Smart Living West - July 2021

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • July/August 2021

5 Fantastic Bike Trails

Through the Fox Valley & Beyond

Make a Splash at Otter Cove in St. Charles Grab a Pint at CLB’s New Patio Style Abounds in the Outdoor Living Area What Happens After Cancer Treatment

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

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LASALLE COUNTY & PONTIAC ILLINOIS

LOOKING FOR

LINCOLN

S TA R V E D R O C K S U M M E R .C O M

SCAVENGER HUNT 2021

Tour some of LaSalle County and the City of Pontiac’s most notable Lincoln historical sites and attractions. On this family-friendly scavenger hunt, you’ll answer trivia questions and snap photos to earn your very own Lincoln-themed challenge coin!

For complete rules, challenge locations and entry, visit StarvedRockSummer.com or scan the QR code on this page.

LASALLE COUNTY CHALLENGES

CITY OF PONTIAC CHALLENGES

2. Ottawa’s Looking For Lincoln Wayfinding Signs Question: Where was Lincoln carried off to following the debate?

12. Pontiac’s Lincoln Statue Photo: Take a picture with this statue of Lincoln as a young lawyer.

1. Looking For Lincoln At The Ottawa Visitors Center Photo: Pick up a cut-out Lincoln and snap a selfie.

3. Ottawa’s ‘The Day Of The Great Debate’ Mural Photo: Take a seflie with this larger than life Lincoln Mural.

4. Starved Rock State Park’s Lincoln Plaque Photo: Join the time-tested tradition of rubbing Lincoln’s nose for good luck.

11. Pontiac’s Strevell House Photo: Take a selfie at this historic home, where Lincoln spent the night.

13. Pontiac’s Prebyterian Church Question: What group did Lincoln give his speech to about “The Wheel and Axle”?

14. Looking For Lincoln Storyboard Funeral Train Question: What time did Lincoln’s funeral train pass through Pontiac?

5. Starved Rock Lodge’s Lincoln Woodcarving and Souvenir Penny Smasher Photo: Snap a selfie with a freshly smashed souvenir penny or Lincoln carving.

15. Looking For Lincoln Storyboard Riverbank Debate Question: Who did Lincoln debate on the bank of the Vermilion River?

6. The LaSalle County Historical Society Museum’s Lincoln Carriage Question: Who owned the carriage that transported Lincoln to the debate site?

7. Lock 14’s Canal Silhouettes Photo: Capture a selfie with the iconic I&M Canal cut-out silhouettes.

8. I&M Canal Boat Tour Photo: Take a selfie on, or near, the replica canal boat.

9. Lock 16 Cafe and Visitors Center Question: What is the 4th word in the Lincoln quote in the exhibit panel?

10. Pop-up Lincoln Display at the Peru Mall Photo: Take a photo at this pop-up display, located inside the Peru Mall.

SCAN AND SUBMIT

Scan the QR code to submit your answers and photos. Submit your completed challenges to The Ottawa Visitors Center (1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL 61350) to redeem your Challenge Coin or request to have it mailed directly to your door.

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AURORA DOWNTOWN presents

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WELCO

ME!

Celebrate Day of the Dead in Downtown Aurora

oct 15 to nov 7 sugarskullcity.com

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In This Issue Right in Our Region ......................... Cover & p. 16 5 Terrific Family-Friendly Bike Trails Your Outings ............................................... 13, 23 Make a Splash at Otter Cove; Grab a Pint at CLB’s Expanded Patio Inspiration & Worship ........................................14 David or Solomon?

Your Remodel .................................................... 19 Why Everyone’s Bringing the Indoors Out Your Health ........................................................ 21 What Happens After Cancer Treatments Your Home ..........................................................25 What to Know About Your Water System Your Outdoor Living ...........................................27 Style Abounds in the Outdoor Living Area Your Fun ............................................................. 28

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 Anna Girgenti, Toni Rocha, 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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Memory Lane

S

ummer has a way of taking me down memory lane.

