Summer Fun Guide A preview of the area’s best activities and events this season
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
| SUMMER FUN
2
Kane County
Summer fun abounds in Kane County! It’s time for Moose-A-Palooza in Batavia
Enjoy an outdoor music fest open to the public, with all net proceeds going to Mooseheart funding of Illinois Building’s new roof and Senior graduation rings. Taking place Saturday, June 8 at the Batavia Moose Ledger #682, this event features four great local bands. Sioux Summer, The Sons of the New Amish, Dirty Water and The Tin Fiddle Band. Special music guests Mike Silvestri and Lexi Jones. Free children’s games/face painting 1-3 p.m. Food and drink are available. Cost is a donation of $10 per person. $15 on day of event. For more information, contact Kelly Schacherbauer at Batavia Moose Lodge #682 Lodge682@Mooseunits.org or call 630-878-7887
4th Annual Tri-City Craft Brew Fest returns to St. Charles
The 4th Annual TriCity Craft Brew Festival returns to Lincoln Park from 1 to 4:30 p.m. June 8. More than 30 craft breweries from across the country will be offering samples of more than 60 varieties of beer, hard cider, wine and meads. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, beer culture activities and live music by the Gina Glockson Band. VIP tickets are $65, which includes early admission at noon, 18 drink tickets, VIP pours and food from Blue Goose Market from noon to 1 p.m., a souvenir glass, festival program and lanyard. General admission tickets are $45, which includes admission at 1 p..m., 18 drink tickets and a commemorative sampling glass. Designated Driver tickets are $15, which includes unlimited soda and water. Designated drivers must be over age 21 and cannot consume alcohol at the festival. For tickets and more information, visit tricitycraftbrewfestival.com
Tune in to the River Rhapsody Concert Series Wednesday nights in Batavia are home to the River Rhapsody concert series that features a variety of lively, eclectic musical acts showcasing a diverse range of tunes. Offered 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 12, 19, and 26 on the Batavia Riverwalk, 151 N. Island Avenue. Some nights the concerts are followed by a Movie in the Park. June 12 - Brass from the Past June 19 - Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band June 26 – Ethan Bell Band July 3 – Sting Ray
July 17– Cadillac Groove July 24 – Billy Croft & the 5-Alarm July 31 – Final Say For more information visit - bataviaparks.org/
Gear up for the Batavia Fishing Derby Grab your gear and reel in the fun with your whole family, 10noon on July 15 at Clark Island Recreation Area - 401/411 S. River Street Batavia. Enjoy a fun-filled morning of fishing. Bring your Dad to celebrate Father’s Day! A limited supply of fishing gear is available, and there will be prizes too! More information can be found at bataviaparks.org
Art on the Fox coming for Father’s Day
June 15-16, Art on the Fox, Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St. in downtown Algonquin www.artonthefox.com. This juried art show, held Father’s Day weekend, moves to a new location this year just west of the Fox River. More than 35 artists will showcase their works in various mediums from glass and acrylics to sculpture and mixed media. In addition to a new location, this year’s festival features several new activities, including an art battle, community photo contest and community craft pole painting project.
Heart of the Fox Run and Tug Spend a day at Pottawatomie Park Saturday, June 15 kicked off with a chip-timed, certified 5K run. Starting at 7:30 a.m. The Colonial Café 1K Color Run will follow, along with The Ivy Academy Kid’s Zone, which includes an obstacle course, magic acts, balloons, face painting and more. The day also will include a team tug of war contest for both youth and adult age brackets to determine the strongest in the Fox Valley. All events are inclusive, to be inclusive for all. Registration for participants, teams and volunteers is at heartofthefox.com.
SEE SUMMER FUN on page 3
SUMMER FUN
Summer tree identification classes offered through Forest Preserve District
July just got hotter with Geneva’s summer concerts July 7, 14, 21 and 28, RiverPark Summer Concert Series, North River Lane and Peyton Street, downtown Geneva www.geneva.il.us/433/ RiverPark-Summer-Concert-Series Overcome the Sunday night blues by grabbing your blankets or chairs, and heading out for an evening of musical performances along the northwest bank of the Fox River. In case of rain, performances will take place at Geneva United Methodist Church, 211 Hamilton St. Check the website as details of performances are released.
