H E R I T A G E C O R R I D O R

Transcription

1 HERITAGE CORRIDOR

2 I consider myself one lucky guy, mostly because my job involves convincing you that the Heritage Corridor is one terrific destination. The only tough part is getting folks like you here once. From that point on, this great place just sells itself. And there is so much to do, no matter what your age. So please take a few minutes to browse through our Sun & Fun Guide, with all of the exciting things to do and see in the Corridor this summer. Trust me, you ll find a hundred great reasons to visit us. Sam Stanovich President/CEO Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau

3 Heritage Corridor Visitors Bureau Offices Bolingbrook Office 175 W. Remington Blvd., Bolingbrook, IL / Joliet Office 81 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL / / , event lodging Utica Office 801 E. US Highway 6, Utica, IL / / Bedford Park Office 7800 W. 65th St., Bedford Park, IL / For visitor s information call 800/926-CANAL Publication Staff Sam D. Stanovich, President/CEO Mary Beth DeGrush, June Anderson, Anna Aimaro Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau Jacque Flanigan, Ralph Chermak, Stuart Pearson, and Jim Kracic Contributing Photographers Gammon Group Graphic Design and Production Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to verify event information at press time, however, schedule changes do occur. Please contact the phone number listed with your chosen event to verify dates, times and admission prices. The Heritage Corridor CVB is not liable for any typographical errors. Visit for a complete list of updated events. 10K, 3/06 1

4 2

5 March 1 Care Bears Live Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 10 am and 7 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to March 2 Care Bears Live Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 3 pm and 7 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to March 3 Paul Rodriguez Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 8 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to March of Dimes Wine and Food Pairing Six Toasts to our Babies Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 6-8:30 pm. Join us for an elegant evening of wine/food pairings with music by The Jazz Combo Platter. Featured wines from six wineries/vineyards from throughout Illinois. Food paired will be prepared from the talented chef staff at Starved Rock Lodge. All participants will receive a complimentary wine glass, six wine tasting tickets and all the great food. Tickets are $35.00 per person. Portion of the ticket price will go directly to the March of Dimes. For more information and to purchase tickets call 800/ ext March 4 42nd Street Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 8 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to St. Patrick s Day Parade & Festival Safety Village, Lemont Line up at 12:30 pm Parade starts at 1 pm. To register for the parade, call 630/

6 March 4, 5, & 18, 19 Mobster Tours Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 11 am -2:30 pm. Spend an afternoon with Dan Churney, author of Capone s Cornfields. He has unearthed more than 30 cases in which organized crime torched on- or clobbered the Illinois Valley area, ranging from moonshine to murder. You will visit sites listed in his book in the Ottawa and Streator area. Also included with the tour is trolley transportation, soup and salad bar lunch in the Starved Rock Dining Room and wine tasting at the new wine tasting room in Cattails. Call 800/ ext. 386 for reservations. March 5 Three Mo Tenors Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 6 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to 4 Geology of Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Park Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Utica 1 pm -2 pm. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with The Starved Rock Educational Foundation is pleased to present Wayne Frankie, geologist with the Illinois Geological Survey. Discover what is unusual about the geology of Starved Rock, & Matthiessen State Parks, & the surrounding area. Call 815/ for more information. March 11 Sing! Sing! Sing! A Tribute to Benny Goodman Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 8 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to March 12 Mary Hegeler Carus: The Quiet Trailblazer Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle Part of the Second Sundays monthly lecture series. A one hour lecture followed by refreshments and a brief mansion tour. Admission is free. For more information call 815/ Butterflies of Northern Illinois Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center. 1 pm -2 pm. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with The Starved Rock Educational Foundation is pleased to present John McKee, volunteer and resident butterfly expert of Starved Rock. An introduction to the biology and diversity of our resident butterflies. Call 815/ for more information. March 16 Dinner and Lecture Trilobites, Tully Monsters and Giant Beaver: Echoes of the Past in the I & M Canal Corridor Gaylord Building, Lockport 6 pm cocktails, 6:45 pm dinner. Ron Vasile, Historian Canal Corridor Association. Reservations required. Call 815/ or visit

7 March 18 & 19 Pioneer Festival Pancake Breakfast Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Dr. 8:00 am - Noon. Fee: $6adult/$4 child. Enjoy packages, sausage and 100% pure maple syrup! Come for maple syrup making demonstrations and try your hand at pioneer chores while stepping back into time with our pioneer re-enactors. 815/ March 19 Hunt for the Land of the Lost Frenchman. Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Utica 1 pm -2 pm. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with The Starved Rock Educational Foundation is pleased to present Mark Walczynski, local historian. Forensic investigation into the first land grant in Illinois right here in LaSalle County. 815/ One Silent Wing Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs Majestic, powerful and beautiful birds of prey are an important part of our region s biodiversity. Join us for a closer look at one of our resident owls. 708/ Musica Viva Joliet Junior College, Joliet 3 pm. Piano Recital, Presenting Alexander Peh. 815/ March 21, 28 & April 4 Euchre Tournament Starved Rock Lodge 6 pm.-10 pm. Join us in our Back Door Lounge for this progressive individual play, Euchre Tournament. Must be 18yrs of age or older. Weekly winners 1st place $200, 2nd place $100, and 3rd place $50. Grand Prize overall winner wins a trip for 2 to Las Vegas, 3days, 2 nights includes airfare and hotel. To register call 800/ ext March 23 Joliet Junior College, Joliet All- Mozart Program Piano Recital Fine Arts Theater, Joliet Junior College 815/ March A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum MPAC Auditorium, University of St. Francis, Joliet 7:30 pm. One of Broadway s funniest musical farces is based on a 2,000 year old comedy. Light, fast and irreverent, this musical has the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. $12/$8 students, seniors. Reservations call 815/ March 25 Third Annual Collectors Showcase and Appraisal Fair Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet Collectors will exhibit their collections throughout the Museum between 10 am and 4 pm. Bring one of your cherished items for a verbal appraisal between 11am and 2 pm. Sorry, we cannot appraise weapons. Museum admission: $5 nonmembers, $2 for ages 12 and under, $2 for Museum members ($1 for members 12 and under), free admission to children under 3. Appraisals cost $5 for one item, $8 for two items, and $10 for three items. 5