I can’t help but think about family vacations to Yellowstone and Door County, summer youth group trips, college years working at the pool or the first time I took my kids camping.

How can I forget the time I went to a wedding and met the girl I’d one day marry? Our children are summer babies.

Yet, many of those happy times are also tempered with a sense of love and loss. One smell of the junipers and I’m transported to my grandparents’ patio. A cool breeze and the whiff of laundry soap reminds me of Grandma’s house. The clock turns 1:15 and I’m reminded of my childhood friend Phillip, whom you could always bet would call right on time.

How many summer afternoons were spent in his basement, giving his mom gray hairs?

We took the kids camping a few weeks ago, and what an adventure it was. Through hot, sticky nights in the tent we made more happy memories surrounded by nature. Sleeping on our squishy old air mattresses, though, I couldn’t help but think of a more recent loss.

Through my high school years, you could guarantee one thing on any youth group overnight: my brother and I would be sleeping next to Brian – and Brian was a snorer of epic proportions. We were buddies and like brothers, so it was all part of the experience. In later years, we spent so much time together that we called him “No. 3,” like he was my parents’ third child. This summer, Brian lost his battle with ataxia, a neurological disease that slowed him down these past few years. It was tough watching his struggles, but he had an amazing spirit of perseverance and faith in God. You could always count on Brian to find an adventure, to find the joys in life, and to make friends wherever he went.

We lost him too soon, but I’m grateful for the time we had and those lessons he taught me about life. In a thousand small ways, he keeps reminding me of happy days.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

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CARPET

TILE

HARDWOOD AREA RUGS

LUXURY VINYL

Take $100 off your purchase of $500! *Offer excludes cleaning products. Must present card at proposal. One offer per household. Expires 9.30.21.

Treating our customers like family, since 1967.

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630.232.4964

Downtown Geneva carlsonsfloors.com 11 Smart Living West July/August 2021

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LIVE THE HARBOR L I F E

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Your Outings

Make a Splash at Otter Cove in St. Charles B y E r i k a Yo u n g , S t . C h a r l e s P a r k D i s t r i c t

O

tter Cove Aquatic Park offers water fun for everyone this summer. This exciting water attraction, surrounded by lots of open green space at James O. Breen Community Park, in St. Charles, offers thrills and relaxation for all ages.

Exciting activities are sure to appeal to every water enthusiast, from the most energetic cannon baller to the most laidback floater.

Favorites include a 25-yard pool; a zero-depth entry activity pool; a shallow pool just for toddlers; a splash park with water wheels, dumping buckets and spray cannons; a sand/water play area; and rides that twist, turn and twirl through water features that shoot, spray and spin. There’s even a sand volleyball court to round out your beach-time excursion.

All around Otter Cove, you’ll notice the favorite hangouts of a river otter and

his friends. Join them and race down the Salamander Slides. Enjoy an inner tube ride along Turtle Creek.

Flitter around Dragonfly Den. Hop all over the Frog Bog. Exercise in the Crayfish Canal.

Have some fun in the sun playing sand volleyball. Pack a picnic lunch or purchase a snack from The Dive concession stand.

Cabanas are available every day for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

And speaking of rentals, guests can also book private events such as birthday parties at Otter Cove.

When it comes to fun in and around the water, it’s never too early for swimmers to learn. Otter Cove offers a swim

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lesson program for ages 6 months to adult, with options for a group setting or private instruction. There’s even an option for children on the autism spectrum.

For more details and information, or to purchase single-day and season passes, visit ottercove.org. ❚ Otter Cove Aquatic Park is located at 3615 Campton Hills Road, in St. Charles, (630) 513-4377, ottercove.org.

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Inspiration & Worship

David or Solomon?

K

ing Solomon was the richest man of his day. The son of King David and Bathsheba, he ruled a vast empire and knew every pleasure in the world.

He constructed the first Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and is remembered for his wisdom, a gift he asked for and received from God when he was young.