Swedish Days returns marking 70th anniversary One of the highlights of the summer in the Fox Valley area is Geneva’s Swedish Days festival, and this year marks the event’s 70th anniversary. More than 200,000 residents and visitors attend the many events over the four days of family fun. Some of the highlights of the festival include the sidewalk sales, where shoppers will find bargains on items at more than 100 of Geneva’s specialty shops. The Arts and Crafts show returns June 21 and 22. The Central Stage will feature free nightly musical entertainment every night of the festival, including performances at 1 p.m. on the courthouse lawn on June 19, 20 and 22. New this year is a car show from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 20 on South Third Street, which will feature food, a DJ and free photo booth, in addition to many unique vehicles. As always, there will be plenty of entertainment for children, including Creation Station, which opens June 19 at 10 a.m. at the corner of Third and Campbell, as well as the carnival, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, mini golf and the library tent. New this year is Toddler Town on S. Fourth St., where the youngest visitors can enjoy fun activities perfect for their age group. The Discovery Tent will be stationed in front of 316 Campbell St., which is full of interesting discoveries for all ages. On June 21 it is “Kids’ Day,” which features a parade for children under age 10. The Swedish Days 5K is June 22, while the Grand Parade wraps up the festival on June 23. Festival admission is free. More information is available at genevachamber.com or call the Geneva Chamber of Commerce at 630232-6060. Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club to host 50th Swedish
Days Ride
Hundreds of cycling enthusiasts will descend on the area as the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club hosts its 50th annual Swedish Days Ride on June 23. This year, the ride will start and end at Kaneland High School in Maple Park and will have several mileage options: 25/50/62/100/124 miles. Routes are on paved country roads, and cue sheets and maps will be provided or riders can check club website at www.fvbsc.org GPS routes will be available one week prior to ride, and radio equipped support vehicles will patrol the routes. Refreshments are provided at rest stops and end of the ride.
GENEVA
Kaneland High School is located at 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park. On-line registration is accepted until June 21 or riders may register day of ride with a higher fee. Registrationon-line is $25 single or $40 family. Day of ride registration is $35 individual, $50 family. Registration/check-in is from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Riders doing 100 or 124 mile routes should start by 8 a.m. Riders go at their own pace—this is not a race. All riders must be off the routes by 4 p.m. Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Club uses the net proceeds from this event to support the efforts of organizations promoting cycling and outdoor activities throughout Northern Illinois such as the League of American Bicyclists, Ride Illinois, Active Transportation Alliance, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Illinois Prairie Path and Project Mobility. For more info on the club, the Swedish Days Ride, or to register on-line, see www.fvbsc.org. Advance registration is required, and the fee is $10 per person, per class. Call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com to register.
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County, along with the Geneva and St. Charles Park Districts, is offering “Summer Tree Identification” classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 16 at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 26 at Creek Bend Nature Center. “Learn from the Experts,” nature programs will begin with the basics of tree identification and build on observations of tree morphology to identify the major native hardwood species. Instructor Valerie Blaine will lead a walk on the wooded trails and provide tips for identifying common, native hardwood trees. Leaves, bark, branches, flowers and form are just some of the characteristics attendees will learn. Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve is located at 35W076 Villa Marie Rd., St. Charles and Creek Bend Nature Center is located within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.
3
SUMMER FUN |
Learn from the Experts programs are for ages 18 or older. These programs offer in-depth information and learning opportunities about local ecology. The program series is cosponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the St. Charles Park District and the Geneva Park District. For more information or to see a full schedule of Forest Preserve District nature programs, visitkaneforest.com or on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
| SUMMER FUN
4
Annual Elburn Lions Club
N D R A U YS B L E FUN FOR E THE WHOL FAMILY!
Carnival Ride Wristband Specials Available Everyday!
• FREE Live Music • Carnival & Food Vendors • Beer Garden • Tractor Pull ($5 Admission Fee) • Car Raffle
AUGUST 16 - 18
LIKE US /ELBURN @ DAYS
• 50/50 Raffle • Mud Volleyball Tournament • RC Car Racing & Demos • Craft Show • Pie Baking Contest
500 Filmore St., Elburn, IL 60119 Elburn Lions Park • 630-365-6315 • elburnlions.com No outside alcohol allowed. See our website for more details.
