Managing
Deputy
Graphics
Graphic
Contributing
General
Sales
Advertising
Administration
Taco Tuesday
My son said some of the funniest things when he was a toddler, so I started journaling them.
I’ll never forget the Tuesday we were driving home together, and I asked, “Do you know what day it is?” He didn’t hesitate: “Taco!”
He was onto something. In our house, “Taco Tuesday” is a weekly ritual. Same goes with pasta day and pizza day.
Are you noticing a theme here? Mexican, Italian ... and, yes, there are times we’ll make Swedish pancakes for breakfast or French toast, or we’ll whip out the family recipes and share our heritage.
That’s the truly amazing thing about America: We are a melting pot of cultures. We’re a land of people from many places, all with traditions and tastes we’ve passed down for generations. And here in the Chicago suburbs, you’ll find them on full display. Think Swedish Days in Geneva, Greek Fest, La Fiesta de Elgin, St. Patrick’s Day, Polish Fest, Oktoberfest … you get the idea.
And neither is it difficult to find amazing cuisine from all over the globe – India, Nepal, Africa, Korea, you name it. Look hard enough and you’ll find it on the menu somewhere. Hot dogs, anyone? Italian beef? Corned beef and cabbage?
As America marks 250 years of independence, it’s interesting to reflect on all of the many cultures that have shaped this great nation. Some are so new their homeland’s customs are close at hand. For others, it’s a distant memory.
Maybe it’s just the Greek in me, but food is a terrific bridge among us. It’s a way to share our stories, share our cultures and customs, draw us all together no matter who we are or where we’re from. We all have to eat. Why not make a new friend, too?
That reminds me of something I heard once: a German, a Greek and a Scandinavian walk into a bar...
It could be the start of a joke. Or maybe just Tuesday in Chicago.
Chris Linden Executive Editor
Look for Quality on the Showroom Floor
By Peggy Werner
Furniture stores come in all types, but few can match the level of quality and customer service that come with a mom-and-pop store.
The difference is readily apparent at Strode’s Furniture in Huntley, where most of the showroom is furnished by more than 50 Amish builders from the Shipshewana, Ind., area.
“We are not like any other store. We want to get to know our customers and their families and meet their needs, not just sell them something,” says owner Bob Wozniak. “Our focus on quality is why we are now working with third generations in some families.”
Strode’s can furnish every room of a house, and they’ll also special-order outdoor furniture. They carry area rugs, lamps, artwork, ceramics and other home decor to complement, and they’ll offer free delivery anywhere in the Chicago area.
Customer service is backed up by well-trained salespeople and an interior designer who can speak about the construction of the furniture and answer most any question. The team is quick to educate shoppers on how this furniture is made and what separates it from mass-produced box-store products.
For one thing, the direction of the grain in a solid wood table should be consistent throughout the piece. If it isn’t, that could be an indication there’s particle board or veneer present – something you won’t find on an Amish-made piece. Shorter screws used on thinner wood tend to fall out, Wozniak says, which is why Amish craftsmen use thicker wood to accommodate longer screws.
Amish craftsmen use a multi-step process that includes sanding several
times, staining, drying, and then applying a durable top coat.
“The Amish don’t cut corners when it comes to workmanship,” Wozniak says. “They consistently turn out good products because of their work ethic and religious beliefs. I know when I place an order there will be no quality issues.”
Strode’s Furniture is located at 11707 Main St., in downtown Huntley. Call the store at (847) 669-3500. ❚
Wood grain and construction techniques are good indicators of a quality piece of furniture.
(Photo provided)
Soak Up these Beloved Sounds of Summer
What’s summer without some music, a lawn chair, a picnic and a perfect sunset? Soak it all up at some of these beloved musical outings.
Concerts at the Park
May 26-Aug. 4. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Dr., Crystal Lake, crystallakeparks.org.
Concerts at Lincoln Park
May 28-Aug. 6, Thurs. 7 p.m. Lineup includes Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Concert, Leslie Hunt, Anthem, Vintage Swing Band, Boy Band Night and 7th Heaven. Food trucks on site. Lincoln Park, West Main Street at 4th Street, St. Charles, stcparks.org.