8 March 25 Route 66 Memorabilia and We Work For Food Cookbook Signing & Sale Joliet Area Historical Museum 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet 10 am - 4 pm. During the 3RD Annual Collectors Showcase and Appraisal Fair. Do you want to learn how to collect Route 66 memorabilia? What s the difference between real collectibles and reproductions? Purchase your own copy of the Route 66 Association of Illinois wildly popular cookbook, We Work For Food, featured in a January 2006 episode of the Food Network s B-B-Qing with Bobby Flay. March 25 Sister Hazel Rialto Square Theatre 8 pm Tickets $ / or Chicago Portage Work Day Chicago Portage National Historic Site 9 am- Noon Springtime at the Chicago Portage National Historic Site is something to celebrate! Join us for a walk on this historic ground and then help us to restore its past beauty. Restoration activities include brush removal and garbage pick up. 708/ March 25 & 26 Farm Quilts: A Quilt Show Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle For more information call 815/ March 26 Handle With Care: Tips on Preserving Textiles Illinois State Museum, Lockport Gallery, Lockport One of a series of free, informal presentations begins at 2 pm. Pre-registration not required. Enjoy the exhibit, Gifted Quilts through September 1. Romeoville Recreation Center s Open House Romeoville Recreation Center will host its 28th Annual Open House. Come in and register for spring programs or get some more information on community organizations. For more information call 815/ or go to History of Native Americans in Illinois Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center 1 pm -2 pm. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with The Starved Rock Educational Foundation is pleased to present Dr. Michael Wiant, Director of Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown, Illinois. The history of Native Americans in Illinois spans from 12,000 years ago up into the 19th century. Discover how their cultures changed over the years. Call 815/ for more information. Quilt show and sale Ottawa Knights of Columbus Hall, Ottawa 9 am - 5 pm Saturday and 10 am -3 pm Sunday. The show will feature quilts, wall hangings, clothing, vendors, raffle quilt, seasonal small quilts, accessories & magazines for sale, plus live musicians including harp, violin, cello and piano. For information, click on www. illinoisvalleyquiltguild.com or info@illinoisvalleyquiltguild.com.

9 March M.A.R.K. Music & Art for the Relief of Katrina University of St. Francis, Joliet This week-long festival will showcase culture, music, art and dance that speak directly to diversity, inclusion and respect at USF. All proceeds benefit the victims of Rita/Katrina in Illinois. For information, call 815/ Cost: $5 (Students are free) March 28 & 30 March Spring Break Youth Program Native American Life Two-Day Youth Program, INSTRUCTOR: Sarah Elm Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet March 28 Native American Pottery Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet 10 am - noon March 30 Native American Medicine Bags Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet 10 am - noon. The cost of these two Native American Life programs, including supplies, is $6 for Museum members and $9 for nonmembers per program. Register for both classes and the cost is $9 for Museum members and $15 for nonmembers. A minimum of 5 students is required for each of these programs. Advance registration and payment is required by Friday, March 17, and can be made by calling the Museum at 815/ , ext. 235 or ext March 30 Stephen Covey Dinner Seminar The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People University of St Francis, Joliet 6-9 pm. Join USF alumni for a diner presentation and learn Stephen Covey s secrets of successful organizational management. For reservations call 815/ March 31 Chicago Rovers MPAC Auditorium, University of St Francis, Joliet 7 pm. From foot-stomping jigs and reels to romantic ballads, and barroom sing-alongs, this lively and talented trio plays something for everyone---folk, country, classic rock, the Beatles, bluegrass and Americana. 815/ March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & April 1 Sinatra Tribute Show Court Street Cabaret Theatre, Ottawa. From the swingin days of big band to the 1970s...take a sentimental journey with the music of Frank Sinatra. Starring four singing, dancing entertainers with solo turns, duets, intricate harmonies, a little soft shoe and a lot of cool to spare, it s a trip down memory lane. It s hit after hit from Old Blue Eyes! Hear favorites like Come Fly with Me, My Way, My Funny Valentine, The Lady is a Tramp, New York, New York, and I ve Got You Under My Skin. 815/

10 8

11 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 9-1 April 3, 10, 17, 24, 11-3 Waterfall & Canyon Tour Starved Rock State Park $28.00 per person 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. For reservations please call 800/ ext April 1 & 2 Town and County Art Show Grand Bear Lodge, Utica Call 815/ for more information. Sponsored by the Ottawa Art League. April 1 American English Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 8 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to Sweet Spirits Chocolate Gala 7-11 pm at the American Legion in Gardner. Event will feature an all-you-can eat chocolate buffet, entertainment, a dueling piano show, a silent and live auction. Tickets - $50 per couple. Advanced tickets are required and may be purchased by calling Julie proceeds benefit the Angels of Hope. April 2 Those Were the Days Radio Players South, Live Performance Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet 2 pm. Those Were the Days Radio Players is an all-volunteer group whose members recreate old-time radio programs with music, innovative sound effects and acting with their voice. Take a walk down memory lane or introduce your children and/or grandchildren to the world where radio, not television, was king. Join us as the Those Were the Days Radio Players South perform two, one-half hour programs recreated from vintage radio shows. See how they use their voices, music, and sound effects to recreate radio show classics. The players will answer questions at the end of the program. The cost of this program is $5 for Museum members and $8 for nonmembers. Advance registration and payment is required by Thursday, March 30 and can be made by calling the Museum at 815/ , ext. 235 or ext

12 April 2 Stories n Stones Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Utica 1 pm -2 pm. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with The Starved Rock Educational Foundation is pleased to present Larry and Marilyn Kinsella, storytellers. Storyteller and stone maker team up to shed light on the stories the Ancient Ones told and the stone tools they used. Call 815/ for more information. April 3 Red Hat Rendezvous Starved Rock Lodge, Utica Noon - 8 pm. Join us for a magical afternoon of laughs, sweet treats and entertainment. Enjoy featured activities, delicious buffet dinner. Reservations a must. Limited availability. Call 800/ ext. 386 for reservations. April 6 Engelbert Humperdinck Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 8 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to April 6-9 Bent- Joliet Jr. College Fine Arts Theatre Directed by Clay Kirkland. Set amidst the horrors of the Holocaust, this play focuses on oppression of the gay community. For Tickets Call 815/ April 7, 8, 9 The Roarin 20 s Red Garter Revue Court Street Cabaret Theatre Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 18. Flappers, gangsters and bathtub gin -- it s the spirit of the 1920s, speakeasy style! Peoria s longest-running musical comedy hit comes to the Cabaret! Box Office: 815/ or courtstreetcabaret@ yahoo.com. April 8 Bolingbrook Park District Easter Bunny Breakfast Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex, 200 S. Lindsey Lane Time: 9:30-11 am. Cost: $11 per person. Contact Info: Bolingbrook Park District, 630/ Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy your breakfast favorites with family and friends. 7th Annual Candlelight Bowl Town & Country Bowling Lanes, 2231 W. Jefferson St., Joliet Saturday 7 pm -12:30 am. Get a group of friends together and have a blast bowling by candlelight! Registration begins at 7 pm, dinner at 8 pm and bowling is from 9:30 pm - 12:30 am. Included in your fees are three games of bowling, dinner and door prizes. Great raffle prizes will also be available. Tickets are now at available at the Multi- Purpose Center, 3000 W. Jefferson St. Participants must be 21 years and over. All proceeds benefit the Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon(SRJC) programs for individuals with special needs. SRJC is a division of the Joliet Park District. Fee: $25 per ticket. 10