5
SUMMER FUN | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
| SUMMER FUN
6
Kane County
Rock the night away At the Kane County Cougars Ball Park Concert Series By Chris Walker Trips to the ballpark these days aren’t just for rooting on the home team. There’s also a lot of singing and dancing taking place at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, home of the Kane County Cougars, as the Ballpark Concert Series returns on June 15 for the first of eight evenings. “Cougars games provide a tremendous amount of fun for families and baseball fans,” says Jacquie Boatman, communications coordinator for Kane County. “The Ballpark Concert Series enhances that experience by allowing fans to enjoy great music from local bands before the game followed by the always popular fireworks shows to make the evening complete. You can’t beat live music and baseball on a summer night at the ballpark.” There will be fireworks on the same nights of each of these concerts and ballgames. Concerts begin at 4:45 p.m. and go until 6 p.m. Fans with a ticket to the game can enter at 4:30 p.m. and enjoy the concert and then the ballgame and fireworks. Most people love The Beatles so what’s better than the premier Beatles tribute band, American English, to kick off this year’s Ballpark Concert Series, especially as a part of Father’s Day Weekend? Can’t find a shiny new copy of The Beatles White album as a gift for Dad? Perhaps bringing him to Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva for a couple delicious dogs, cold brews, a concert and hopefully a Cougars victory is a better gift instead. Heck, go crazy, and go ahead and order him the white album on vinyl too. American English will provide an unforgettable performance on June 15 as they take guests on a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the era of mini skirts, go-go boots, flower children, psychedelia that’s well before bull-penning, saber metrics and even the designated hitter were things in baseball. Paying keen attention to musical details and featuring multiple costumes, vintage instruments and special effects, American English are about as close as to seeing The Beatles as you can get in 2019. Nick Bell has been influenced by Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix. What more do you need to know about him? You certainly won’t want to miss Nick when he rocks Geneva on Independence Day with his distinct, fused, blues-rock style. Nick continues to gain popularity and is now regarded as one of the hottest young guitarists of the Midwest. Don’t miss him and his band on July 4.
Mr. Myers Band You never know what you’re going to see in a baseball game. Apparently the same can be said about what happens before the game as two electric baby grand pianos will be onsite on July 6 for Howl2Go Dueling Pianos. Performers will be playing hits from Billy Joel and Elton John to Lady Gaga and Queen. The Alika Arlynn Band is set to perform its awesome country rock sound on July 20. The band has only been together for a couple of years, but has already accumulated many fans. The band released its first single “My Devotion” in 2017 and last summer released “Pink Camouflage.” You’ve certainly heard of eye candy and you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed cotton candy and many of the other delectables at the ballpark, but have you heard Ear Candy? Get ready to witness Northwestern Medicine Field transform into the Northwestern Medicine Discotheque on July 27. Ear Candy specializes in performing dance hits from the past 40 years. From the Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, KC and the Sunshine Band and The Commodores to Usher, Rihanna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Pink, Ear Candy is set to deliver a show of recognizable and danceable high-energy songs that will have you on your feet. Prairie Station will fill the stadium on Aug. 3 with the sounds of modern country, playing some of the hottest music from today, as well as yesterday’s country staples that you miss and still love. Favorites from Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean to Miranda Lambert, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum and even some Johnny Cash might be on the setlist. Santo and Williams, Young and Molitor, Whitaker and Trammell, Bagwell and Biggio and Ruth and Gehrig. There have been some amazing duos in baseball as well as in music. How about Sid and Hala? This duo will perform on Aug. 17. They cover a variety of country, pop and rock hits from the 60s to today to keep everyone pleased, with songs from Adele, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Jason Mraz, The Beatles, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, Elvis, Aretha Franklin and more. And what’s summer without a little chill Caribbean rock with a mix of reggae, calypso trop rock and world music? Just make sure to have a drink in hand when Mr. Myers Band arrives on Aug. 31 for the final Ballpark Concert of 2019. In its 37 years, the Mr. Myers Band have performed thousands of shows, thrilling audiences of young and old with its energetic upbeat sound that mixes rock, jazz, Latin and Caribbean music.
7
SUMMER FUN | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
OUR AMAZING SPONSORS Big Boom Platinum Alice’s place • St. Charles Sportmen’s Club
Glittering Gold Elburn Chamber of Commerce • Engineering Enterprises, Inc. • J&R Herra, Inc. • Midwest Window & Supply • Ream’s Meat Market Schmidt’s Towne Tap • G. Snow & Sons • Village of Elburn
Spectacular Silver Bob Jass Chevrolet • Deck Solutions LLC • Ed Stuehm/COUNTRY Financial • Express Evaluations • Hair Directors • Hughes Creek Golf Club Jahns Structure Jacking Systems Inc • Klomhaus Painting LLC • Old Second National Bank • Paisano’s Pizza and Grill Ralph Helm Inc. Lawn Equipment Center • Rich Wrap • Stephanie L. Butler Law Office, LLC
Brilliant Bronze Beats by Brad • Corner Grind • C&D Auto Body Repair, Inc. • CHS Inc. • Eddie Gaedel Pub and Grill • Elburn Radiator and Repair Eyes on Elburn • First Midwest Bank • Fishermen’s Inn • Fleck & Uhlich, Ltd. • Geneva Councours d’Elegance Hang Time Installations • Knuckleheads Tavern Mark Sychowski/StateFarm • Michael J. Greenen CPA PC Pound 4 Pound Fitness • Purcell Performance & Restoration • S & P Builders, Inc.