Live & Uncorked
June 4-July 23, Thurs. 7 p.m. Lineup includes The Simple Remedy, Semple, Billy Elton, the Wayouts and Bon
Journeyed. Blackberry Farm, 110 S. Barnes Road, Aurora, blackberryfarm.info.
Thursday Night Out
June 4-Aug. 27, Thurs. 7 p.m. Showcases local bands; evening includes car show, kids’ activities and farmers market. BMO Parking Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington, barrington-il.gov.
Concerts on the Square
June 9-Aug. 4, Tues. 7 p.m. Performers include Pino Farina Band, Tennessee Whiskey, Denny Diamond and Modern Day Romeos. No concerts June 30 or July 7 for holiday. Huntley Town Square, Main at Church Street, downtown Huntley, huntley.il.us.
Summer Breeze
July 11-Aug. 29, select Sat. 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic
dinners. Performers include Spring Valley Concert Band. Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, prairiecenter.org.
RiverEdge Park
June 20-Aug. 29. Performers include Cheap Trick, Lauren Alaina, Hollywood Nights and The Beach Boys. RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, paramountaurora.com. ❚
Live & Uncorked returns to the lawn of Aurora’s Blackberry Farm June 4-July 23.
(Fox Valley Park District photo)
Got Hope?
Coming out of the Easter season, we’re reminded every day that our faith is rooted in hope that some day we’ll be together with Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, most of us fear and grieve the end of life on this Earth. This is natural. Even Jesus prayed for God to take away the ordeal set before him.
“And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, ‘O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matthew 26:39, AKJV).
After his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus made numerous appearances among his disciples and others for 40 days, before ascending and disappearing into a cloud. As his apostles watched this phenomenon, two angels told them:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, NIV).
Knowing that Jesus Christ will someday return is a source of hope, joy and comfort to us. Writing to Christians at Thessalonica, Paul told believers:
“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Therefore encourage each other with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:13-18, NIV). ❚
–Janine
Pumilia
Fun for the Whole Family at Swedish Days
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
Swedish Days is right around the corner with a blend of traditional and new adventures. And, yes, it will culminate with its long-standing, time-honored parade.
Geneva’s 76th annual midsummer festival, hosted by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, runs Wednesday, June 24, through Sunday, June 28, in downtown Geneva.
The parade steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday from Geneva High School, heads south on Anderson Boulevard, turns east on State Street and then south on Third Street to finish at the Geneva Metra station.
“The parade officially was canceled, but we had quite a few merchants and citizens of Geneva come in and say they would help support it,” says Paula Schmidt, president of the Geneva Chamber, which traditionally organizes the parade each year. “We have a lot of funding coming from other sources now. We wanted to cancel because it didn’t have the pizzazz it used to; we needed to restructure it. In actuality, with other people looking at it and doing other things for it, that restructuring is being done this year.”
At the heart of Swedish Day’s festivities is a desire to share all that Geneva offers.
“Hopefully, we showcase the community for what it is, which is a gem on the Fox River,” says Elliott Bortner, superintendent of recreation for the Geneva Park District, which
organizes a variety of recreational events during Swedish Days. “The festival is a perfect showcase of community collaboration: you see police out there, the fire department, park district, service organizations – all to showcase the City of Geneva and what it is and what it can be. It’s a beautiful city full of traditions. You hear people say they’ve been coming to Swedish Days for decades.”
Geneva promotes itself in many ways during the fiveday festival. For starters, food vendors have a large presence, with many booths offering special Swedish cuisine. Most vendors are nonprofits or organizations that donate some proceeds to local charities. For example, the Lions Club has had a brat stand for decades, says Bortner, who also is president of the club.
“Every year when I’m working the booth, the same people come up and say, ‘I have to get my brat or my corn dog from the Lions Club,’” he says. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community while also pushing the mission of the Lions Club, which is to be the eyes of the blind.”
Evening entertainment varies, but there’s always something going on at the craft beer tent on James Street, west of Third Street.
The tent opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday with Wine Down Wednesday, where a Geneva winery provides wine tastings.
The Windy City Amusements carnival is just one of many attractions to appear during Swedish Days in Geneva. The family festival runs June 24-28.
(Photos provided)
On Thursday, bingo runs from 1 to 3 p.m. On Friday, cover artist Michael Paterson plays a variety of pop songs – and you have to guess the tune. Saturday and Sunday bring a variety of live music acts to the stage.