13 Santa Fe Railway Historical & Modeling Society Conference Streator Knights of Columbus Hall. Doors open at 9:30 am. A joint conference of the Santa Fe Railway Historical and Modeling Society and the Burlington Route Historical Society. The SFRH&MS is dedicated to preserving, studying and sharing information about the former Santa Fe Railway. The conference includes a swap meet, clinics, Railroaders roundtable forum, buffet dinner. Steve Smedley will present on The Railroads of La Salle County. Participants are invited to bring their models for display! Admission (including dinner) is $25. Admission at the door (not including dinner) is $10. For information, contact Streator Tourism at 888/ April 8 & 15 Easter Bunny Express Starved Rock Lodge, Utica Noon - 2 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 jelly beans. New this year, build your own bunny or chick. $28.00 per person. Limited availability. Call 800/ ext. 386 for reservations. April 8 Put The Nuns In Charge! Dinner Theater Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet 6 pm dinner, show at 8 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to April 9 Easter Parade Downtown Joliet Call 815/ for more information or visit Floral Design Show Renaissance Center, Joliet Spectacularly crafted floral designs, hot trends in home décor, and much more await those attending our annual Floral Design Show. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Renaissance Center front desk Monday through Saturday. 815/ History of Canal Boats and Steamboats in the Illinois Valley Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Utica 1-2 pm. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with The Starved Rock Educational Foundation is pleased to present Ron Bluemer, local author. Explore the historical significance of canal boats and steamboats in the Illinois Valley. Call 815/ for more information. 11

14 April 9 The Carus Mansion and the Orient: Eastern Objects and Ideas Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle Given by Dr. Richard Cooler, Professor Emeritus, at NIU. Part of the Second Sundays monthly lecture series. A one hour lecture followed by refreshments and a brief mansion tour. Admission is free. For more information call 815/ Falcon Fun Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs 1:30 pm. Owls, hawks and falcons are important members of our region s diversity Join us as we take an informative look at the differences and similarities of these birds. 708/ April 15 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Starved Rock Lodge Registration begins at 8:30 am with breakfast buffet beginning at 9 am. Following breakfast, join us for an eggciting egg hunt and storytelling with Bill Myers. Plus a special visit from the Easter Bunny! For more information and to purchase tickets call 800/ ext 386. April Amphibians Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs 1:30 pm. The weather is warmer and frogs should be a callin! Come along as we walk through the wetland and woodland habitats in search of the frog chorus. 708/ Astronomy Program Little Red Schoolhouse, 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. 708/ call after 3 p.m. to confirm the evenings program. April 18 & 21 Elements of Style Drawing and Painting Technique Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet 10 am - noon INSTRUCTOR: Nichol Brinkman This program is a must-do for the budding artist in your house! For students aged Register early to save your space! The cost of this four-day program, including supplies, is $30 for Museum members and $42 for non-members. Advance registration and payment is required by Wednesday, April 12, and can be made by calling the Museum at 815/ , ext. 235 or ext

15 The Art of Sculpture through Paper Mache Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet 1-3 pm. INSTRUCTOR: Nichol Brinkman. The cost of this four-day program, including supplies, is $24 for Museum members and $36 for non-members. Advance registration and payment is required by Wednesday, April 12, and can be made by calling the Museum at 815/ , ext. 235 or ext April 20 Dinner & Lecture Dig Me a Ditch: Spirit of the Illinois & Michigan Canal Musical performance by Gallimaufry. 6 pm cocktails, 6:45 pm dinner. Reservations required. Call 815/ or visit April 20 & 21 Schola Cantorum: Mostly Mozart MPAC Auditorium, University of St Francis, Joliet Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Mozart s birth year with a gala concert by the USF Schola Cantorum, Chamber Singers and the Joliet Orchestra. 7:30 pm. $8/$5 students, seniors. 815/ April 21 Death of a Salesman Stage 212 Theatre Production Robert D. Manahan Center for the Performing Arts, 700 First Street, La Salle. 815/ April 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 8 pm April 23, 30 2:30 pm Over The Tavern Philip Lynch Theatre Lewis University, Romeoville Often referred to as The Catholic Neil Simon in 1994 Tom Dudzick created a smash hit comedy about growing up Catholic in A Chicago critic stated if you liked Black Patent Leather Shoes, you ll love this. 815/ April SonLife Radio Crusade Central School, Ottawa. Times: 7 pm April 21 & 22; 10 am and 6 pm April 23. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Special guest speaker is Donnie Swaggart, son of Jimmy Swaggart and vice president of SonLIfe Radio. Locally, SonLife radio is broadcast over WWGN The event is sponsored by Heritage Christian Center of Ottawa. Admission is free. For information, contact Heritage Christian Center at 815/ or heritagechristiancenter@ yahoo.com April 22 & 23 Sandy Ford Civil War Days Sandy Ford Sportsmans Club, Streator. Experience a day in the life of a Civil War soldier through camp life, military drills and fife & drum corps. Fire a Civil War rifle musket (with supervision). Enjoy demonstrations of a gatling gun and artillery and other military arms. For information, contact Streator Tourism at 888/ or click on the Sandy Ford web site at April 22 April Showers Bring May Flowers Craft Show Romeoville Recreation Center Interested crafters should have their registration postmarked by March 31st. For more information call 815/ or go to 13

16 April 22 Pepsi Pitch, Hit and Run Dickinson Field, Oglesby 1 pm. Illinois Valley youngsters test their skills in baseball events to advance to sectional competition. An Evening of Country Music Joliet Area Historical Museum Heartland Express with Lonesome and Then Some. Show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 pre-purchased or $12 at the door. Donations of non-perishable food or hygiene items for local charities are encouraged. For more information contact LibraProductions@aol.com or 815/ Wildlife Scavenger Hunt Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs 1:30 pm. Bring the family out for a short scavenger hunt, where each family will receive a list of wildlife items to look for as they walk the trails. 708/ April 23 Coal City Show Choir Starved Rock Lodge 2-3 pm. The Coal City High School s Show Choir Footnotes is returning for another season at Starved Rock Lodge. The Show Choir will be performing popular music. Open to the public no cover charge. 800/ ext Drop in on Nature Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs 1:30 pm. Seasonal crafts and activities will be available for youngsters. 708/ April 25 Spring Student Recital MPAC Auditorium, University of St Francis, Joliet 7:30 pm. Selections are performed by USF students from the studios of Clarice Hearne, Linda Jaskobiak, Willard Thomen and Jeff Ray (voice), Mary Beth Diab (piano), Lara Regan (woodwinds) and Jeff Jaskowiak (guitar). Admission is free. 815/ April 29 Rialto Pops Pipe Organ Extravaganza X From Stage to Screen Rialto Square Theatre 7 pm. For more information contact 815/ or go to Arbor Day Festival Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, Palos Heights 11 am to 3 pm. For more information please call 708/ Opening Night LaSalle Speedway Experience opening night celebrations! Visit or call 815/ Early Morning Bird Walk Little Red Schoolhouse, Willow Springs 7 am. Rise and shine with a refreshing walk to look for spring birds. Novices to more advanced bird watchers welcome. 708/