Elburn Fireworks Show
www.ElburnLions.com Elburn Lions Park, 500 Filmore St, Elburn IL Park opens at 7 PM
Food and drink will be available for purchase Rain Date: July 13, 2019 SM-CL1 SM-CL1665871
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
| SUMMER FUN
8
Kane County
Doggone good patios Local places turn a friendly face to pets By Vicki Martinka Petersen There’s nothing to make those bone chilling days of winter become a mere memory than dining outside on a warm summer day. Many dining establishments even open their patios up to canines so they can join their humans in a meal out. Check out these pet friendly outdoor patios – including one location that has a menu just for dogs.
Bulldog Ale House, 459 S. Randall Road in North Aurora -
Eddie Gaedel Pub and Grill, 117 N. Main St. in Elburn -
eddiegaedelpubandgrill.com Named after Eddie Gaedel, the shortest MLB player who played for the St. Louis Browns in 1951, this pub in downtown Elburn is known for its epic burgers and build-your-own bloody Mary concoctions. The patio offers the perfect respite for dogs and their owners to relax after a nice walk around town.
Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, 302 S. Third St. in bulldogalehouse.com Geneva - grahamschocolate.com/ Sit outside with your dog pal while pursuing Bulldog Ale House’s extensive craft beer list. You can pair that tasty beverage with the rotating It’s not uncommon on a warm summer day to see dogs perched on the ground around the white Adirondack chairs in front of Graham’s daily specials, which includes burgers, chicken tenders and pizza. while their humans sit back and enjoy a double dipped ice cream cone. Crosstown Pub and Restaurant, 1890 Mill St. in Batavia Besides ice cream, this sweet shop in downtown Geneva also serves up xtownpub.com truffles, salted caramels, and other sweet treats. This dog friendly neighborhood pub is known for its build-your-own The Lodge on 64, 41W379 Route 64 in Wasco - thelodgeon64.com wings with your choice of unique rubs and sauces, including pizza, The secluded patio area is a great place to dine on The Lodge’s famous peanut butter and jelly, bacon cheddar and white cheddar. Pair your rotisserie chicken with your trusty canine companion. Be sure to head wings with a specialty cocktail, beer or hard apple cider. over to the fire pit after dinner to roast marshmallows for complimentary Evergreen Pub & Grill, 1400 W. Main St. in St. Charles s’mores for dessert. evergreenpubstcharles.com The River’s Edge Bar & Grill, 12 N. River St. in Batavia The back patio offers a relaxing venue for both humans and dogs to -theriversedgebatavia.com unwind for a leisurely breakfast on the weekends. The lunch and dinner Grab a seat along the five-tiered outdoor beer garden to soak up the menu features salads and sandwiches for lighter bites and smoked view of the Fox River while listening to live music and enjoying one of the corned beef and brisket for heartier fare. more than 100 craft brews on the menu. Your canine pal can order off the Filling Station Pub & Grill, 300 W. Main St. in St. Charles - fillingPatio Pups menu, which features homemade biscuits and non-alcoholic station.com/index.php beer for dogs. The antique filling station décor adds to the ambiance of this bar in Tap House Grill, 3341 W. Main St. in St. Charles - taphousegrills.com downtown St. Charles. Settle in for an adult beverage and burger with Dogs can enjoy the comfort of the patio area while their owner partakes your dog by your side in the shaded patio. Be sure to save room for the in a craft beer or specialty cocktail. The menu selections range from funnel cake fries for dessert. sandwiches and burgers to pasta and tacos.
Fireworks and Family Fun Abound at Pottawatomie Park 4th of July Celebration St. Charles Park District in cooperation with the City of St. Charles hosts a fireworks display on Thursday, July 4. Best viewed from the grounds at either Pottawatomie Park or Ferson Creek Park, the fireworks show is free to the public. But before the boom-and-sizzle of fireworks supply the soundtrack to the 4th of July celebration, the band, Shout Out, will take the stage in the historic pavilion at 6 p.m. until the start of the fireworks extravaganza at dark. Pottawatomie Park opens at dawn for family and friends who want to make a day of it. Picnic tables are available on a first-come/first-served basis, so it is strongly suggested that patrons bring their own tables, blankets and lawn chairs. And while the 4th of July may be a perfect day for an old-fashioned, home-made picnic, you can also leave the cooking to someone else. Refreshments from hot dogs and bratwurst to popcorn and ice
cream are available at the River View Miniature Golf concession stand, which will remain open until 9:15 p.m. that night. And of course Swanson Pool and Pottawatomie Golf Course are right there, too. The pool will open at 10:30 a.m. for park district residents and season pass holders and at 11:30 for non-residents. The daily admission fee is $7 for residents and $11 for non-residents. On the 4th of July, the pool will close early, at 6pm. Ranked the 15th-best 9-hole golf course in the country by Golf World magazine, Pottawatomie Golf Course will open at 6am on 4th of July, with the last tee time available at 4 p.m. Once the course is cleared of golfers, it is open to the public as one of the best spots from which to view the evening’s fireworks. In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be held the next available evening.
