Spring Events
Step into Spring with the following Events
Take the Kids or take yourself for a close to home getaway.

March | April | May

March 31 – April 1

Easter Bunny at the Greenhouse
Bird Haven Greenhouse
225 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet
Noon – 3:00 PM
Bring your cameras! Free admission. 815/741-7278, ext 106.

April 1

An Afternoon with President & Mrs. Lincoln
Gaylord Building Historic Site
200 W. 8th Street, Lockport
1:30 - 2:30 PM
A dramatic portrayal of Abraham & Mary Lincoln reminiscing about the triumphs and tragedies of their lives shortly before their departure for Fords Theater. The Lincolns are portrayed by Max & Donna Daniels. Part of the Acts of History series. Admission is $6 for Canal Corridor Association members and $8 for non-members. Reservations recommended. 815/588-1100. www.canalcor.org.

Drop In On Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd., Willow Springs
1:30 PM During this afternoon, we will explore the world of Wildflowers. 708/839-6897.

Easter Parade
Downtown Joliet
2:00 PM
Disneys Lion King movie will play at the Rialto Square Theater at 12:00 and 4:00 PM. Easter Bunny at Ren Center with pictures and buffet, activities at Joliet Area Historical Museum, Library, Silver Cross Stadium. www.discoverkidsclub.com

April 4

Jesus Christ Superstar
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
8:00 PM
First masterpiece from the writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber, exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever. Ted Neeley makes his final national tour with this stunning production. Tickets $55 - $45. 815/726-6600.

Demolition Open House
Holiday Inn
North Rt. 47 & I-80, Morris
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Learn about the new hotel property planned at the I-80 & Route 47 interchange and see the renovation plans for the Holiday Inn “Little girls in floral dresses Morris. 815/942-6600.

April 5

Treasure Tales from the Vault
Gaylord Building Historic Site
200 W. 8th Street, Lockport
6:00 PM
An exploration of the rare and unusual historic items recently discovered in the vault of the Will County Historical Society. Presented by Lynne Smaczny, Exec. Dir. of the Will County Historical Society. Part of the Dinner & A Lecture series. Admission is $26 for Canal Corridor Association members and $32 for non-members. Reservations required. 815/588-1100. www.canalcor.org.

April 6

Good Wine Celebration
Montage Spirits & Gifts
304 Liberty St., Morris
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Our wine selection is always expanding here at Montage Spirits & Gifts. The Good Friday Celebration feature new wines that are more than just good. 815/941-1006.

April 7

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Starved Rock Lodge
RT 78 & RT 171, Utica
Registration begins at 8:30 AM with a breakfast buffet beginning at 9:00 AM. Following breakfast, join us for an “eggciting' egg hunt and storytelling with Bill Myers. Plus a special visit from the Easter Bunny! Adults $11.95 Children $8.95. For more information and to purchase tickets call 800/868-7625 ext. 386.

Easter Bunny Express
Starved Rock Lodge
RT 78 & RT 171, Utica
Noon-2:00 PM, 2:00-4:00 PM
Join us for a fun-filled family adventure that is sure to please. Includes photo taken with the Easter Bunny, trolley transportation, Easter egg hunt, count and win the container of jellybeans. Build your own bunny. $28.00 per person. Limited availability. Call 800/868-7625 ext. 386 for reservations.

April 8

Easter Brunch
Bolingbrook Golf Club
2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook
Reservations open March 1 630/756-0150.

Falcon Fun
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
Owls, hawks and falcons are important members of our region’s biodiversity. Join us aswe take an imformative look at the differences and similarities of these birds. 708/839-6897.

April 12

Baby Wants Candy
University of St Francis
Abbey Lounge, Marian Hall
500 Wilcox St., Joliet
9:30 PM
Based on a single audience suggestion the troupe create an hour-long, completely improvised musical right before your eyes. Everything is made up on the spot! Free admission, reservations recommended. 815/740-3365.

Million Dollar Renovation
Hampton Inn I-80
1521 Riverboat Center Dr.,
Joliet
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 5:00 PM
Refreshments and hors d’oeuvre will be served. See the new “Cloud 9 Bed by Hilton” RSVP to Michelle Seamon at 815/725-2424.

April 13

Peter Frampton
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
8:00 PM
One of the biggest arena rock stars of the ‘70s. Tickets $62.50 - $32.50. 815/726-6600.