Larger live music acts perform on Central Stage, located at the courthouse on South Third Street.
First up is Geneva’s Got Talent, a competition that began in May with approximately 30 contestants. Those were narrowed down to 15 semi-finalists who will appear during Swedish Days, at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Only half will make it to Thursday night, when a champion takes home $1,000 in prize money, says Bortner.
The fun continues for the next few nights, as concertgoers have a chance to win prizes during performances.
“We’re doing a few little extra things with our bands to make it a little more fun,” says Schmidt. “We’re trying to do small changes that don’t require us to close streets or require police. And if you have beach balls bouncing around, it will be fun.”
Sports tournaments have their place at the festival, too, starting with Saturday’s Swedish Lopp 5K at 7:30 a.m. at Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve. The new Kids Dash starts at 9 a.m. Elsewhere in town, the park district hosts its second annual pickleball tournament; its long-standing dodgeball tournament; and the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, featuring both youth and adult divisions.
“That one’s a lot of fun,” Bortner says. “We’re playing those basketball games right on Third Street. For the youth divisions, especially, those are bringing family and friends in, and they can patronize businesses downtown. After the games, they can go to restaurants, go to booths…. It’s an opportunity to bring people who wouldn’t necessarily come during that time – or come at all – to see what Swedish Days is all about.”
Low-key athletic entertainment grabs the spotlight on Friday and Saturday evenings with cosmic mini golf at Stone Creek Miniature Golf Course in Wheeler Park. The course –decked out with mini glow sticks – stays open to midnight so you can compete with glow-in-the-dark golf balls.
Children’s activities are included in many aspects of the festival, including Kids’ Day on Friday, which features a children’s parade, special activities at the library and a tent entirely dedicated to child-centered games.
The Windy City Amusements carnival is open 2 to 10 p.m. daily and offers unlimited ride bracelets for $30 a day; individual ride tickets cost $3 to $7.
Swedish Days recognizes the contributions of Geneva’s early settlers, many of whom came directly from Sweden. The festival opens with traditional dancing.
Swedish Days got its start in 1949 as a way of supporting Geneva’s business community, and that spirit is still at its core. This year, you can find sponsor booths around downtown – many offering free giveaways – while many businesses host sales and special events all weekend.
“Geneva is built up by small businesses,” says Elisa Reamer, communications coordinator for the Geneva Chamber. “Especially downtown, we have so many independently owned businesses, so when we have festivals as big as Swedish Days, it’s a great way to support what we have. Lots of stores are offering special deals and special bargains. If you’re going to come out to a festival, support the businesses, too, while you’re having fun at the carnival.”
Finally, Swedish Days pays special homage to the Scandinavian immigrants who settled Geneva more than 100 years ago. The city honors its Swedish-American heritage with a variety of cultural events:
• The Swedish-American Children’s Choir opens the festival at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday by singing and performing traditional Nordic folk dances;
• Kubb, or Viking Chess, is played on the lawn;
• During Friday’s children’s parade, children are encouraged to wear their best blue and yellow Swedish attire, with a chance to win a trophy;
• Swedish Cottage Walks invite patrons to tour Swedish “stugas” – or tiny houses – located around town;
• The Friends of the Viking Ship talk about Viking history and Swedish history in Geneva.
“There’s so much to do,” Reamer says. “It’s family friendly. There’s free live music, which is kind of unheard of nowadays. There are carnival rides, there are games and you get to support nonprofits. A lot of festivals today are catered toward a specific age group, but Swedish Days is for everyone.” ❚
Swedish Days brings together residents, former residents and newcomers alike for a weekend full of entertainment.
Glam Up Your Garage Door A.S.A.P.
By Peggy Werner
Your garage door isn’t something to ignore. It’s an important extension of your home that can greatly increase your property’s value, says Terry Henson, CEO of A.S.A.P. Garage Door Repair Inc.
“For the past three years, a new garage door has been the No. 1 return on investment you can make on a home,” Henson says. “From traditional to contemporary styles, our doors are built to complement a home’s design, enhance security, add curb appeal, improve energy efficiency and increase resale value.”
Beyond the expanded styles, colors and materials, garage doors have also seen a significant advancement in insulation – an important feature for homeowners who use the garage for more than just parking their car.
