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

March offers the first glimpse of spring and gets are hearts ready for that sunshine weather with the following events.

March | April | May

May 1
University Choir
Sancta Alberta, Lewis University
One University Parkway,
Romeoville
7:30 – 9:00 PM
Dr. Lawrence Sisk, Director.

May 3

Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Ives Hall, Lewis University
One University Parkway, Romeoville
7:30 – 9:00 PM.

May 3 – 5

Village of Channahon
Garage Sale
Village of Channahon
815/467-6644.

May 3 – 6

The Melting Pot – An All American Showcase–
Kiwanis Variety Show
Billie Limacher’s Bicentennial Park
201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
Thurs., Fri., and Sat., 7:30 PM, Sun., 2:00 PM. Through song, dance and more, come celebrate the many heritages that have made America great. Tickets $15. 815/724-3760.

May 4

Joliet Junior College Jazz Band Spring 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.

IVSO Concert
Illinois Valley Community
College Cultural Centre
815 N. Orlando Smith Ave.,
Oglesby
7:30 PM
Preconcert talk at 7:10 PM
Featuring Sarah Lawrence of Ottawa playing horn $10/adult and $5/student. 815/664-4472 or www.ivso.org.

May 4 & 5

Red Carpet Corridor
Route 66 Ride
Twelve Route 66 towns will each have an exciting event waiting for you. From Joliet to Towanda you will experience entertainment, flea markets, garage sales, antiques, food, historical sites and more. Contact Pontiac Tourism at 800/835-2055 or www.il66redcarpetcorridor.org.

The French Presence in Northern Illinois, 1673-1840
Gaylord Building Historic Site
200 W. 8th Street, Lockport
6:00 PM
An examination of French activities and influence in northern Illinois during the colonial and early republic periods of our history. Presented by Prof. B. Pierre Lebeau of North Central College. 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.

Historic Preservation Symposium
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 Ottawa St., Joliet
8:30 AM. - 1:30 PM
May is Preservation Month. Log on to www.jolietmuseum.org

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.

Watch and Wager –The Kentucky Derby
Bookie Magee’s Hideaway and OTB
2450 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
Horse racing’s biggest event. The first leg of the Triple Crown. Pre-bet Fri., May 4. For more information call 815/744-6500.

Consignment Auction
Reddick Mansion
100 West Lafayette St., Ottawa
Call 815/434-4409 or 815/434-2737 for information.

BesPhoto Photo Workshop
Starved Rock Lodge
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
Interested in Photography? Do you want to learn more about how to operate your specific camera? We will cover camera operation, photographic theory, and composition while hiking the trails of Starved Rock. We will spend one-on-one time with you working with your specific camera. We welcome all types of cameras and photographers. Cost is $100. For more information see www.BesPhoto.com or to sign up contact Mike Bessler at 630/667-5174 or email Mike@BesPhoto.com.

Fairy Festival
Pilcher Park Nature Center
2501 Highland Park Dr., Joliet
10:00 – 2:30 PM
Join us for Fair Fest Nature Center style! Enjoy fairy flower walks, discover fairy food, make enchanted crafts and be entertained by winged hostesses! Come dressed in wings, make a wand, learn a few magic words and indulge your inner child. $4/child. 815/741-7277.

Motorcycle Show
Downtown Utica
10:00 – 4:00 PM 815/223-5555.

May 5 & 6

Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage
Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
Rt. 78 & Rt. 171, Utica
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is pleased to present a Wildflower Pilgrimage weekend. Enjoy the great variety of wildflowers at Starved Rock. Hikes leave from the Visitor Center at 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM. No Charge. 815/667-5356.

Plant Sale
Bird Haven Greenhouse
225 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet
8:00 – 4:00 PM
Bigger and better than ever! Enjoy the gardens at the Greenhouse? Come and buy the same plants we use here to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and rave reviews. Free Admission.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Pilcher Park
2501 Highland Park Dr., Joliet
May 5, 3:00 – 5:00 PM;
May 6, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Combining the whimsy of theatre and the magic of the woodlands, come enjoy a “moving children’s production of a Midsummer Night’s Dream. All scenes will be held at various locations throughout Pilcher Park. Audience should dress appropriately according to the weather and are welcome to bring water to drink, snacks to eat, a blanket, chair or stool. Tickets are available after March 1 at Nature Center. $6/per person. 815/741-7277.

May 5, 12, 19, 26, 28
9;00-1;00 PM & 11:00-3:00 PM

May 7, 14, 21
11:00-3:00 PM.