April 13 – 15

Blood Relations, Drama
By Joliet Drama Guild
Billie Limacher’s Bicentennial Park
201 W. Jefferson, Joliet
8:00 PM Fri. & Sat., 2:00 PM Sunday
Ten years after Lizzie Borden is acquitted of her parents’ murder, Lizzie entertains an actress an a role-playing game begins. Tickets $9 adults and $8 students/ seniors. 815/722-1001 or www.jolietdramaguild.org.

April 14

American English: Beatles Tribute
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
8:00 PM
American English delivers the most authentic Broadway-like production of the history of the Beatles, complete with costumes and vintage instruments from every Beatle era. All the music is performed live and features many of the Beatles greatest hits. Tickets - $45 - $30. 815/726-6600.

April Amphibians
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
The weather is warmer and frogs should be a “callin”! Why? To find out come along as we walk through the wetland and woodland habitats in search of the “frog chorus”. 708/839-6897.

Ottawa Scouting Museum Activity
Ottawa Scouting Museum
1100 Canal, Ottawa
On the anniversary of the assassination of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, come participate in this role-playing game for ages 10 to adult. You will be provided with a character profile and then take on the role of the character throughout this “investigation.” Admission TBA. 815/531-9353.

Kite Fly
Paul E. Briese Park
Ingalls & Cedarwood, Joliet
11:00 – 2:00 PM
Join us as we participate in “Flying 4 Kids”, a statewide kite fly to create awareness of parks, recreation and the Park District Youth License Plate. The day will be filled with demonstrations and family fun. Bring out your own kite or make a kite on site. The first 40 people will receive a free kite making kit.

April 14 - 15

Little Cabin in the Woods Quilt Show
St. Columba School Gym
1110 LaSalle, Ottawa
10:00 – 5:00 PM, Sat.; 10:00 – 3:00 PM, Sun
Quilts by local quilters will be on display. A vendor mall with quilt supplies will be set up. Quilt demonstrations and appraisals will be held both days. $5 per person 815/433-2984.

Mystery in the Mansion
Jacob Henry Mansion
20 S. Eastern Ave., Joliet
6:30 PM
Begin your evening of fun and adventure with dinner at the Jacob Henry Mansion but don’t plan on leaving until you have solved the mysterious Murder Mystery. The theme revolves around the 1920 era and dress from that period is encouraged. Guests unknowingly become entangled in an intriguing web of drama and suspense as they become victims – the suspects– or the “KILLER.” $42 includes dinner and mystery. 815/722-2465 or www.jacobhenrymansion. com/events.

April 16 – May 4

Joliet Junior College Art Students’ Juried Exhibition
Laura A. Sprague Art Gallery
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Free. 815/280-2423 or 815/280-2223.

April 18

Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
4:00 PM & 7:00 PM
See how Thomas and his engine friends pull together to get the railroad ready for Sodor’s Magic Lantern Festival. Tickets $45 - $15. 815/726-6600.

Piano Recital: Christine Lin
Ives Hall, Lewis University
One University Parkway, Romeoville
7:30 PM
Come listen to the Department of Music’s newest instructor, Christine Lin, perform masterpieces from the piano repertory. Ms. Lin will perform works by Beethoven, Buson, Rachmaninoff and Gershwin. 815/836-5500.

April 19 – 22

The Comedy of Errors
Joliet Junior College Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College, 1215
Houbolt Rd., Joliet
April 19, 7:30 PM; April 20& 21, 8:00 PM; April 22, 2:30 PM
$5 general public, $4 senior citizens. 815/280-2200.

April 20

Music at the Mansion: Anne Badger, pianist &
Sue Gillio, flutist
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh, LaSalle
5:45 PM- 6:30 PM
Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. 815/224-6543.

Music Bytes
Sancta Alberta, Lewis University
One University Parkway, Romeoville
2:00 PM
Composers from all over the world submitted their 5.1 surround sound compositions and video works for consideration. Through a juried process, works were selected for presentation. 815/836-5500.

April 20- 22

“The Diary of Anne Frank”
Stage 212, The Illinois Valley’s
Live Community Theater
700 First Street, LaSalle
All curtains are at 7:30 PM with Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM Tickets $12.00. 815/224-3025 www.stage212.org.

