Smart Living West - September/October 2021

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • Sept/Oct 2021

A Season of Scares

Spooky Sightings in Joliet

Paramount Returns with “Kinky Boots” Geneva’s Favorite Family Orchard Getaways in Ottawa & Beyond Women’s Health: Fighting Breast Cancer

Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!

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In This Issue Right in Our Region................................Cover & p. 16 Searching for Scares at Old Joliet Prison Your Home.......................................................................11 Achieve the Dream with an Interior Designer Your Outings............................................................13, 27 Autumn Fun at Windy Acres; Is it Time to Invest in a Vacation Home?

Inspiration & Worship ................................................14 Foolish Things Your Getaways...............................................................21 White Pines Inn Is Open Again Your Health......................................................................23 An Ounce of Prevention to Fight Breast Cancer Your Entertainment......................................................25 Sneak Peek at Paramount Theatre’s New Season Your Fun...........................................................................29

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writer Kathy Casstevens, Lindsey Gapen Lukas, Toni Rocha, Pat Szpekowski, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living.

Copyright 2021 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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I Love My ‘Bary

O

ur oldest was just a baby when his favorite librarian made a promise: She would one day give him his first library card. Well, we finally followed through this summer. You should have seen the boy’s face as he carried his bag full of books into the house. Pure joy.

Our kids adore the library, and they always have. There’s a reason Little Sister’s first word was “book.”

At the library we stock up on titles that incite imaginations, feed curiosities and provide endless entertainment. Titles like “Vegetables in Underwear,” “Little Blue Truck,” and “Help!

The Wolf is Coming,” have provided countless laughs in our household. We find titles on dinosaurs, outer space, Bible stories, constellations – and then watch as the kids devour them.

Reading is ingrained in our bedtime routine.

Have you been to your library lately? September marks National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and it’s as good a time as any to return.

There are incredible treasures waiting inside.

Geneva’s new library and the upgraded St. Charles library are marvels. Gail Borden’s three Elgin branches have rich selections in history, genealogy and technology. Similarly, Hampshire and Sycamore provide a wealth of programming, meeting rooms, digital resources, and more to satisfy your curiosities (audiobooks and e-books on your phone?).

Countless studies note the benefits of reading and learning at any age – and it’s especially important for those little minds. At the same time, the library is a fun and affordable way for our family to enjoy time together.

It’s a wonder watching the kids at the library (or the “bary,” as my oldest once called it). They stuff my bag with new finds. Then Little Sister grabs one off the shelf and climbs into a chair, happily singing as she scans the pictures. Big Brother finds a puzzle and starts assembling. We grab a few movies, and maybe an audiobook or some music. Most days, the receipt is as long as my little one is tall.

We’re happily on an adventure into our imaginations.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

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Your Home & Garden

Achieve the Dream with an Interior Designer R

ight now is a good time to start thinking about easy projects like updating furniture and accessories or tackling that messy closet.

It’s an even easier job when you turn to an expert who knows how to make the room reflect who you are and how you want to feel.

By hiring an interior designer, you’re investing in someone with a sharp, creative mind to help make your living space more functional, beautiful and personal.

Colleen Baader has been an interior designer for 27 years. At VID Lifestyle, in Elgin, she collaborates with clients to achieve their dream space, whether that means interior renovations, exterior renovations or new construction.

The goal is to figure out how a client wants to feel in their home, and then execute that feeling.

When Baader meets with clients, she likes to ask about their lifestyle. Do they entertain often? Do they have children or grandchildren? The answers to these and other questions will impact what materials she suggests.

“We’ll have clients who have a very hectic life, and when they come home, they just want it to be Zen,” she says. “So, we’re going to choose a palette and materials that give that feeling.”

At the beginning of each project, it’s imperative for Baader to see her client’s home. This helps tremendously when drafting up a design proposal.

Once a client is comfortable with the proposal, the fun begins. VID Lifestyle designers provide options for flooring, wall treatments, lighting, cabinetry and accessories. They also provide renderings to help the client visualize their design.

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(VID Lifestyle photo)

By Lindsey Gapen Lukas

Once the design palette is decided, they price all elements and assess lead times.

Then, they place orders. VID Lifestyle offers complete remodeling services.

“We want your home to reflect who you are and how you want your space to feel,” says Baader. “This is more than just furniture and accessories; it is more about your lifestyle.” ❚ VID Lifestyle is located at 2000 Fox Lane, in Elgin, (847) 760-8206.