17 Chicago Portage Walk and Work Day Chicago Portage National Historic Site 9 am - noon. Find out why this ground is so important; join us for an educational walk as we discuss this area s history! Join us for a walk on this historic ground and then help us to restore its past beauty. Restoration activities include brush removal and garbage pick up. 708/ April st Annual Bluebell Festival Maple Leaf Park, Earlville Noon- 4 pm. $2.00 donation per person. For more information visit or call 773/ April 30 Tea with the Queen Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet Join us for high tea during this wildly popular Museum event. From 2-5 pm. Your $35 ticket includes an Afternoon Tea Service, a Royal-Tea Program, free Museum admission, and more. Find out more by phoning Bonita Hutchison, Development Director, at 815/ ext Embedded Art: Analyzing Quilts as Art Objects Illinois State Museum, Lockport Gallery, Lockport One in a series of free, informal presentations commences at 2 pm. Pre-registration not required. Visit the exhibit, Gifted Quilts, until September 1. Call 815/ or visit for more information. Showtune Engle Lane Theater, Streator Musical presentation celebrating the words and music of Jerry Herman. Runs through May 6. A revue celebrating the words and music of Jerry Herman, composer and lyricist for some of Broadway s greatest shows, including Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage Aux Folles. Incorporating hit song after hit song, this revue is sure to please audiences young and old alike with its toe tapping music and its witty and knowing lyrics. For information, call 815/ or click on 15

18 16

19 May 1, 6, 13, 27, 9 am-1:00 pm May 8, 15, 22 29, 11 am-3 pm Waterfall & Canyon Tour $26.00 per person 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 a soup and salad bar lunch in the Starved Rock Lodge Dining Room and a relaxing historical trolley ride. For reservations please call 800/ ext May 6 Photography Workshop Starved Rock Lodge, Utica Are you interested in photography? If so then this workshop is for you. We will cover the basics of camera operation, photographic theory and composition. Then we will hike the trails of Starved Rock and practice what we learned. To sign up call 630/ or go to LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets. Visit or call 815/ Mendota Cruisers Cruise Downtown Mendota Registration 5-8 pm. Food will be available. Cruise starts at 8 pm. For information call 815/ May 6 & 7 Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center 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 am & 1 pm. No Charge May 7 Bike Fest Downtown Joliet Call 815/ for more information or visit Sweet Corn Classic Golf Challenge Mendota Golf Course Sponsored by Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce, 8 am Shotgun start, 4-player scramble, mixed teams welcome. For more information call 815/ or mendotachamber@yahoo.com. Motor Cycle Show Downtown Utica Come see all of the motorcycles in Utica from noon 4 pm. 17

20 May 7 Cinco de Mayo 5K Run/ 1 Mile Walk Romeoville Recreation Center The 5th annual race will begin at 9 am. Registration will be taken beginning March 20th. Day of race registration will be taken from 7 am until the start of the race. Race applications and race route are available at the Recreation Center or online at For more information call 815/ May 11 Girls Night Out Special night of shopping for you and your gal pals in Downtown Morris featuring entertainment, refreshments and prize drawings. For more info call May Streator Heritage Day s At the Streator City Park and includes a carnival, craft & flea market, entertainment, and parade. For more information call 815/ or 815/ May 13 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets. Visit or call 815/ Explore Joliet 8k Run Downtown Joliet Call 815/ or visit May 14 Frederick Matthiessen: The Other Half of Hegeler Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle Given by John Piano, Chiropractor and local historian. Part of the Second Sundays monthly lecture series. A one hour lecture followed by refreshments and a brief mansion tour. Admission is free. For more information call 815/ May 16 Annual Mayor s Baseball Parade West Walnut Street & Woodland Avenue, Ogelsby Parade begins at 6 pm and proceeds to Dickinson Field to recognize girls softball and boys baseball players. May 18 Women s Health & Fitness Fair Knights of Columbus Hall, Ottawa. Times: 10 am - 5 pm. Annual women s health and fitness fair features more than 30 vendors representing goods and services for women. No admission charge. Sponsored by WCMY/Community Hospital of Ottawa. For more information, contact Mark at WCMY at 815/

21 May 20 Fishing Expo Baker Lake, Peru. Fishing and Fun 815/ Spring Shootout LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle Spring Shootout Lucas Oil Late Model Special. There will be $10,000 to win! Visit or call 815/ International Museum Day Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet Celebrate International Museum Day with free admission. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Museums. Take advantage of free admission to take a peek at all we have to offer! Pepsi Pitch, Hit and Run Sectional competition Dickinson Field, Oglesby 1 pm. Youngsters from north central Illinois compete in baseball skills events in hopes of advancing to state competition at US Cellular Field in Chicago. May 20 & 21 2nd Annual Honor the Eagle Pow Wow Starved Rock State Park Boat Ramp area. Saturday pm. and Sunday Noon - 5 pm. Native American dancing, drumming, cultural demonstrations, special presentations, storytelling, children s games & crafts, raffles and Tipis. Admission $5 Adults $4 Seniors/Children 800/ ext. 386 May Days Wakeboarding The Busted Prop, end of east Main Street, Ottawa. Come out and participate in Midwest Militia Wakeboarding s first annual team competition. Check out some new boats and gear for 2006, and kick off the season with a party! For information, click on May 21 Blessing of the Bikes Starved Rock Lodge, Utica Noon & 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/ ext

22 May Engle Lane Theater Production Engle Lane Theater, Streator Convinced that the maid knows too much about her family s shady past, Delilah conspires with her younger sister to kill her. A visit from Elmira, the local psychic, warns them that a tragedy (and most certainly a comedy) is about to occur. Just when it looks like the deed is done, the Grim Reaper makes a timely appearance and Elmira senses danger. For information, contact 815/ , May 27 Midwestern Late Model Special LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle 75 lap feature event. Visit or call 815/ May 27 & 28 Water Safety Weekend Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, Dee Bennett Road. Time: 9 am - 5 pm. Admission: free. Start your summer activities and celebrate National Safe Boating Week by visiting the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center for a 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 participating in any other type of water activity. To help you learn about water safety fun, pick up some free coloring books, posters and stickers! Water safety videos will be available for viewing and life jackets available to try on. For more information, contact the Waterway Visitors Center at 815/ May 28 Challenging Tradition: Men and the Needle Arts Illinois State Museum, Lockport Gallery One in a series of free, informal presentations commences at 2 pm. Pre-registration not required. Visit the exhibit, Gifted Quilts, until September 1. Call 815/ or visit for more information. 20