Solomon told God, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties … So give your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” – 1 Kings 3:7-9 God answered Solomon’s prayer, but Solomon eventually squandered this great gift. He forgot Whose people he governed and, over time, began treating them badly. He denied God the one thing God really wanted from Solomon: a loving and obedient relationship.

“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father … And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice.” – I Kings 11:4-9 How many of us have longed to see God in person just once? Solomon saw God twice and still managed to put worldly things ahead of Him. For all his wisdom, Solomon was no David because his heart was not right with God. David behaved very badly at times, but he desperately loved God and always returned to Him with humility. He spent time with God, dancing and singing for Him, and writing love poems to God, something frowned upon by the joyless religious class of the day. David experienced joy with God beyond anything Solomon ever knew and God called David “a man after my own heart.”

Solomon built an impressive Temple, but David built an unshakable place for God inside his heart. Who was the richer man? Who does God tell us to emulate?

Humility matters, and God is not fooled by man’s hubris. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 14

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Right in Our Region

5 Family-Friendly Bike Trail Adventures W

hy drive around the Fox River Valley when you can bike it instead?

Several long-distance trails connect our communities and provide a great source of exercise for the whole family.

Fox River Bike Trail

Route: 40 miles from McHenry County border in Algonquin to Aurora Travel the length of Kane County and pass through nine downtown business districts, all while taking in amazing views of the Fox River. The trail is built mostly along former rail lines, where the path is paved and the riding is easy.

The trail also provides glimpses of the Fox River and several forest preserves, including Fox River Shores in Carpentersville.

Around Elgin, riders enjoy taking photos at landmarks like Pratt’s Castle

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and the Fox River Trolley Museum.

Picnic spots dot the trail, although many bikers choose to dine and rest within downtown business districts.

Near St. Charles and Geneva, the trail passes public parks, bike stores and fishing spots.

Prairie Trail

Route: 26 miles from downtown Algonquin to Wisconsin state line This trail meets the Fox River Trail in Algonquin and passes through quiet prairies, farmland and four downtown business districts on its way to Wisconsin.

Because it’s built mostly along an old rail line, this trail is relatively easygoing for riders of all skills – except a particularly hilly stretch at the north end of Crystal Lake, in the Sterne’s Woods preserve. About 18 miles of the Prairie Trail,

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Fox River Trail

from McHenry to Algonquin, are paved asphalt. Between McHenry and the state line, the trail is crushed limestone.

Along this stretch, riders pass through two quiet forest preserves. The largest, Glacial Park, encompasses 3,400 acres of wild prairie, savanna and marsh.

At the state line, the North Branch preserve meets a shorter trail that leads toward Hebron.

Restrooms, parking and water pumps are located at several points along the Prairie Path, particularly within the nature preserves.

(Geneva Chamber photo)

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Right in Our Region East of Geneva and Batavia, the trail meanders through tree canopies and open meadows. Restrooms and water fountains are scattered along the trail, and businesses like Mill Race Cyclery, in Geneva, welcome bikers. Parking spots are located within every community along the trail, mostly in public parks and lots.

Prairie Trail

Illinois Prairie Path

Route: 15 miles from Maywood to Wheaton, with additional spurs to Elgin, Geneva, Batavia and Aurora The nation’s first rail-to-trail conversion spans some 61 miles, but it also intersects with many other trails around the region, including the Fox River Trail. It does so through spurs connected to Elgin, Geneva, Batavia and Aurora.

Much of the trail is a former rail line covered in crushed limestone, so it’s easygoing for all skill levels.

Great Western Trail

Route: 17 miles from Sycamore to St. Charles Although this converted rail trail passes through Sycamore, Campton Hills and St. Charles, much of it goes through farms and meadows off Illinois Route 64.

Start your journey at Sycamore Community Park and ride to the trailhead near Rt. 64 and Old State Road. The trail ends just west of Randall Road at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, where it connects to routes that lead toward downtown and the Fox River Trail.

From start to finish, the gradation of this crushed limestone trail isn’t more

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than 2 percent, making for an easy ride.