Blood Relations, Drama By Joliet Drama Guild
Billie Limacher’s Bicentennial Park
201 W. Jefferson, Joliet
8:00 PM Fri. & Sat., 2:00 PM
Sunday. Ten years after Lizzie Borden is acquitted of her parents’ murder, Lizzie entertains an actress an a role-playing game begins. Tickets $9 adults and $8 students/seniors. 815/722-1001 or www.jolietdramaguild.org.

April 21

LaSalle County Historical Society’s Centennial
History Fair
LaSalle County Museum Complex
Downtown Utica
Opens 8:00 AM
Enjoy demonstrations of artisan blacksmithing, coppering, and pottery making among living history booths. View student created history fair projects telling the stories of an Illinois legacy. Picnic by the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal or dine at one of the many fine historic restaurants in Utica. Entertainment and Awards Ceremony at 1:00 PM. 815/667-4861.

Wildlife Scavenger Hunt
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
Bring the family out for a short scavenger hunt. Each family will receive a list of wildlife items to look for as they walk our trails. The first family to find all items will receive a small prize. 708/839-6897.

April 22

Von Heidecke’s Chicago
Festival Ballet’s Cinderella
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
2:00 PM
Von Heidecke’s Nutcracker has delighted audiences for several years. His choreography of Cinderella offers the same high caliber of entertainment to all ages. Tickets $28 - $25. Children 12 & under - $15.50. 815/726-6600.

April 22 – 23

22nd Annual Bluebell Festival
Maple Leaf Park, Inc.
1318 East US 34, Earlville
Noon – 5:00 PM
Stroll on winding paths through acres of Bluebells, Illinois’ largest display. Appropriate display of crafts in Park’s pavilions. Food and beverages will be served in Waterside overlooking the two recreations lakes. Bluebells will also be available for sale. Private areas can be reserved for groups. Admission: $4, special group rates available. www.mapleleafpark.com or call 815/246-6200 for information or reservations.

April 24

Grundy County Historical Program
First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall
118 W. Jackson, Morris
7:00 PM
Two (2) Presenters! Dick Steele will tell the history of our favorite local radio station, WCSJ/WJDK, and Bob Coleman will talk about the Morris Fire Department. All members and guests are welcome, refreshments served.

Navy Sea Chanters
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
7:30 PM
The official chorus of the United States Navy, the ensemble performs a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music, including the sea chantey, to Broadway musicals. 815/726-6600.

April 24 & 25

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe Children’s Theatre
Billie Limacher’s Bicentennial Park
201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
9:00 AM, 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Interactive version is based on audience participation; playing bit parts, making sound effects and using goofy props. Great exercise of imagination for preschool through junior high. All seats $3. 815/724-3760.

April 25

Joliet Junior College Student Recital
Joliet Junior College Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
Admission is Free. 815/280-2223.

Student Recital
Ives Hall, Lewis University
One University Parkway, Romeoville
3:00 – 5:00 PM.

April 26

Jazz Band
Student Union Commons, Lewis University
One University Parkway, Romeoville
8:00 – 9:00 PM
Tom Drake, Director.

Touch-A-Truck
Multi-Purpose Center
3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
10:00 – 2:00 PM
Is your child fascinated with trucks and large equipment? Come climb, sit and play on a variety of trucks that will be displayed. The Joliet Police Department will provide free child seat safety checks. Food is available for purchase.

April 27 – 28

Spring Festival of Student-Directed One-Act Plays
Joliet Junior College Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
815/280-2200.

April 27- 29

“The Diary of Anne Frank” Stage 212,
The Illinois Valley’s Live Community Theater
700 First Street, LaSalle
All curtains are at 7:30 PM with Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM Tickets $12.00. 815/224-3025 www.stage212.org.

April 28

Movies at the Mansion: Easter Parade (1948)
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh, LaSalle
7:00 PM
Get cozy with your popcorn and enjoy an evening of commercialfree classic films while sharing those treasured movie moments with new friends. Popcorn is provided and beverages can be purchased. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. 815/224-6543.

Tea at the Mansion
Reddick Mansion
100 West Lafayette St., Ottawa
1:00 PM
Teddy Bears Welcome. Tours available before or after the event. Donations will be accepted at the door. For more information call 815/434-4409 or 815/424-2737.

Organ Extravaganza XI
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
7:00 PM
This year’s theme will be “Showstoppers. Enjoy spectacular music that has made millions laugh, cry and sing along. Join us and hear keyboard artistry on the piano, Barton Grand Theatre pipe organ, and digital organ while you enjoy an evening of beautiful music standards. Tickets - $38. 815/726-6600.