9
SUMMER FUN | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
| SUMMER FUN
10
Kane County
Lifetime sport of disc golf attracts all ages, abilities Try course at James O. Breen this spring By Sara Carlson Many residents may equate spring sports with baseball, soccer and tennis, but for a growing population, springtime is the dawn of another disc golf season. Fortunately for local players, James O. Breen Community Park is home to a 9-hole disc golf course, tucked into 6.4 acres of wooded landscape and naturally rolling terrain on the north side of Campton Hills Road, west of Peck Road. “Whether you play for competition or recreation, disc golf gives you an opportunity to explore new parks while engaged in a structured physical activity,” says Steve Gard, St. Charles Park District Youth Programming Supervisor, who also regularly plays disc golf. “It’s so easy to make it a fun family outing or regular weekend activity with friends.”
Disc golf vs. traditional golf
Disc golf, which started in the 1970s, is considered one of the fastest growing sports across the globe. Played in more than 47 countries, the Professional Disc Golf Association reported it had more than 41,000 active members worldwide in 2017 – up from nearly 12,000 members 10 years prior. It’s estimated that 8-12 million people have played the game at least once. Disc golf has many of the same elements as traditional golf. Players follow a designated course that typically consists of 9 or 18 holes, throwing special discs down a fairway into elevated baskets. The player with the least amount of throws at the end of the game wins. Similar to golf clubs, players use different discs – drivers, mid-ranges and putters – based on distance, speed, trajectory and the player’s skill level. Unlike traditional golf, however, there is no greens fee -- a large draw for many players and families alike. The only cost is equipment. On average three-disc packs are $15 in local sporting goods stores. Thousands of courses exist across the country, with more than 100 in the Chicagoland area, and courses continue to pop up in the far western suburbs at a rapid rate. When the course at James O. Breen was built in 2005, it was one of the first of its kind in the area. Now there are at least 12 more in the area from Maple Park to Glen Ellyn and Batavia to Elgin.
Disc golf for all
The course at James O. Breen, or Campton Hills course, as it’s known in many directories, is open from 9am to dusk. This summer it will receive a facelift with new signage at the start of the course and at each tee. Jeff Goodrich, Assistant Superintendent of Parks, says the course has remained popular over the years, especially after school and during the summer in late afternoons and on weekends. St. Charles Teen Center Director Darby Beasley says they include disc golf as a teen activity in the summer, providing instruction and equipment. “It’s appealing to this age group, because it’s not as difficult and disciplined as traditional golf but it has many of the same elements,” Beasley says. “It’s also free which is a huge perk for teens.” From children to seniors, disc golf is a lifetime sport. “You’re never too young,” says Gard, adding many families with younger children play scramble or best throw to practice and quicken the pace.
Surrounded by nature
Some players may find the James O. Breen course challenging, as they navigate trees in the fairways and hike the hilly terrain, but there are many perks to playing in this wooded environment. Since it’s enclosed, there’s less risk to hit passersby compared to other flat, open courses with adjoining public parks, Gard says. “The wooded setting also gives you the sense that you are engulfed in nature, and that, in and of itself, has so many health benefits,” he added. Research shows that spending time in nature can help improve mood, sleep and concentration, and lower stress and anxiety. Coupled with the physical act of playing disc golf, from walking the course to throwing discs, players are strengthening bones and muscles, and getting their heart rate up. Gard encourages families to include a round of disc golf while spending a day at James O. Breen, which features the Otter Cove Aquatic Park, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, playground, dog park and more. “The park has so much to offer, so explore the different amenities and include disc golf,” Gard says. “You don’t have to be an expert; just enjoy the company, learning a new skill or challenging your current skills and have fun engaging in a sport surrounded by nature.”
For more information, visit www.stcparks.org.
11
SUMMER FUN | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com • Thursday, June 6, 2019
| SUMMER FUN
12