“A lot of people like to spend time in their garage, and a well-insulated
door helps to maintain the indoor temperature of a home,” says Henson. “People use their garage for a workshop, hobby room, workout room, storage and more. A wellinsulated door helps to maintain the indoor temperature of a home.”
The life of a garage door is about 15 years, Henson says. When it groans as it opens or closes, it turns rusty, or it forms gaps, it’s time to talk replacement. Homeowners who want to replace or upgrade their door can take advantage of A.S.A.P.’s zero-percent interest financing for six or 12 months.
A new garage door offers more than just peace of mind. Henson points out that modern belt-driven doors run quieter than chain-driven doors of the
past. And they come with a host of modern conveniences.
“Today’s technology lets you open and close your door from your smartphone, alerts you if the door is left open and lets you know if the door needs to be serviced,” says Henson.
A.S.A.P. Garage Door Repair Inc. is located at 11351 Allison Court in Huntley. For a consultation, call (847) 393-0760. ❚
Modern garage doors come in many styles, colors and materials that can add serious value to your home.
A Story of Discovery at Long Grove’s Epilogue
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Downtown Long Grove has many unique places to shop, but only one can say its entire mission is about offering “extraordinary things.” Epilogue backs up that tagline with a store full of handmade treasures, everything from giftware and home decor to jewelry and women’s fashion.
“I like to say that everything in our store has fingerprints, and that’s not just from the staff handling these things, but it’s also the fingerprints of the makers,” says Rachel Perkal, owner of Epilogue. “It sounds a bit dramatic, but I truly feel like everything in our store has a story and a soul to it.”
Perkal works with roughly 100 artists from across North America, including James LeTerneau, who produces fun, whimsical necklaces, earrings and bracelets. There are also hand-blown glass pumpkins by Jack Pine and whimsical ceramics from DaNisha.
Just in front of the store, a deceivingly small-looking structure, artist Lyman Whitaker’s kinetic wind sculptures offer a taste of what’s inside Epilogue. In fact, there’s so much to discover that Perkal finds shoppers make three passes through the store.
“We do our best to give customers space to discover for themselves,” says Perkal. “We will always check in, but we want people to feel they’re in a space that’s homey and they can spend as much time as they want discovering everything we offer.”
The team at Epilogue has plenty of experience helping visitors find the perfect gift, whether it’s for a birthday or anniversary, or just because. They also help corporate clients find the right item for customers or employees, no matter the quantity.
“We are here for the relationship with every visitor,” Perkal says. “We
really embrace the idea that somebody walks through the door as a first-time visitor, and by the time they leave there’s a real friendship we’ve formed together.”
Epilogue is located at 130 Old McHenry Road in Long Grove. Call (847) 383-5912. ❚
Epilogue is located just off the main intersection in downtown Long Grove.
Treat Neuropathy from the Comfort of Home
By Chris Linden, executive editor
For several decades, Dr. Daniel
Horn has been treating neuropathy without the use of pharmaceuticals. His treatments at Nerve Pain Center have generally gone the same way: Visit a free seminar to learn more, schedule a one-on-one visit, and begin a regimen of in-office treatments with tools that stimulate your body’s natural healing.
Now, patients have another option: an in-home treatment that’s more frequent and more affordable.
“The results are even better at home, because you can do your treatments almost every day,” says Horn. “If it’s in the office only, you can only do it about twice a week.”
The plan is pretty straightforward. Patients borrow high-tech devices from Horn – tools
like red light-emitting diodes, nerve stimulators and vibration plates. These tools help to repair blood supply, increase oxygen in the blood and stimulate damaged nerves. Treatment plans are customized for each patient.
Because the equipment is borrowed, patients simply return it when treatment is over. This saves several thousand dollars because patients don’t have to buy it themselves, says Horn.
Peripheral neuropathy causes weakness, numbness and pain, such as burning or tingling, in the hands and feet. Physicians have traditionally treated this condition with Gabapentin, Lyrica and Cymbalta, but Horn warns those drugs only mask symptoms and may actually make the condition worse. By addressing the underlying causes and stimulating the body’s healing mechanisms, he sees results more than 93% of the time.
“They’re getting better results than when they come to the office, and I attribute that to the fact that they’re doing it more often at home,” says Horn.