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Your Outings

Fresh Food and Excitement at Windy Acres

By Pat Szpekowski

A

re you yearning to celebrate everything autumn brings, but you can’t spend hours traveling to a fall adventure?

Windy Acres Farm is a hidden treasure, a rural retreat that’s located on Fabyan Parkway near the ever-bustling Randall Road in Geneva.

This family farm’s annual Fall Fest runs Sept. 18 through Oct. 31, and it offers an appealing cornucopia of activities.

“There has been growth all around us,” says Kristin Srail, of Windy Acres Farm. “But we have stayed true to our roots as a produce farm with our 25 acres here and additional 100 acres just outside of town. Our Fall Fest has been an annual Fox Valley-area tradition and staple since 1985, and the fun gets bigger and better each year.”

Windy Acres is open seven days a week, offering fresh produce, bakery treats, tours and more.

But during Fall Fest, the farm comes alive with a variety of unique attractions for all ages to let go, laugh and make lifetime memories.

New this year are the pumpkin hopper shootout, teeter totters, and a giant rockin’ roll chair that’s ready for family selfies and photos. Playtime for kids is endless with the giant jumping pillow, moon bounces, kiddie train and Charlotte’s Tangled web.

Meet the farm animals at Buttermilk Barnyard Petting Zoo. Get lost and found navigating the Corn Maze. Try Mini Golf, the Horsey Swing Corral and Western Town, or glide swiftly through the zip line. These adventures are the tip of the corn stalk for what’s in store. There’s a whole lot more.

Weekends at Fall Fest offer additional outdoor fun, weather permitting.

Enjoy the tastes of grilled foods, sweet

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treats and a corn bar. Sip at the Beer Garden with fall ales, seasonal ciders, pumpkin spiced beverages and the brand-new apple cider slushies. Sit by a picnic table, bring a lawn chair and listen to live music performed by local musicians or favorite tunes played by local DJs. Find admission information and shop for fresh produce online at windyacresfarmstand.com.

Windy Acres Farm is located at 37W446 Fabyan Parkway, Geneva, (630) 232-6429. ❚

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Inspiration & Worship

Foolish Things C

hristians shouldn’t elevate people above God, but we do it routinely. Politicians, celebrities, religious leaders and friends often influence us more than God does.

This shouldn’t be the case. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” is the first of the 10 commandments. Seeking God in scripture and prayer requires intentional effort; being persuaded by people is easier.

When the Apostle Paul learned believers were being influenced and divided by eloquent leaders in Corinth, he asked them to unify by focusing on the gospel alone.

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel … not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power… For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” – I Corinthians 1:17 and 25.

We should not be impressed by human charisma but by God’s truth alone, he said.

“When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” – I Corinthians 2:3-5.

Influential people can have trouble accepting the Gospel because they rely on their love of self more than love of God, he said.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” – I Corinthians 1: Janine Pumilia 26-31 ❚

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Right in Our Region

Searching for Scares at Old Joliet Prison

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

W

hen people outside our region think about Joliet, there’s one landmark that quickly comes to mind: the Joliet Correctional Center, also known as the Old Joliet Prison.

“The old prison is almost as old as the city of Joliet itself,” says Greg Peerbolte, executive director of the Joliet Area Historical Museum. “Joliet has this reputation as a prison city, so if you go around the country and around the world and tell people you’re from Joliet, they’ll probably mention the prison.”

John Belushi’s “Joliet Jake” character, from the classic film “The Blues Brothers,” played off that reputation. In later years, the prison, located at 1125 Collins St., appeared in television shows like “Prison Break” and “Empire.”

Instead of running from the city’s infamous past, Peerbolte and his team

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have fully embraced the old prison and its ability to attract tourists.

Since 2018, the Joliet Area Historical Museum has operated tours at the nowshuttered facility.

“Instead of letting the building sit vacant, we’ve turned it into an economic development driver to help facilitate that interest,” Peerbolte says. “Instead of having people drive up, take pictures and leave, we decided to monetize it.”

The prison opened in 1858, just six years after Joliet was incorporated. The main complex’s castle-like facade was built from local limestone and designed

by Chicago architect W.W. Boylington, designer of the Chicago Water Tower.

By 1878, the prison had nearly 2,000 inmates. Despite calls for the prison to be closed over the years because of unsanitary and dangerous conditions, it stayed

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open until 2002, when former Gov. George Ryan closed it to save money.

“The City of Joliet and the Joliet Area Historical Museum partnered to reclaim the building and clean up the site,” Peerbolte says. “It still retains that abandoned feel and aesthetic.”