23 Illinois Valley Air Show Sponsored by June 17 & 18 I.V. Regional Airport 4241 Ed Urban Drive, Peru, IL This exciting two-day event will feature demonstrations from top air show industry performers, civilian performers who will perform daring, low level aerobatics, along with military static displays and a flight demo by a MIG17. There will also be military warbirds from past eras on display. All this and food, refreshments and local businesses. Hangar Party - Saturday, June 17th Featuring music by "The Crowd" TICKET PRICES Gate $10.00 each Advance $8.00 each Children 12 and under FREE For tickets or more information, call For more information visit

24 22

25 June 1 18 Maud Powell Music Festival Peru Concerts performed throughout the week at various locations. Call 815/ or go to for more information. June 1,15, 29, July 13, 27, Aug 3, 17 Concert on the Courthouse Lawn 6:30 pm-8 pm. Grab your lawn chair and join us for a variety of entertainment on the Grundy County Courthouse Lawn. Sponsored by the City of Morris. For more info call 815/ June 2 & 3 IHSA Boys Class A Baseball Finals Silver Cross Field Call 815/ for more information. Champions on the Street Downtown Joliet Call 815/ or visit for more information. June 3 Open Wheel Modified Special LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle Full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets, Plus an Open Wheel Modified Special. Visit or call 815/ June 3 4 Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Morris The World s Largest 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is coming to Morris on June 5 & 6. Known as the Woodstock of basketball, the Macker hosted over 96,000 players in 2002 and attracted crowds of nearly 900,000 people. The live action will take place on Liberty Street in downtown Morris. All age groups and levels of experience are welcome to play. For more information contact MDDP at 815/ or visit to register on-line. 23

26 June 4 The Udder Century Union, IL Go up to 100 miles on this bicycling event. For more information please call 815/ or go to Fun Horse Show 4 H Fairgrounds, Ottawa Time: 8 am. No admission to view, but horses and riders must register.watch riders take their mounts through their paces. Twenty-nine classes for riders to participate in. Lunch stand is available on the grounds. For information, contact Kelly at 815/ June 8 11 NHRA Nationals Route 66 Raceway CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals. For more information go to m or call 815/727-RACE. Wine and Vine Fest Faltz Family Vineyards, Sheridan 11 am - 6 pm. Enjoy entertainment, food, wine and tours of the vineyards or 630/ June 9, 10, 11 W.D. Boyce Pilgrimage- Scouting activity Ottawa Scouting Museum and other locations. Thousands of Scouts converge on Ottawa to participate in the W.D. Boyce Pilgrimage/Founders Weekend. The event, based at Ottawa Scouting Museum, will provide plenty of camping, hiking, crafts, games, and a parade walk to Boyce s gravesite. Contact: 815/ June 9, 13, July 14, 28, Aug 11, 25 Brown Bag Friday on the Courthouse Lawn 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Grab a brown bag lunch and join us for a variety of entertainment on the Grundy County Courthouse Lawn. Sponsored by Grundy Bank and WCSJ/WJDK Radio. For more info call 815/ June 10 The Guess Who, John Kay and Steppenwolf Bill Jacobs Joliet Summer Concert Series Silver Cross Field, Joliet Call 815/ or visit for more information. Three Rivers Scramble Heritage Bluffs Public Golf Club in Channahon For more info call 815/ Fan Appreciation LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle Cost is $5.00 Visit or call 815/ Fishing Day Festival Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, Palos Heights 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale May 1st. For more information please call 708/ June Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris The 2006 festival will feature a lineup of performers with concerts and workshops running continuously both days. National and local musicians will perform. There is no admission, but a donation is requested.

27 Montreal Canoe Weekend Starved Rock State Park, Utica 11 am to 3 pm. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is pleased to present a Montreal Canoe Weekend. Paddle a reproduction of the 34 Montreal Canoe the French Voyageurs used in exploring North America. Small encampment set up. Rides will leave from Point Shelter at the east end of the park just off Rt / The Secret Gardens of Utica Garden Walk 9-5 pm Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm Sunday Come visit the best kept secrets in Utica. Over 20 beautiful gardens will be open and on display. Huge plant sale downtown Utica. Tickets for self-guided walk are $5.00 can be purchased in advance or on the day of event. Trolley guided tours are $14.00 and should be purchased in advance. Call 800/ ext. 386 for tickets. June Heritage Tractor Adventure Streator to Streator Enjoy over 350 vintage tractors as they make their way on a journey through communities of the I & M Canal with stops for food, entertainment and camaraderie. Visit or call 866/6-TRACTOR. June 10, July 8, Aug 12, Sept 9 Morris Cruise Night 6-10 pm. Hundreds of classic cars on Liberty Street in Downtown Morris. For more info visit June A Gentleman and a Scoundrel Engle Lane Theater, Streator Fred Dickson, a products analyst, is in a bad financial bind, which even his boss- and sometimes sweetheart- Jenny Corell cannot solve for him.. How Fred manages to foil the investigator, win Jenny s heart, and dispose of love-rival Rick make up the fast-moving plot of this hilarious romantic comedy. For information, call 815/ or click on June 11 Butterflies of Northern Illinois Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle Given by John McKee, a naturalist. Part of the Second Sundays monthly lecture series. A one hour lecture followed by refreshments and a brief mansion tour. Admission is free. For more information call 815/

28 June 11 12th Annual Sta-bill Central Illinois Regional Lawn Mower Races Lake Mendota Park, Rt 251, Mendota 10 am to 3 pm. Free admission. For mow information contact Ken Jones 815/ Streator Garden Walk Streator Streator Unlimited sponsors their annual garden tours of several area homes during the annual tractor event. For information, call 815/ June 12 The Spirit of Peoria River Cruise Dixieland Band 6:30-9 pm. Join the Captain and crew on the Illinois only authentic paddle-wheeler and be fascinated by her fluted stacks and gigantic candyapple red paddlwheel. Take a break to relax and listen to music while you cruise along the picturesque Illinois River. Gourmet Dessert included, will be served aboard boat. $25.00 per person. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve your seat call 800/ ext June Fireman s Carnival Morris Featuring lots of family fun! Located at the Morris H.S. parking lot. For more info call 815/ June 15 Murder Mystery Matinee Machine Gun Elvis Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 11:30 am - 2 pm. You may find yourself in the middle of a murder at this interactive theater production. One lucky guest who follows along closely will win an overnight stay at Starved Rock Lodge. Includes a delicious hot lunch buffet. Cost is $24.95 per person. For more information or to reserve your seat call 800/ ext June 16 June 18 Lockport Old Canal Days The 34th Annual will be held in Lockport with no admission charge. The festival will be filled with a carnival, parade, beer garden & entertainment, flea market, craft show and various other exhibits. For more information on the festival and events contact JoAnn North at 815/ or write to Lockport Old Canal Days, P.O. Box 31, Lockport, IL