“We can tailor the program or their treatment for what they have going on. It’s the best of both worlds: It costs less, and we can tailor the program to what they need most.”
Nerve Pain Center is located in Elgin, Palatine, Des Plaines and Bloomingdale. Call (847) 461-3808 to schedule an appointment. ❚
Dr. Daniel Horn
I Think I’m Getting Divorced. What Do I Do?
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Divorce isn’t something to take lightly. Once you start down that road, your life will turn upside down.
Before you let your emotions get the better of you, take a minute to slow down, says Michone Riewer, principal of Strategic Divorce, a family law practice that serves families in Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.
“It’s important to get an initial consultation with a lawyer before you’re even sure you want to get a divorce,” says Riewer. “The more information you have, the more likely you are to make a good decision.”
This initial conversation is a good chance to educate yourself on what’s ahead. For one thing, a good lawyer can help you to understand your options, because divorce might not be the best path forward. It’s also a good time to assess whether your lawyer of choice has your best interests in mind.
Riewer’s team of nine attorneys work with an “amicable-first” approach that prioritizes agreement over conflict. Empathy with strength is how they navigate clients through a divorce. They also follow a trademarked Strategic Divorce Process that moves clients through their most difficult decisions, including visitation, child support, spousal support and division of assets.
“We try to take away that overwhelmed feeling and give the divorce process a structure,” says Riewer. “They should feel confident and know they can get where they want to go.”
There are important considerations in divorce. Your lifestyle will change. Your promotion may impact visitation rights and child support. Those are big things to process.
Whatever comes next, don’t act out of pure emotion. Consult with an expert, first and foremost.
“It’s so important to have the conversation with a lawyer at Strategic Divorce,” says Riewer. “By having that conversation to discuss the client’s fears and worries about what their future will look like, we avoid some of the chaos and drama that comes from scared people making scared decisions. If we can avoid that, it’s better for everyone.”
Strategic Divorce is located at 900 N. Shore Drive in Lake Bluff. For a free consultation or to learn more, call (847) 234-4445 or visit strategicdivorce.com. ❚
Before filing for divorce, consider your options, says Michone Riewer, of Strategic Divorce.
(Photo provided)
Downtown Crystal Lake Market Returns
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Downtown Crystal Lake’s farmers market is back for another season, and this year it’ll look a little different.
The June 13 season opener puts this market back in its home at Depot Park, where crews are finishing off a $6.7 million revamp that includes tiered seating and a stage, pergolas, a veterans memorial and water features.
“We’re really excited,” says Katie Galto, market manager. “I think about Depot Park at least once a day right now. I cannot wait for it to be done.”
Opening day includes a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. and music by Liv Antoinette and the Sticky Gumbo Band.
On any given weekend between June 13 and Sept. 26, you can find nearly 20 vendors serving everything from fresh produce to canned goods, pastries, dog treats and honey. Familiar vendors like Thomas’ Tails and Honey Lake Bee Co. have been coming for
years. They’re joined by a children’s corner that features crafts, story time or visits from the park district’s nature center. The fun lasts from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, except July 4.
“We’d love to invite the community to purchase their favorite goods from our vendors and just stick around awhile,” says Galto. “This is an experience and a destination, not just a grab-and-go.”
The market is also a complement to downtown Crystal Lake’s small businesses, which offer everything from food and books to women’s apparel, children’s toys and much more.
Building on the park’s new amenities, Downtown Crystal Lake is planning a summer concert series, in addition to a wine walk and summer sidewalk sales.
“I believe you can find almost anything you’ll need for the week right here at the market,” says Galto. “I would start my day early with some bagels or a pastry, listen to some live music, let the kids do an activity or play a lawn game, and then take a stroll.”
For a full list of farmers market vendors or upcoming events, visit downtowncl.org. ❚
Downtown Crystal Lake’s farmers market returns to a newly revamped Depot Park on June 13.
(Photo provided)
Canyons, Waterfalls, Hiking Trails Galore
By Lyndsey Nguyen, marketing manager, Starved Rock Lodge
Experience the magic of summer at Starved Rock Lodge, where nature, history and adventure come together in the heart of Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby.