The trail has no restrooms or water stops, but many nearby businesses are biker-friendly.

Sugar River Trail

Route: 24 miles from New Glarus, Wis., to Brodhead, Wis. Heading outside Chicagoland, this converted rail trail in southwest Wisconsin is popular with travelers. Though it’s situated among rolling hills, the crushed limestone trail is almost completely flat and in some areas quite isolated.

The trail passes through several small communities, each with parking spots and trailheads, but perhaps the favorite starting point is the trail headquarters in New Glarus.

A state trail pass is required for riders 16 and older. Passes cost $5 per day or $25 for a full season and can be purchased at the trail headquarters in New Glarus (look for the red depot), trail entrances and several local shops. ❚

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Your Remodel

Why Everyone’s Bringing the Indoors Out E

verything inside is coming outside this summer, as designers transform ho-hum patios into elegant living environments.

Imagine lounge areas accented by pillows, rugs, sofas and a weather-resistant TV; dining areas connected to an outdoor kitchen; a built-in fire feature that warms up those chilly nights. Stone pavers, pergolas and attractive light fixtures can also help set the mood.

“We’re trying to pull in materials to soften up the hardscape, and normally you would do that with planters,” says Colleen Baader, senior vice president at VID Lifestyle in Elgin. “Then, you add outdoor rugs, which are beautiful, and you have a whole new look for an outdoor space.”

Baader’s team of interior designers is accustomed to leading full-scale remodels of homes and businesses, but their talents

are also shaping amazing outdoor living environments. Using the same approach they take inside, these designers review the client’s wish list before sketching out ideas and hiring a landscaper.

Before approaching a designer, think about what you want. Are there activities you want to accommodate? Can you find pictures of something you like?

With ideas in hand, it’s time to start talking materials, and the choices abound.

Baader finds that simple, clean, modern designs are a top preference.

“So, that means not as many curves, not as much greenery, just keeping things sleek and simple,” Baader says.

In one recent project, Baader used sleek lines and gray pavers to transform the space outside a navy-colored ranch home. Simplicity was the goal. Closer to the home, there’s a large space for seating, with planting areas under the windows.

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(VID Liftstyle photo)

By Chris Linden, executive editor

At the farthest corner from the house, there’s a squarish space with a knee-high wall surrounding a fire pit. Shorter shrubs create interest and color.

The design process started last fall, and the landscaper was booked by December – well ahead of schedule so that work could begin this March.

“That’s the great thing about having someone like us help with the design, is that we can get the process going and then the landscaper just has to put it in his calendar,” says Baader.

VID Lifestyle is located at 2000 Fox Lane, in Elgin, (847) 760-8206. ❚

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Your Health

What Happens After Cancer Treatments B y To n i R o c h a

T

he prospect of weeks, months or years of cancer treatment is daunting. But what’s also worrisome is the question of what comes next.

Today’s cancer survivors have the benefit of an intensive medical and social network of caregivers who educate, guide, rehabilitate and support them through this crucial period.

“The main goal is to bring each patient back to the best quality of life,” says Dr. Alan Wan, a hematologist and oncologist for Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital in McHenry – one of 11 area hospitals in the Northwestern system.

As their treatment concludes, each patient at Northwestern Medicine receives a personalized cancer survival plan that teaches them what to look for.

Northwestern Medicine also offers support services at the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, where

experts help to educate, support and guide patients and their families through diagnosis and treatment.

Regular physician visits and testing help to ensure future medical issues are caught quickly.

One of the most vital aspects of cancer treatment and survival is managing fear. Jessica Sima, an oncology nurse navigator with Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center in McHenry, says patients are sometimes more worried about survival than they are about treatment.

“They come to me at every stage of their cancer treatment, and each person has a different way of handling their unique situation,” Sima says. “Some aren’t certain who they should see, while others need the reassurance that they are on the right path.”

Education is an essential part of Sima’s work, as patients navigate through

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Dr. Alan Wan

treatment and beyond. She continues connecting long into survivorship.

