baseball, Rotary Duck Race at 5:15 p.m. Sunday and more. Music lineup: Friday: Hi Infidelity at 6 p.m. and 90s Pop Nation at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7th heaven at 3:30 p.m., LP Vinyl Escape at 6 p.m. and Dancing Queen at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday: Fearless at 3:30 p.m., Beyond the Blond at 6 p.m. and Mike & Joe at 8:30 p.m.; and Monday: Blackberry Jam at noon. Free. bgdays.com

Geneva Classic Car Show: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Kane County Courthouse, off Fourth and James streets, Geneva. Music, food and vote for your favorite make and model. To display your vehicle: Show up after 4:30 p.m. and find a spot in the lot behind the courthouse. Free. genevachamber.com/events/classic-car-show.

Climb inside historic vehicles including the Huey Helicopter Thursday, Aug. 28, at the First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton. | Daily Herald file photo

Steel & Spirits, A Historic Military Vehicle Experience: 6 p.m. Thursday Aug. 28, at First Division Museum, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Climb inside several of the historic vehicles, including the iconic Huey Helicopter. Museum staff will share the stories behind the vehicles and their impact on the 1st Infantry Division. Includes a cocktail or soft drink. For 21 or older; must sign a waiver upon arrival. $45. Register: cantigny.org

Thirsty Thursdays: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Bon Journeyed will perform a Bon Jovi and Journey experience. Local fare and craft beverages. Bring a lawn chair. Free. eastdundee.net.

Algonquin Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Reckless will perform. Food trucks (Uncle Cams, El Chido) at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. Algonquin.org/summerconcerts.

Rockin’ in the Park Summer Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 28-29, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press will perform Thursday, culminating with a musical fireworks display. Bee Gees Gold & The Wayouts will perform Friday. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/calendar

Shakespeare in the Park: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 28-30, at Memorial Park Bandshell, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. Wheaton College Arena Theater presents Shakespeare’s “A Winter’s Tale.” Puppet show at 6:45 p.m. Concessions available. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/shakespeare or wheaton.edu.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Blooze Brothers will perform. Free. vah.com/explore/sounds_of_summer_concerts.php.

Chicago Jazz Festival: Various times Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 28-31, at Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and locations in Chicago. Showcases Chicago’s local talent alongside national and international jazz artists. Free. For a schedule, see chicago.gov.

Ongoing

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 1, off I-94 at the Illinois/Wisconsin border, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha. Travel back in time for 30 acres of jousting, arts and crafts, food, music, dance, rides, games, entertainers and more. $40, $15 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Patterned by Nature: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 21 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Celebrates the universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired artistic installations. Admission: $19.95-$21.95 for adults, $13.95-$15.95 for kids 3-12, and free for kids younger than 3. chicagobotanic.org/patterns.

Janus Theatre Company’s “School For Lies”: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Aug. 31, at Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin. Additional performance at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. David Ive’s comedy transforms Molière’s 17th-century classic “The Misanthrope” into a groovy satire written in witty couplets with physical comedy. $25. janusplays.com

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Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

Posted in Illinois Policy Institute, Taxes, The Greatest Generation on July 4, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.

By John Tillman | Illinois Policy Institute

America’s founding unleashed the greatest leap forward in human history. From this leap, liberty and prosperity followed – and not just material prosperity, but also prosperity of the human spirit. After all, that is what happiness is all about; not some transitory joy over a good joke or an amusing moment in life.

Independence and thus liberty did not come easily. It took decades for the colonies to move from discontentment to revolution to independence. The seeds of the revolution were planted long, long before 1775 or 1776.

I share this not because we are in the patriotic season. I share it because all of us in Illinois need historical perspective.

I talk to many of you who are frustrated by our state’s challenges. Many of you express envy for the political victories that swept the country a few years ago in seemingly every state but Illinois. I feel those pangs of frustration myself as I have watched policy victories unfold in places like Wisconsin, Michigan, New Jersey (New Jersey!), Indiana, Florida and elsewhere. It is hard to watch the march of liberty elsewhere when it seems we remain bottled up in trench warfare here.

But despair not. The seeds of victory in Illinois are being sown today. They are growing and gaining strength. We cannot always see the progress, but there are clear hints all around us.

Read on here.

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