Explore the great outdoors with Guided Hikes that take guests through the park’s most scenic canyons. With waterfalls and towering rock formations, it’s a truly memorable experience. The 3-mile round trip happens every Saturday and Sunday and includes lunch, bottled water and a souvenir backpack.
If you’d rather relax and take in the scenery, the Land and Water Cruise is an excellent choice. Available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, this tour begins with lunch at the Lodge followed by a narrated trolley ride that highlights the area’s rich history and local legends. Guests then board the Eagle 1 for a peaceful cruise along the
Illinois River with plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy the view.
The “Visit a Canyon and Boat Ride” tour on Saturdays and Sundays includes a short, guided hike to a scenic canyon followed by a boat ride along the river. A snack, bottled water and drawstring backpack are included.
For those who enjoy soaking up the scenery, River Wildlife Cruises are a must. Offered Saturdays and Sundays, these relaxing one-hour boat rides offer the chance to observe the beautiful waterfowl that inhabit the Illinois River.
History buffs will love the Historic Trolley Tour, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Learn about Starved Rock’s historic landmarks as you travel to the Starved Rock Lock and Dam, through downtown Utica
and to the Starved Rock Visitor Center. This tour runs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and select weekends.
Then, stop by the Veranda on Fridays and Saturdays for live performances by talented local musicians. Grab a bite to eat, sip on your favorite drink and enjoy the sounds of summer at Starved Rock Lodge.
No matter your style of adventure, Starved Rock Lodge has a summer full of unforgettable moments.
Visit starvedrocklodge.com to plan your seasonal escape. ❚
Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby is a starting point for canyon tours, guided hikes, trolley tours and more.
(Photo provided)
Woodstock Farmers Market
Ongoing, Sat. & Tues. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Producers-only market features seasonal items. Historic Woodstock Square, (815) 338-5315, woodstockfarmersmarket.org.
Huntley Farmers Market
Ongoing, Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Local vendors bring a wide variety of foods to this outdoor summer market. Downtown Huntley, (815) 893-6280, huntley.il.us.
Farmers Market+ at The Dole
Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids activities, local produce, artistic creations. The Dole, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 3074787, farmersmarketatthedole.org.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’ Through June 14, times vary. Set during World War II, the Broadway classic explores romance and the beauty that lies in our differences. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
Open Mic Night
May 21, 7 p.m. Register early to share a story, poem or joke onstage. Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, rauecenter.org.
Barrington Art Festival
Entertainment & Events
May 23-24, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Meet 125 artists. South Cook and East Station streets, downtown Barrington, amdurproductions.com.
Full Moon Hike
May 29, 7:15 p.m. Hear moon stories on the prairie. Reg. req. Kishwaukee Headwaters Conservation Area, 1606 Dean St., Woodstock, (815) 338-6223, mccdistrict.org.
Tea Making Workshop
May 30, 11 a.m. Learn some history and try some samples. Reg. req. McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union, (815) 923-2267, mchenrycountyhistory.org.
Elgin Valley Fox Trot
May 31, 7:30 a.m. start. Race includes 10-mile, 5K, 2K options. Race start: Grove Avenue and Ann Street, downtown Elgin, elginfoxtrot.org.
Harvard Milk Days
June 5-7, events daily. Carnival, 5K, parade, milk drinking contest and fireworks. Location: Downtown Harvard and Milky Way Park, 300 Lawrence Road, Harvard, milkdays.com.
Kane County Flea Market
June 6-7, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, kanecountyfleamarket.com.
Benjamin Franklin and the First Embassy
June 6, 7:30 p.m. Ron Keaton takes you to Revolutionary times. Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington, (224) 512-4066, barringtonswhitehouse.com.
ESO: Woodwinds Serenade in the Park
June 10, 6:30 p.m. Free show in the park. Citizens Park, 511 N. Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.
Deep Dive into the Declaration
June 11, 7 p.m. Join historian Joyce Haworth. St. Charles Public Library, One S. 6th Ave., St. Charles, (630) 584-0076, scpld.org.
BDE: ‘Coppelia’
June 12-13, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. The beloved opera tells a tale of love and lust. Barrington Dance Ensemble, Barrington High School Auditorium, 616 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 382-6333, barringtondance.org.
Swedish Days
June 24-28, events daily. Info/Tickets: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com. ❚