There are several ways to explore the old prison grounds, starting with a self-guided tour in which visitors stroll at their own pace.

“There’s a series of interpretive signage on the site, which explains the history of the prison, the different buildings on the site and what they were used for,” Peerbolte says. “We also talk about the site’s architecture.”

The guided history tour puts visitors in the company of a certified museum Cover photo by Heritage Corridor CVB

(Illinois Office of Tourism photo)

Right in Our Region

Guided tours at the old Joliet prison take visitors into the history and hidden features of the old jail.

guide who shares an overview of the prison’s history and points of interest.

Another tour is led by former Joliet prison guards who share some of their own experiences inside the prison walls.

“The former guards tell some dicey stories about violence and escapes,” Peerbolte says. “We let the guards tell their stories, and sometimes, they can range from rated PG-13 to rated R. We let people know that when they book their tours.”

Autumn always brings more attention to Joliet’s haunted history tour, in which a docent shares the tales of this prison’s most notorious former residents. It covers the darker, scarier side of the prison.

“That’s more of an after-dark tour where we explain the lore behind the prison and the different prisoners who people alleged might be responsible for haunted activities,” Peerbolte says. “We tell people the true, factual stories, and they can decide what’s haunted.”

Along those lines, the Ghost Hunting 101 tour attracts those who are brave enough to visit the prison at night, and it’s designed for anyone who wants to learn more about paranormal investigating.

“We explain what kind of equipment ghost hunters use, why they’re being used and the history behind it,” Peerbolte says.

The prison sits on 16 acres, and each tour covers about a mile.

Tours are open to the public from March into November because the buildings are still abandoned and don’t have

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working utilities. Due to COVID-19, tours this year are outside only.

Whichever tour you choose, the experience is sure to leave you with something to think about.

“We want people to leave with a better sense of the history of incarceration as it relates to the Joliet prison and its role nationally and internationally when it comes to shaping prison policy for better or worse,” Peerbolte says. “We also want people to feel more empathetic to people in corrections and people who are incarcerated. We want them to have conversations during their car ride home about something they didn’t know or any misconception they’ve had.”

Visit jolietprison.org for tickets, which must be purchased in advance.

Tours meet at the prison’s main parking lot, located off Collins Street. Prices vary by tour. ❚ Joliet Area Historical Museum is located at 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, (815) 723-5201, jolietprison.org.

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Your Getaways

Ogle County’s Gem is Open Again B y K a t h y C a s s t e v e n s , m a r k e t i n g m a n a g e r, S t a r v e d R o ck L o d g e

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hite Pines Lodge is once more open and providing the great meals, live entertainment and cozy accommodations that have made it a beloved destination for decades. Now operating under the management of Starved Rock Hospitality, White Pines Lodge is once again pleasing visitors to Mt. Morris, Ill., and bringing back many White Pines traditions.

Located less than two hours from Chicago and nestled in a clearing deep in the forest of White Pines State Park, this massive log lodge was built in the 1930s.

White Pines is home to a restaurant known for its delicious home-style cuisine, generous portions and friendly staff.

Guests can enjoy delicious homemade dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner in this treasured landmark. Whether you’re stopping by for a family outing, a

wedding reception, a business retreat, a Christmas party or an intimate night out for two, the restaurant prides itself on ensuring every guest has an experience to remember.

The Pines Dinner Theater is a live theater experience that has been providing musical and comedic entertainment for over 30 years. Adjacent to the landmark restaurant is a charming and rustic gift shop filled with nostalgic flavors and precious mementos.

Authentic, cozy log cabins provide overnight lodging just a stone’s throw from the lodge. Natural beauty abounds with miles of hiking trails that crisscross over bubbling streams and along mosscovered limestone bluffs. This hidden

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gem is ideal for romantic escapes, family outings, corporate retreats, weddings and weekend getaways from Chicago. Be sure to visit at Christmastime, when you can take a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit with Santa, buy a freshly cut Christmas tree and enjoy “Scrooge the Comedy.” ❚ White Pines Lodge is located at 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, Ill., (815) 655-2400, visitwhitepines.com.

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Your Health

An Ounce of Prevention to Fight Breast Cancer B y To n i R o c h a reast cancer remains a major concern for women of all ages, and while cure rates have improved tremendously, prevention is still the secret to beating this disease.

Women who have annual mammograms from age 40 to 75 and are diagnosed early can expect a recovery rate around 90 percent, says Dr. Barry Rosen, a breast cancer surgeon and oncologist for AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village.