29 June 16 LaSalle County Relay for Life Streator City Park, Park and Hickory Streets, downtown Streator. 6 pm June 16 to 6 am June 17. The annual relay to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment has moved to Streator, but it will again draw hundreds of participants. Don t miss the victory walk of survivors! For more information, contact Steve at 815/ or smalinsk@uiuc.edu. June 17 Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run, Return to the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial Run, Marseilles For more information contact Police Chief Jim Hovious 815/ Music Under the Stars Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle For more information call 815/ LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets Plus Illinois Valley Cellular Street Stock Series. Visit or call 815/ Key West Party on the Rooftop Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet Once again the Museum will be transformed into Key West, Florida, for the annual Key West in June Party on the Rooftop. In addition to the fun there will be Island music, great food, a cash bar with specialty drinks and ice-cold Margaritas from the Renaissance Center s tiki bar! Visit after March 30 for more information, or phone Bonita Hutchison, 815/ ext Celebration in the Park Featuring music, games, food & fun - starts at 3 pm. Sponsored by the Village of Coal City. For more info call 815/ June 17, 19, 24, 26 Land and Water Cruise Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 9:30 am - 1 pm. Tour includes history trolley ride, soup and salad bar lunch at Starved Rock Lodge, and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the Belle of the Rock, an authentic paddle wheel boat. Tickets are $30.00 per person For tickets and information call ext. 386 June 17 & Saturdays through October Mendota Farmers Market Main Street & Eighth St, Mendota 8 am to 1 pm. Locally grown fruits and vegetables along with the works of local artists. For information call 815/

30 June 17 & 18 Joliet s 13th Annual Car Show Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Call 815/ or visit for more information. Railroad Crossing Days Union Depot Railroad Museum, 783 Main St, Mendota Gandy Dancer Express rides, food, tours of steam locomotive #4978 and 1911 caboose and more. Blue grass band and raffle on Saturday Night 6 pm. Saturday, 10 am - 8 pm and Sunday 10 am - 4 pm. June 17 & Illinois Valley Air Show I.V. Regional Airport, 4241 Ed Urban Drive, Peru Gates open 10 am. Show starts 1 pm both days. Come out and pay tribute to our men and women of the armed forces while you enjoy captivating and exciting performances of aerobatics and chilling military flybys. Watch an aircraft race a dragster! There will be airplane and helicopter rides, food/vendor booths and static displays. ($8 advance, $10 gate, free ages 12 and under) 815/ or visit June 18 Mendota YMCA 5K Run/Walk Sponsored by the Mendota Area YMCA. For more information call 815/ Kids Fishing Rodeo Lake Mendota, Mendota Open to ages Sign up from am. For more information call 815/ Door prizes and refreshments. Rain date is June 25. June Carbon Hill Homecoming Featuring: carnival, bingo, food, refreshments, parade, & softball tournament. Parade - June 1 pm, Softball tournament (June 19-25). Sponsored by Village of Carbon Hill. For more info call 815/ June 22 John Tesh and Cece Winans Bill Jacobs Joliet Summer Concert Series Silver Cross Stadium, Joliet Call 815/ or visit for more information. 28

31 June 23 & 24 June Fest Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Call 815/ or visit for more information. June Nostalgia Days Morris Stroll back in time during this 3-day summer festival in downtown Morris. Enjoy carriage rides, demonstrations of lost arts, and music from days gone by. There is something for everyone: historical tours, an antique and classic car show, antique/collectible & flea market, crafters, entertainment for children, music, food and much more. Don t miss the equestrian parade held Saturday afternoon with draft horses, miniature horses and carriages from yesteryear. For more information, contact the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, 815/ or the Morris Downtown Development Partnership, 815/ June 23 through Aug 27 Monk-y Business Court Street Cabaret Theatre. Weekends through Aug. 27. Five monks attempt to save their monastery from evil land developers by presenting a radio-thon -- where everything can happen. And does! It s a hilarious heavenly hit with an all-star cast! Box Office: 815/ or courtstreetcabaret@yahoo.com. June 24 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets. Visit or call 815/ June 25 Music in the Park Starved Rock State Park, Utica 3-5:30 pm. Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra teams up with Starved Rock Lodge and State Park to bring you an outdoor musical experience. Bring your blankets, and lawn chairs and sit back and relax to the musical theme of Summer Winds. Food, wine and other beverages will be available. Admission is free and open to the public. Concert will take place in the lower park area by the boat ramp. For more information call 800/ June 29 July 4 Streator s Fourth of July celebration Streator. A five day celebration of freedom, including a carnival, parade and one of the largest fireworks displays in downstate Illinois. For information, contact Streator Tourism at 888/ June 30 - July 4 Grundy County Fair at the Fairgrounds Fun for the entire family! For more info call 815/ or visit 29

32 30

33 July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 Land and Water Cruise Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 9:30 am - 1 pm. Tour includes history trolley ride, soup and salad bar lunch at Starved Rock Lodge, and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the Belle of the Rock, an authentic paddle wheel boat. Tickets are $30.00 per person For tickets and information call 800/ ext July 1 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets plus a fireworks celebration. Visit or call 815/ July 3 Fireworks Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, Joliet Call 815/ or visit for more information. Fireworks Come see the ultimate fireworks display in Peru on Water Street at dusk. The rain date will be July 4th. July 3 9 Cialis Western Open Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Lemont For more information visit July 4 4th of July Fireworks Village Park, Romeoville The fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm. For more information call 815/ or go to Fireworks Display Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds, 1st Ave and 7th St. For more information call 815/ Fireworks begin at dusk. July 6 Race Daze Joliet Downtown Joliet Call 815/ or visit July 8 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets. Visit or call 815/