“The long-term side effects of cancer aren’t just medical,” she says. “Fear, emotional upset, financial constraints, fertility questions, and the changes to their home and work brought on by cancer are just some of the issues that survivors face.” ❚ Northwestern Medicine maintains 11 hospitals across the Chicago area, with locations in Geneva, Wheaton, Winfield, DeKalb, Sandwich, McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock.

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Your Outings

Grab a Pint at CLB’s Expanded Patio B

efore the COVID-19 pandemic, Crystal Lake Brewing (CLB) had a small outdoor patio that accommodated roughly 20 people. Back then, the party was mostly indoors. Everything changed last summer.

“Out of necessity, we had to rethink what we could do to serve people outside safely,” says John O’Fallon, co-founder.

“We’re fortunate to have two parking lots, a small one in front and a larger lot on the side of the building.”

So, O’Fallon and his team used the smaller lot to expand their beer garden and create a fun outdoors hangout.

“People loved the extra outdoor space, and it worked great, so we decided to make it permanent,” O’Fallon says.

The expanded beer garden now includes several new tables, accompanied by large umbrellas and tents.

Building on what began last year, the team has added several improvements to make this more than just a repurposed parking lot. A special asphalt coating keeps the space cooler by reflecting the sun’s heat. New fencing and lighting over the original patio create a classy little nook. The lights stay on and the party keeps on going long after the sun sets.

“We’re making our little corner of downtown Crystal Lake an inviting place for people to enjoy a pint,” O’Fallon says.

Once you’re set up on the patio, enjoy a solid lineup of made-in-house beers featuring reliable favorites like Beach Blonde, a golden lager, and Busted Prop, a hoppy American wheat ale.

While you can find CLB drinks at many local restaurants, bars and retail locations, several small-release and special seasonal beers are available only at the

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(Crystal Lake Brewing photo)

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

Crystal Lake tap room. A recent offering is Snack Bar, a strawberry rhubarb milkshake IPA that captures the flavors of a strawberry chocolate milk.

There’s no restaurant in-house, so guests are invited to bring their own food to enjoy with a drink. Even so, be on the lookout for local food trucks that visit on Friday nights. ❚ Crystal Lake Brewing is located at 150 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, (779) 220-9288.

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Your Home

What to Know About Your Water System

By Anna Girgenti f there’s one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about, it’s your water. Having clean, accessible water in your home or business involves proper installation and maintenance, according to the experts at Affordable Water, in Belvidere.

“The biggest mistake people make with their in-home water systems is misapplication of equipment,” says Samantha Strobel, general manager at Affordable Water. Without proper installation, your water system is susceptible to permanent damage.

Installing a water treatment system is more complicated than many people think. The slightest mistake may result in hard water, staining or the introduction of bacteria and viruses. Misapplication due to inadequate installation can ruin both the equipment and the water. If you’re thinking about installing your own water system, you may be putting your system

I

at higher risk of malfunction. Consider calling a professional water company to handle the entire process for you.

“We specialize in water purification equipment and chemical-free systems.

We also offer a complete lineup of equipment for rental, leasing, residential, commercial accounts and more,” says Strobel. The family-owned business offers more than 35 years of experience.

“People commonly run into issues with their water softeners when they’re not keeping up with maintenance or when the system isn’t programmed properly,” says Strobel. Some types of water treatment systems need maintenance more often, and some require regular professional maintenance. Your water system will last longer if you rely on a company that can service all your needs.

“Affordable Water is an accredited business for the Better Business Bureau,”

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adds Strobel. “Consumers looking to install or repair a home water system should check with the Better Business Bureau to know they’re doing business with a reputable company.” ❚ Affordable Water is located in Belvidere and serves the entire Chicago area.

Call (815) 544-0918 for more information.

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Outdoor Living

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Outdoor Living

Style Abounds in the Outdoor Living Area T

oday’s trendiest patios allow people to cook, relax and, in some cases, even watch television under the stars.