The sticking point is that too few women understand the role that breast tissue plays in diagnosing cancer.

Breast tissue is composed of dense supportive tissue and lighter fatty tissues.

According to the Mayo Clinic, an “A” density means the breast tissue is almost all fatty and has less of the dense supportive tissue; a “D” density is considered entirely dense tissue. Densities of “B” and

B

“C” fall in between.

For women with A and B densities, finding a cancerous growth too small to be felt is feasible with a mammogram.

However, when density falls into the C and D range, mammograms can miss small, cancerous growths.

“For women with C and D density, we now back up mammograms with supplementary imaging including ultrasound or MRI screening,” Rosen says.

At the same time, genetic testing is helping women not only to catch breast cancer sooner but to take preventive steps well in advance. A simple blood test can determine whether or not a patient has hereditary factors that may predispose them to developing breast cancer.

Patients who test positive for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may have mammograms annually and breast MRI screenings once a year, offset every six

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months. Rosen adds that other genetic mutations associated with for cancer can be monitored.

“A surprising three-fourths of diagnosed cases are environmentally based,” Rosen says. “But we don’t overlook the potential for heredity as a cause. And sadly, most women who are diagnosed were not screened or identified for hereditary causes.” ❚ AMITA Health maintains hospitals and clinics across the Chicago area, including in Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village and Aurora. Learn more at amitahealth.org.

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WOODHAVEN LAKES A Private Recreational Camping Community 509 Lamoille Rd. Sublette, IL | 815-849-5209

www.woodhavenassociation.com So Much to See. So Much to Do.

Hiking Trails. Woodlands. Nature. Lakes. WiFi. Pools. Crafts. Movies. Fitness Center. Prairie. Deer. Pavilions.

Arcade. Mini Golf. Day Camp. Tennis. Basketball. Live Music. Theme Activities. Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets. Social Events. Volleyball. Shuffleboard. Teen Dances. Car Show. Paddleboats.

Sledding. Farmers Markets. Night Hikes. Campfires. Fishing. Tournaments. Pickleball. Acoustic Nights.

Wine & Cheese Social. Road Rally. Golf Outing. 5K/3K. Haunted House. Canoeing. Anything That Floats.

Horseshoes. Petting Zoo. Wagon Rides. Aqua Zumba. Playgrounds. Karaoke. Family Fun Night. Coffee Hour. Clubs. DJs. Scavenger Hunts. Kayaking. Tug of War. Food Fairs. Picnics.

Celebrating 50 Years 24

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Your Entertainment

ive performances have returned to Aurora’s Paramount Theatre, and in grand style as the revered venue resumes its Broadway Series and welcomes some well-known talents this fall.

Running now through Oct. 17 is the regional premiere of the Broadway hit “Kinky Boots.” Based on the book by Harvey Fierstein, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, this musical tells the story of a reluctant shoemaker and a fierce drag queen who find common ground in shoes and see a new world of possibilities.

“Kinky Boots” is the latest addition to Paramount’s popular Broadway Series, which marks its 10th anniversary this year. Past shows including “Beauty & the Beast,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” “Wizard of Oz,” and “Sweeney Todd” have earned Paramount broad accolade.

Following upon the heels of “Kinky Boots” comes Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

classic fairy tale musical “Cinderella,” which runs Nov. 10-Jan. 9. It’s followed by a stage adaptation of the Bill Murray film “Groundhog Day,” a fresh musical that plays Jan. 26-March 13. Closing out the season is “Rock of Ages,” a Broadway show that relives some of the most iconic hits of the ’80s.

Beyond Broadway, Paramount delivers a fall lineup that includes bestselling author and humorist David Sedaris, who offers his sardonic wit and social critiques with new readings and recollections. He closes out an intimate show on Nov. 29 with a Q&A session and book signing.

“The Second City’s Holiday Revue” returns Nov. 26 through Dec. 23 with an hilarious look at the joys and stresses of the holiday season.

There’s plenty more to come in the new year, with comedians, tribute musicians and much more still ahead.

“We look forward to being one of

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(Liz Lauren photo)

The Curtain Rises Again at Paramount Theatre L

the first major theaters in Chicago to welcome audiences back,” says Tim Rater, President and CEO of Paramount Theatre. “We appreciate our patrons for staying with us. We couldn’t do any of it without you.”