34 July 8 9 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet USG DUROCK 300 race is Saturday, and USH SHEETROCK 400 is Sunday. Visit or call 815/727-RACE. July 9 15 The One With All the Music Engle Lane Theater, Streator The music s back and better than ever! From the new hits on Broadway to the Classics you love, this show will be a one-of-a-kind delight you won t want to miss! For information, call 815/ or click on 32 July 9 The History of Preservation: Avoiding the Wrecking Ball Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle Given by Theodore W. Hild, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. Part of the Second Sundays monthly lecture series. A one hour lecture followed by refreshments and a brief mansion tour. Admission is free. For more information call 815/ A Lazy Daisy Afternoon 1-5 pm. Minooka Garden Walk with six garden s to view. For more info call 815/ July 10 UMP Summernationals LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle UMP Summernationals Late Model Special plus Open Wheel Modified Special. There will be $6,000 to win! Visit or call 815/ July La Salle County 4H/Junior Fair 4H Fairgrounds, 4H Road, South Ottawa. Exciting competitions of the animal and mechanical variety highlight the annual 4H and Junior Fair July 12-16! A world-class rodeo begins at 7 p.m. July 12, followed that week by a tractor pull on July 14, a demo derby on July 15 and a truck pull on July 16. Of course, that s not all. Hundreds of youth and adult projects from livestock to culinary will be on display throughout the week. A season pass is $10. For more information, contact the University of Illinois La Salle County Extension at 815/ July NHRA Route 66 Raceway, Joliet NHRA Division Race. For more information go to m or call 815/727-RACE.

35 July 13 The Spirit of Peoria River Cruise Caribbean Music with Steve Sharp 6:30-9 pm. Join the Captain and crew on the Illinois only authentic paddle-wheeler and be fascinated by her fluted stacks and gigantic candyapple red paddlwheel. Take a break to relax and listen to music while you cruise along the picturesque Illinois River. Gourmet Dessert included, will be served aboard boat. $25.00 per person. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve your seat call 800/ ext July Taste of Joliet Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St. Joliet Park District offers Taste of Joliet. Plan to spice up your summer with a visit to the Taste. Local music, food, vendors, games, etc will be offered. Food vendors, please contact Diane Martin at 815/ , ext 106 for more information. July 15 2nd Annual Car Show Sponsored by the Marseilles Fire Department. For information contact Jeff Owens 815/ Midwestern Late Model Special LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle A 75 lap feature event. Visit or call 815/ July 16 Music in the Park Starved Rock State Park 3 pm -5:30 pm. Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra teams up with Starved Rock Lodge and State Park to bring you an outdoor musical experience. Bring your blankets, and lawn chairs and sit back and relax to the musical theme of Music of Broadway. Food, wine and other beverages will be available. Admission is free and open to the public. Concert will take place in the lower park area by the boat ramp. For more information call 800/ July Marseilles Fun Days Come to Marseilles to enjoy a Carnival, Fireworks, Bands, Crafts, Food and Kids events. For more information contact Patti Smith 815/ July Antique Tractor and Steam Engine Show Dollinger Family Farm, Minooka Wheat threshing, corn shelling, stem sawmill, nonsanctioned antique tractor pull, match plowing and more! or call 815/ July Waterway Daze Wild, Wild West Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Call 815/ or visit for more information. 33

36 July Countryfest Countryside Plaza, Countryside The City of Countryside is hosting Countryfest on South LaGrange Road, just north of Joliet Road. Visit for more information. July 21 Footloose Stage 212 Theatre Production Robert D. Manahan Center for the Performing Arts, 700 First Street, La Salle. Contact the ticket office at 815/ July 22 Fan Appreciation LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle Fan appreciation night. Cost is $5.00 Visit or call 815/ July The Illinois Waterway Through History Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, Dee Bennett Road. 10 am - 5 pm. Admission: free. Storyteller Andy Talley returns to bring us his historic interpretation of the tall tales, music and song of Andre St. Pierre, an 18th century French-Indian fur trader. The visitor center will also display photos and drawings of historic paddle boats, steam boats, motor boats and LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks) that traveled on the Illinois River. For more information, contact the waterway visitor center at 815/ July Grundy County 4-H Fair Held at the Grundy County Fairgrounds For more info call 815/ July 26 August 6 Ottawa Riverfest 2006 Downtown Ottawa and Riverfront Come to Ottawa to experience the Taste of Ottawa, a carnival, parade and fireworks. It s fun for the whole family! Visit or call 815/ July Seneca Summerfest Celebration Featuring a Petting Zoo, Carnival, Entertainment - lots of family fun! Sponsored by the Village of Seneca - for a list of activities and more info visit

37 July 29 Illinois Valley Challenge LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle The Illinois Valley Challenge 50 Lucas Oil Late Model Special. $10,000 prize to win! Visit or call 815/ July 28 Merle Haggard Bill Jacobs Joliet Summer Concert Series Silver Cross Field, Joliet Call 815/ or visit for more information. July Hello Dolly Summer Musical presented by the Joliet Drama Guild Bicentennial Park Joliet Friday and Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. For tickets call 815/ Mendota Cruisers Cruise Downtown Mendota Registration 5-8 pm. Food will be available, cruise begins at 8 pm. For more information call 815/ July 29 & 30 Art in the Park Washington Park, Ottawa Call 815/ Sponsored by the Ottawa Art League. July 30 August 5 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Engle Lane Theater, Streator Power, sex, ambition, greed... it s just another day at the office. For information, call 815/ or click on 35

38 36

39 August 2 6 RomeoFest Romeoville Recreation Center Fest will include carnival rides, games, entertainment, live music, food, and fun! For more information call 815/ or go to August 4, 5 & 6 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Mendota High School Auditorium, Mendota Presented by the Mendota Education Foundation Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2 pm. Tickets available at Sports-N-Stuff, downtown. Call 815/ August 4-6 Hello Dolly Summer Musical presented by the Joliet Drama Guild Bicentennial Park, Joliet Friday and Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. For tickets call 815/ August 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 Land and Water Cruise Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 9:30 am - 1 pm. Tour includes history trolley ride, soup and salad bar lunch at Starved Rock Lodge, and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the Belle of the Rock, an authentic paddle wheel boat. Tickets are $30.00 per person. For tickets and information call 800/ ext August 5 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets. Visit or call 815/ KidzFest Downtown Joliet Call 815/ or visit for more information. August 5 & 6 Gardner Days Entertainment, Food & more - sponsored by the Village of Gardner. For more info call 815/