Waterfall & Canyon Tour
Starved Rock State Park
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. $28.00 per person For reservations please call 800/868-7625 ext. 386.

May 6

Meet the Artist: Preston Jackson
Illinois State Museum
Lockport Gallery
201 W. 10th Street
2:00 PM
Artist Preston Jackson will deliver a slide presentation focusing not only on the sculpture from the current exhibition but his broader body of work. No charge. 815/838-7400 or www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/lockport.

Read to me Under the Great Oak Tree
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
K-3 graders are inviuted to join us for a book reading with story related activities to follow. Today’s story will be Secret Place by Eve Bunting. 708/839-6897.

JJC Community Band Spring Concert
Joliet Junior College Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College,
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
3:00 PM
$5 general public, $4 senior citizens.
815/280-2223.

Explore Joliet
Downtown Joliet
Check in time 7:00 - 8:30 AM
Depart from a point under the historic Rialto Square Theatre marquee. Ride out to the Chicagoland Speedway, zoom down the strip, circle the 1.5 mile track, and continue on through southeast Will County along low-volume roads and designated bike paths.815/774-6066 or www.jolietdowntown.com.

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. Call 800/868-7625 ext. 386.

Sweet Corn Classic Golf Challenge
Mendota Golf Course
8:00 AM shotgun start
4-Player scramble, mixed teams welcome. For information 815/539-6507 or mendotachamber@yahoo.com.

May 7

Joliet Junior College Guitar Ensemble 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.

May 8

Joliet Junior College Jazz Band Spring 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.

Student Jazz Combo
Ives Hall, Lewis University
One University Parkway, Romeoville
7:30 – 9:00 PM
Steve Jacobson, Director.

The World of Light Sport Aircraft
Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook
130 S. Clow International
Parkway, Bolingbrook
7:00 PM
Discover and learn about Light Sport Aircraft and Ultralights. 630/771-1937.

May 10

Joliet Junior College Honors Student Recital
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.

Ladies Night Out
Downtown Morris
815/941-0245.

Ladies Night Out Montage Spirits & Gifts
304 Liberty St., Morris
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Girls, this wine tasting is tailored for you!
Sample some wines before shopping at the stores downtown, The stores will be open late offering specials. (Men, you’re invited too). 815/941-1006.

May 11 – 13

Heritage Days
Streator City Park, Streator
Enjoy a carnival, flea market, crafts, vendors, food and a parade. 815/672-2443.

May 12

Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra
Joliet Junior College Fine Arts Theatre
Joliet Junior College,
1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet
4:00 PM
Call for ticket information. 815/280-2223.

Explore Joliet 8k Run
Downtown Joliet
9:00 AM start time.
Certified Course and timed run. Cash prizes to top male/female runners. The event will feature free t-shirts, snacks, goodie bags, and will conclude with entertainment in downtown Joliet. 815/774-6066 or www.jolietdowntown.com.

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.

May 13

American Buddhism Comes of Age
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh, LaSalle
4:00 PM
Presented by Diane Martin, Zen Master. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. Please phone for more information or to check on availability. 815/224-6543.

Mother’s Day Brunch
Barber & Obertwortmann
Horticultural Center
227 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet
Bring mom to a wonderful brunch presented by Cutting Edge Catering, then stroll through the beautiful Greenhouse and enjoy the flora and fauna Call for reservations and available times. $20 Adults/$12 Children 4-12 yrs; 3 and under free. 815/725-9001.

Mother’s Day at the Museum
Joliet Area Historical Museum
204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet
Noon - 5:00 PM.
Bring your mom to the Museum on Mother’s Day and her admission is FREE! Don’t forget the Gift Shop for great gift ideas. A Museum membership is the gift that gives all year long! The Joliet Area Historical Museum is located at 204 N. Ottawa St., with free parking at Ottawa and Webster.

An Afternoon with Mother Nature
Little Red Schoolhouse
Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
This afternoon will be devoted to Wild Babies. Activities and crafts will be available for youngsters. 708/839-6897.

May 18

Music at the Mansion: TBA
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh, LaSalle
5:45 PM- 6:30 PM
Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted. Please call for more information. 815/224-6543.

May 18 – 19

Planet Pluto Expo
Streator.
Pluto will be the theme of P2E featuring seminars, interactive displays, and informative workshops. Featured speaker will be Dr. Alan Stern, Planetary Scientist, Author and principal investigator of NASA’s Pluto- Kuiper Belt Mission an Executive Director of the Southwest Research Institute’s Space Science & Engineering Division. 815/672-2055.