It’s not unusual to see firepits and fireplaces mixed into the arrangement, as well. They’re ideal for those nights where it’s chilly and company is staying late.

“People are also transforming their backyards with outdoor kitchen areas and barbecue areas,” says Velma Powers, a landscape designer with Foracres Landscape Group, in St. Charles.

One amenity that’s sure to make the imagination wander is a water feature.

That signature sound of water trickling down a bed of rocks creates a calming and soothing atmosphere.

Putting together a luxurious outdoor living space is sort of like decorating indoors. It depends on your available space and your budget, but it also requires a careful eye for detail.

Professional landscapers can help to plan and install a new hardscape – that is, pavers, stones and other elements that comprise the outdoor living space. They also have an eye for plantings and wellplaced accents like patio furniture, an outdoor rug, outdoor pillows and stylish container gardens that add both color and interest to your outdoor lounge.

Container gardens add a burst of color and a softening effect around the patio. Well-placed plantings off the patio help to further soften the scenery, and they add bright, vibrant colors.

This time of year, hyndrangea shrubs boast plenty of can’t-miss color. These big, spreading plants produce beautiful hues like baby blue, bright pink and lavender.

They’re especially loved for their oversized flowers, and they have a long bloom cycle.

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(Foracres photo)

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

Redbuds add plenty of atmosphere this time of year, but their real strength is early springtime, when their light-violet blooms stand out in the landscape.

“That’s a tree that everyone seems to notice,” Powers says. “The flowers emerge before the leaves unfurl, so all of the branches are covered with pink and purple flowers.” ❚ Foracres Landscape Group is located at 48W060 Ill. Rt. 38, in Maple Park, (630) 365-2644.

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Downtown Elgin Farmers Market Now through Oct. 29, Fri. 3-7 p.m. An open-air market with many local vendors. Location: Spring Street, from Fulton to Chicago, downtown Elgin, (847) 488-1456, downtownelgin.com.

Geneva Arts Fair July 24-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. This juried fair shows more than 155 artisans. Location: Downtown Geneva. Info: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.

Escape the Farm July 30-31, daily noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. In this family-friendly, kid-oriented outdoor escape room, trek across Primrose Farm to discover clues. Reg. req. Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles, (630) 513-6200, stcparks.org.

Kane County Flea Market July 31-Aug. 1, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4

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p.m. More than 600 dealers bring a wide selection of items. Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfair.com.

Rusty Rodeo Aug. 7. Round up and remove a notorious aquatic invader of Illinois waterways: the rusty crayfish. Glenwood Park Forest Preserve, 1644 S. River St., Batavia, (630) 897-1808, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Stayin’ Alive: A Bee Gees Tribute July 30, 8 p.m. Party with the group’s No. 1 tribute band. Aurora RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, (630) 896-6666, riveredgeaurora.com.

ESO: Fridays on the Farm Aug. 6, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Maestro Andrew Grams’ finale with ESO. Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO), The Venue at Goebbert’s, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Tickets: ESO, (847) 888-4000, elginsymphony.org.

DeKalb County Barn Tour Aug. 14, 9 a.m. This one-day, self-guided driving tour takes visitors past barns of varying architectural styles. Glidden Homestead

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(Geneva Chamber photo)

Geneva Classic Car Show Now through Aug. 26, Thurs. 5-7 p.m. Car collectors gather downtown to show off their rides. Kane County Courthouse, 100 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.

Classic cars converge on downtown Geneva every Thursday night through Aug. 26.

& Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, (815) 756-7904, gliddenhomestead.org.

“Kinky Boots” Aug. 18-Oct. 17. A shoe factory owner stumbles upon a drag queen who changes his business and his life. With music by Cyndi Lauper.

Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

Windmill City Festival Aug. 27-29, Fri. 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Sat. noon-11 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. Street festival with live music, a firehose challenge, sidewalk chalk competition, children’s activities and more. Batavia Riverwalk, downtown Batavia, (630) 879-5235, bataviaparks.org. ❚

Your Fun

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