CALENDAR

MAY 2022

From a comedy show From a comedy show to outdoor shopping, here’s what’s happening in Kane County

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In honor of Cinco de Mayo, visit a local Mexican restaurant! There are tons of fantastic options in Kane County.

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Find new-to-you treasures at the Batavia City-Wide Garage Sale, held 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at more than 200 locations.

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TriCity Family Services hosts the Green Means Go 5K and Caterpillar Dash. Proceeds go toward the organization’s mental health services.

Happy Mother’s Day! We recommend spending the day doing something local to celebrate the mothers in your life.

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“Take me out to the ballgame…” — the Kane County Cougars mark opening weekend against Cleburne! Game starts at 1 p.m..

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Stone Cold and the Jackal — aka Jason and Damian from “General Hospital” — perform at the Comedy Vault in Batavia. Doors open at 6 p.m.

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Check out the Geneva History Museum’s exhibit on the 100-year anniversary of The Little Traveler! Learn more on P. 26.

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St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce marks a century with its 100th annual Charlemagne Gala, held at Q Center.

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It’s National Windmill Day; visit the Batavia Depot Museum to learn more about the city’s history of windmills.

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The Batavia Boardwalk Shops celebrate the grand opening for 2022 vendors. The shops are open FridaySunday through Dec. 18.

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Happy National Wine Day to all who celebrate. Cheers to the amazing wineries in Kane County!

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Don’t miss the Fine Art Show in downtown St. Charles! This event is free to attend.

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Memorial Day marks the day to remember those who have died while serving in the military. Thank you to all who have served.

31 Clip this page out Hang it on your fridge so you can celebrate all that May has to offer!

Compiled by Hannah Hoffmeister

FOOD CHAIN

The Aurora Food Truck Festival is back and brimming with vendors serving delicious bites

By Patti MacMillan | Photos by Jason Arthur and Joseph Weber

The sights, smells and sounds of a festival are meant to be savored: kids grinning from ear to ear as they grip ice cream cones, air fragrant with spices and seasonings, the happy chatter of friends and neighbors sharing a meal… On May 6, those from communities far and wide are invited to enjoy this sensory-rich experience once again as the Aurora Food Truck Festival makes its return after a two-year, pandemic-related hiatus. The largest of its kind in the area, the festival will host more than two dozen food trucks, all of which will roll to a stop along either the east or west side of Benton Street in downtown Aurora. “What’s so great about having it along Benton is that people can really enjoy Aurora’s unique architecture from the event’s location right on the Fox River,” says Marissa Amoni, manager of Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit that works to enhance and promote the area. The organization is behind the festival as well as the long-running First Fridays event, which serves as an ongoing showcase for the downtown’s many businesses. The festival, which has welcomed as many as 7,000 people in years past, runs concurrently with May’s offering. Among the food trucks in attendance will be Holy Pierogi; Yum Dum, which sells dumplings, “baowiches” and rice balls; and seafood purveyor The Happy Lobster. Attendees lined up at Home Run Hot Dogs and Lemonade can choose from traditional fare as well as veggie dogs, and those saving room for dessert (or perhaps starting with it) may look no further than Rainbow Cone, Foxy’s Ice Cream or My Funnel Truck. Handcrafted burgers will be the draw at Gillerson’s Grubbery while Grumpy Gaucho dishes up Argentinian cuisine. “It has a great social vibe,” says Grumpy Gaucho owner Nestor Fortini, who plans to bring his signature empanadas as well as churros to the hungry masses. “We enjoy sharing the streets and the camaraderie with our fellow food truckers.” In addition to great eats, attendees can also stop by Tapville Social for a drink. A gated area will be reserved for those enjoying beer or wine. Once festivalgoers have had their fill, they are encouraged to explore the streets of the downtown and its numerous brick-and-mortar businesses. The options are many and run the gamut. “These events are really suitable for all ages,” Amoni says. “People can go as a family, with friends or make it a date night. They can easily find a handful of things to do with their group and curate based on what’s fun for them.” The Aurora Food Truck Festival is free to enter. Those interested in attending are encouraged to take public transportation — the event is easily accessible by train and bus — though the city offers free parking north of New York Street off of River Street. To learn more, visit www.auroradowntown.org/special-events.