May 19

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Boating Safety Class
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
950 N. 27th Road, Ottawa
8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
This minimum eight-hour course includes instruction in equipment requirements, navigation rules, legal requirements, accident situations and how to handle them, the weather, trailering, visual distress signals, personal watercraft and specialty topics, and the final exam. Free. 815/667-4054.

Watch and Wager –The Preakness
Bookie Magee’s Hideaway & OTB
2450 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
Cheer on the winner of the Kentucky Derby. The 2nd leg of the Triple Crown. Pre-bet Fri., May 18. 815/744-6500.

Gardeners Flea Market
Bird Haven Greenhouse
225 N. Gougar Rd., Joliet
9:00 - 2:00 PM
Looking for that unique item for your garden, special plants, or do you just love flea markets? Rain or shine! Food will be available. 815/741-PARK.

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.

Astronomy Program
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
8:30 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 26 708/839-6897.

May 19 & 20

3rd Annual Honor the Eagle Pow Wow
Located by the Starved Rock
State Park Boat Ramp area
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
Saturday 11:00-9:00 PM and
Sunday Noon –5:00 PM
Native American dancing, drumming, cultural demonstrations, special presentations, storytelling, children’s games & crafts, raffles and Tipis. Admission $6 Adults $4 Seniors/Children, Advance Sales and Groups of 10 or more call 800/868-7625 ext 386. Co-Sponsored with Midwest Soaring Foundation.

May 20

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. 800/868-7625 ext. 386.

Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon
Oak Springs Road, Libertyville
The second oldest continual canoe race in the United States. First time participants, repeat paddlers, and serious competitors can all enjoy the excitement, challenge, and camaraderie that this historic event provides. Family day with exhibits, picnicking, and lots of fun for everyone. Experience a sneak preview of “A River Through History” Festival by visiting their small campsite. 847/604-2445 or www.canoemarathon.com

Jungle Jack Hanna
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
2:00 PM
Jack’s live show features many of his favorite animal friends, as well as fascinating and humorous stories and footage from his adventures around the world. Everyone from the youngest child to the oldest adult is entertained and inspired. Tickets $46 - $32, Children 12 & under - $36 - $22.

Blessing of the Bikes
Starved Rock State Park
Rt 78 & Rt 171, Utica
12:00 PM & 1:30 PM
Stop by Starved Rock Lodge’s East parking lot and have your motorcycle blessed by local clergy in one of two ceremonies. The blessings remind us that life is a journey and we need to ask for God’s protection. A great kick-off for biking season! Open to the public. 800/868-7625 ext. 386.

Ottawa Firefighters Memorial
Ottawa Main Fire Station
301 W. Lafayette St.
10:00 AM
Ceremony honors fallen firefighters and an open house at station following. 814/434-3785.

May 20 – 26

Blithe Spirit
Engle Lane Theater
RR 2. Streator
The action of the play centers on socialite, Charles Condomine, being haunted by the ghost of his first wife Elvira following a séance, and Elvira's continued (and increasingly desperate) efforts to disrupt Charles' current marriage. 815/672-3584 or www.englelane.org.

May 22

Grundy County Historical Society's Annual Banquet/Meeting
First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall
118 W. Jackson, Morris
6:00 PM - Social Time
6:30 PM - Catered Dinner
7:00 PM - Business Meeting
7:30 PM - Featured Program:
Storyteller Bill Myers will tell the story “Return of the Native”. Invitations and fees per person are sent out in advance to all members, and guests are welcome.

May 25 & 26

Mendota’s Annual Spring
Sidewalk Sale Days

May 26

Movies at the Mansion: Little Women (1933)
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.

Chicago Portage Walk and Work Day
Chicago Portage National Historic Site
49th and Harlem Ave.
9:00 – 12:00 PM
Start out Memorial Day weekend with a walk through this historic site. We’ll search for spring wildflowers and birds before we begin work on restoring the natural landscape. Groups are welcome! 708/839-6897.

May 26- 28

Water Safety Weekend
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
950 N. 27th Road, Ottawa
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Start your summer activities and celebrate National Safe Boating Week by visiting the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for a holiday weekend of WATER SAFETY FUN for children and adults. Join us, and learn how to be safe when you are swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, canoeing or any other type of water activity. And to help you learn about “water safety fun” be sure to pick up some free color books, posters, and stickers. We’ll have videos to view and life jackets to try on. Free. 815/667-4054.

May 27

Birds of Prey
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Rd.,
Willow Springs
1:30 PM
Many of these winged beauties live right here in Cook County. Experience these birds first hand by examining preserved skulls, feathers and wings. 708/839-6897.