To order tickets for “Kinky Boots” or any other Paramount show, visit paramountaurora.com or call the box office. ❚ Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

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Your Outings

W

hether you’re looking for a vacation home with annual earnings or a seasonal rental that supplements your income, you’ll want to visit Heritage Harbor in Ottawa, where a variety of home styles, a recreationally rich environment, comprehensive property management and a marketing program make for a solid investment.

“Heritage Harbor has all of the elements smart investors look for when making a vacation home purchase,” says Pierre Alexander, resort marketing manager. “Location. Just 90 minutes from Chicago and within close proximity of the buyer’s primary residence. A recreationally rich environment. Situated along the Illinois River, centered around a 182-slip marina and 15 minutes from Starved Rock State Park. A solid rental management program. The Harbor Inn handles marketing, bookings, check-in/ out, cleaning, laundry, inspections, credit

card and systems fees, appropriate hotel city and state taxes, homeowner statements of accounts and much more, thus providing a turnkey process.”

Several distinct neighborhoods, including Navvy Town, a new neighborhood of condominiums and cottages priced from $189,000, offer investorfriendly opportunities.

Neighborhood clubhouses and swimming pools, the Red Dog Restaurant, a Tiki bar, a beach, a dog park, onsite boat club and water sport rentals, and the Heritage Harbor activity director add value for those who rent these properties.

Proximity to Starved Rock State Park, the I&M Canal and downtown Ottawa also draw would-be renters.

“Investors have added peace-ofmind with our Harbor Inn property management team and the owner portal that allows owners to request repairs or updates,” Alexander says.

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(Photo provided)

Vacation Home: Investing at Heritage Harbor

Investors can choose from a collection of ranch and two-story homes, with main-level master bedroom suites ranging from 1,196 to over 2,287 square feet in the Port Place neighborhood. Prices start from $350,000. Homes in the West Peninsula neighborhood, priced from the low $400s, include unfinished, 9-foot basements and two-car garages. ❚ Heritage Harbor is located at 111 Harbor View Dr., in Ottawa. For more information call (815) 433-5000, email hho@heritageharborottawa.com or see visitheritageharbor.com.

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Horror Film Series at the Egyptian Sept. 28-Oct. 25, 7 p.m. A classic horror movie on the big screen: Sept. 28, “Poltergeist,” Oct. 18, “Gremlins,” Oct. 24, “Misery,” and Oct. 25, “The Shining.” Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.

Kane County Flea Market Oct. 2-3, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

More than 600 dealers bring furniture, collectibles, antiques and more. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfleamarket.com.

ESO: Pines of Rome Oct. 2-3, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Guest conductor Tania Miller leads selections by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Miller and Respighi. Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO),

Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

St. Charles Scarecrow Festival Oct. 8-10, Fri. noon-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Family activities include scarecrow building, professional pumpkin carvers and a craft show. Downtown St. Charles, (630) 443-3967, scarecrowfest.com.

Loverboy Oct. 15, 8 p.m. “Working for the Weekend” and “Lucky Ones” will be just a few hits to appear. Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 962-7000, arcadalive.com.

Ghost Story Train Oct. 16, 23, and 30 with departures at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Gather around the roaring fire for activities suitable to all ages. Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. LaFox (Ill. Rt. 31), South Elgin, (312) 473-0993, foxtrolley.org.

The History of Hallowe’en Oct. 19, 1:30 p.m. Magician, storyteller and Victorian séance re-enactor William Pack explores the surprisingly modern roots behind

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(Scarecrow Festival photo)

‘Kinky Boots’ Through Oct. 17, see website for dates/times.

In this regional premiere, a shoe factory owner stumbles upon a drag queen who changes his business and his life. Based on the book by Harvey Fierstein with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

The St. Charles Scarecrow Festival returns Oct. 8-10 with activities at Lincoln Park and many downtown businesses.

this beloved autumn holiday. Geneva Public Library District, 227 S. 7th St., Geneva, (630) 232-0780, gpld.org.

Little Park of Horrors Oct. 21-24 & 28-31, 6-9 p.m. This drive-thru haunted house experience brings all of the city’s ghouls out to play. Spooky scenery makes this a PG-13 event. Wing Park, 1010 Wing St., Elgin, (847) 931-6001, cityofelgin.org.

Sycamore Pumpkin Festival Oct. 27-31, events daily. The 60th annual tradition includes the Lions Decorated Pumpkin Display, two carnivals, three indoor craft shows, a 10K run and a 90-minute parade.

Various locations, downtown Sycamore, sycamorepumpkinfestival.com. ❚

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LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E

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