Starved Rock Runners 8K Run
Ottawa YMCA
201 E Jackson, Ottawa
9:00 AM
Annual event starts and ends at Ottawa YMCA. Walkers are welcome. There will be a free kids run (age 10 and under) at 8:30 AM. Entry fee is $20. 815/431-0344 or www.starvedrockrunners.org.

Village of Diamond Garage Sale
Village of Diamond
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
815/634-2522.

Early Morning Bird Walk
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
7:00 AM
Rise and shine with a refreshing walk to look for spring birds. Novices to more advanced bird watchers are welcome. 708/839-6897.

Chicago Portage Walk and Work Day
Chicago Portage National Historic Site
49th and Harlem Ave.
9:00 – 12:00 PM
Join us for an educational walk as we discuss this area’s history. You’ll have an opportunity to assist in the natural restoration of this site after the walk. Scouts and other groups are welcome. 708/839-6897.

Astronomy Program
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
7:30 PM
The Chicago Astronomical Society invites all astronomy enthusiasts to come out and view the night sky. Telescopes will be set up for viewing or bring your own. This program is outdoors and may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Please call after 3:00 PM to confirm. Rain date: May 5. 708/839-6897

April 28 & 29

22nd Annual Bluebell Festival
Maple Leaf Park, Inc.
1318 East US 34, Earlville
Noon – 5:00 PM
Stroll on winding paths through acres of Bluebells, Illinois’ largest display. Appropriate display of crafts in Park’s pavilions. Food and beverages will be served in Waterside overlooking the two recreations lakes. Bluebells will also be available for sale. Private areas can be reserved for groups. Admission: $4, special group rates available. www.mapleleafpark.com or call 630/246-6200 for information or reservations.

April 29

JJC Chamber Singers & JJC Chorale Concert
Joliet Junior College Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
7:30 PM $5 general public, $4 senior citizens. 815/280-2223.

American Legion Band Concert
Billie Limacher’s Bicentennial Park
201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
2:30 PM
The national award-winning band will be playing on the Park’s indoor theatre stage. In celebrating over 60 years of giving community performances, all concert proceeds will benefit the band. $10 donation. 815/724-3760.

April 29 – May 5

Smokey Joe’s Café
Engle Lane Theater
RR 2. Streator
To celebrate our 50th, we're giving you music from the 50's (and 60's). This revue opened on Broadway in 1995 and won seven Tony Awards and a Grammy for best album. www.englelane.org or 815/672-3584.

APRIL ONGOING

April 1, 6, 7, 15, 22, and 29

Dinner Theatre at the Lodge
Starved Rock Lodge
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
6:00– 10:00 PM
Starved Rock Lodge will swing to the sounds of Sinatra with “Fly Me To The Moon- The Ultimate Sinatra Celebration Show.” The show features over 2-dozen classics made famous by Frank Sinatra. This four person revue, will feature such songs as “Come Fly With Me,” “My Funny Valentine,” My Way,”“New York, New York,” and many more. The show also features commentary on Sinatra’s career, his views, and insights to his personal life. Presented as a dinner theatre, guests will dine in the Lodge’s dining room, then move to the intimate LaSalle room for the show. $30.00 per person. Log on to www.starvedrocklodge. com for more information or call 800/868-7625 ext. 386.

April 2, 23, 30
11:00-3:00 PM

April 7, 9 14, 16, 21, 28
9:00-1:00 PM & 11:00-3:00 PM

Starved Rock Lodge
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
Experience the fun of outdoor adventure at Starved Rock State park with a guided walk to 3 spectacular waterfalls and canyons. We will visit French, and St. Louis Canyons as well as Lake Falls at Matthiessen State Park. The tour will also include your selection from our Special lunch menu and a relaxing historical trolley ride. Waterfall& Canyon Tour $28.00 per person. For reservations please call 800/868-7625 ext. 386.

April 21, 26, 27, 28
8:00 – 10:30 PM

April 20, 21, 27
8:00 – 10:30 PM

April 22
2:30 – 5:00 PM

April 28
4:00 – 6:30 PM

Red Herring
Philip Lynch Theatre, Lewis University
One University Parkway,
Romeoville
Three love stories, a murder mystery, and a nuclear espionage plot converge in this noir comedy about marriage and other explosive devices. 815/836-5500.