40 August 6 Bolingbrook Amateur Radio Society s 21st Hamfest and Computer Fair Bolingbrook High School Cafeteria - Enter Door #17; 365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL Time: 8 am - 1 pm. Cost: Advance tickets - $5, $6 at the door. Featuring a variety of ham radio gear, computer software and hardware, and other electronic equipment at the extensive outdoor flea market and indoor dealers, plus VE testing for ham radio licenses and refreshments for purchase. For advance tickets or exhibitor info, call BARS Hamfest Chairman Tom Ballard, N9LJY at 630/ , listen to the BARS net on Thursdays at 8:00 PM on KHz, or visit the BARS website at 38 August 7 The Spirit of Peoria River Cruise Dixieland Band 6:30-9 pm. Join the Captain and crew on the Illinois only authentic paddle-wheeler and be fascinated by her fluted stacks and gigantic candyapple red paddlwheel. Take a break to relax and listen to music while you cruise along the picturesque Illinois River. Gourmet Dessert included, will be served aboard boat. $25.00 per person. Space is limited. For more information or to reserve your seat call 800/ ext August th Annual Sweet Corn Festival Downtown Mendota Opens Thursday evening at 6 pm with Family Night, Friday Arm Band discount on rides Noon to 4 pm. Carnival, parade, queen pageant, over 200 crafters, flea market, food booths, beer garden with live bands, FREE entertainment and FREE DELMONTE SWEET CORN on Sunday afternoon. For more information call 815/ or visit August 11 Super Chevy Show Route 66 Raceway, Joliet For more information on events scheduled visit Grundy County Chamber s Golf Outing Join us for a day of fun at our not-so-classic Golf Classic at Nettle Creek Country Club. Sign up to play by calling the Chamber at 815/ August 12 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets. It will be the end of championship points. Visit or call 815/ Mansion Rocks Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle For more information call 815/

41 August Sixth Annual Midwest Militia Boot Camp Wake Festival The Busted Prop, east end of East Main Street, Ottawa. If you wakeboard, you need to be at Boot Camp! This is the Midwest s largest and most anticipated grassroots wakeboarding event. Camp, party, compete in our tournament on Saturday and Free-ride all weekend long! For more information, click on August 13 Music in the Park Starved Rock State Park 3:00-5:30 pm. Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra teams up with Starved Rock Lodge and State Park to bring you an outdoor musical experience. Bring your blankets, and lawn chairs and sit back and relax to the musical theme of American Popsfest. Food, wine and other beverages will be available. Admission is free and open to the public. Concert will take place in the lower park area by the boat ramp. For more information call 800/ Mayor s Sunday in the Park 1-4 pm. Fun for the entire family - held at Goold Park - sponsored by the City of Morris. For more info call 815/ A Boy from Leadmine: Mining in the Upper Mississippi Valley Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle Given by Loren Farrey, historian and author, and Dean Connors. Part of the Second Sundays monthly lecture series. A one hour lecture followed by refreshments and a brief mansion tour. Admission is free. For more information call 815/ August Out of Order Engle Lane Theater, Streator A Cabinet Minister plans an illicit evening in a London Hotel. The evening, however, comes to an abrupt halt when he and the lady involved find a dead body in the bedroom. If the Cabinet Minister is involved in the scandal, he knows that he would bring disgrace on the government and his marriage could fail. So, he sets about trying to cover up the body. The action is fast filled with quick oneliners, innuendos, and slapstick action. For information, call 815/ or click on 39

42 August Tom Dreesen Celebrity Invitational Bolingbrook Golf Club, Bolingbrook Some of the greatest names in sports and entertainment are scheduled to return to Chicago s western suburbs August for the Tom Dreesen Celebrity Invitational, one of the Midwest s premier celebrity golf events. Making its fourth consecutive run at the award-winning Bolingbrook Golf Club, the event has established itself as a favorite stop on the Celebrity Players Tour circuit with play from stars like host and longtime comedian Tom Dreesen, John Elway, Johnny Bench, Mike Ditka, Lou Holtz, Jim McMahon, Smokey Robinson, Jim Thornton, Andy Van Slyke and Maury Povich, among many others. 630/ August Three Rivers Festival in Channahon Featuring carnival, food, games & fun! For more information call 815/467-PARK. August 19 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets plus Illinois Valley Cellular Street Stock Series. Visit or call 815/ August 20 Fun Horse Show 4 H Fairgrounds, Ottawa 8 am. No admission to view, but horses and riders must register. Watch riders take their mounts through their paces. Twenty-nine classes for riders to participate. Lunch stand is available on the grounds. For information, contact Kelly at 815/ August 24 Murder Mystery Matinee The Pirates of Starved Rock Starved Rock Lodge, Utical 11:30 am - 2 pm. You may find yourself in the middle of a murder at this interactive theater production. One lucky guest who follows along closely will win an overnight stay at Starved Rock Lodge. Includes a delicious hot lunch buffet. Cost is $24.95 per person. For more information or to reserve your seat call 800/ ext August 26 LaSalle Speedway LaSalle Speedway will host a full program complete with the Midwestern Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Cylinder Hornets. The Street Stock and Hornets Champions will be honored. Visit or call 815/ Minooka Summerfest 5K Race, parade, food, crafters, music, dancing and more! For more info call 815/ August 31 September 4 Mendota s Tri-County Fair Tri-Country Fairgrounds, 1st Ave & 6th St., Mendota Exhibits, food, entertainment. Information on events found at info@mendotafair.com. Free admission to the grounds.

43 G G GAMMON GROUP Are you ready for your business to stand out in a crowd? ADVERTISING MARKETING GRAPHIC DESIGN WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Logos. Websites. Brochures. We do it all. With over 30 years experience, the Gammon Group develops materials that not only look great, they work. Our team of marketing and graphic design professionals focus on your core business and services. We ll develop an image that separates you from your competition. Two Rialto Square 116 North Chicago Street Suite 300 Joliet, IL If you re ready to stand out in the crowd, contact us today for a FREE consultation. Winners of the prestigious Golden Trumpet Awards for design excellence. 41

44 42

45 September 2 Mautino s Midwestern Late Model Special LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle A 100 lap feature event. The Midwestern Late Model and Modified Champions will be honored. Visit or call 815/ September 2 & 3 Morris Skyfest 2006 Airshow at Morris Airport Show starts at 1pm. Gates open at 10am. Tickets sold in advance $5.00 and $10.00 the day of show. Food and Family Fun. Advance tickets will be available at the Grundy County Chamber. Call September 2 4 Streator Labor Day Celebration Streator Streator s Labor Day Celebration begins Sept. 2 with Roamer Cruise Night. Location: Downtown Streator pm. It s the largest cruise night in downstate Illinois, featuring over 500 cars. Displayed is a 1917 Roamer that was originally produced in Streator. The Roamer Car show takes place on Sept. 3 in Marilla Park, from Cars from all classifications are judged and displayed. The Labor Day Parade begins downtown at 11 am Sept. 4. Contact: 888/ Sept. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 23, 25, 30 Land and Water Cruise Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 9:30 am - 1 pm. Tour includes history trolley ride, soup and salad bar lunch at Starved Rock Lodge, and a leisurely 1 hour river cruise on the Belle of the Rock, an authentic paddle wheel boat. Tickets are $30.00 per person. For tickets and information call 800/ ext September 3 Wine and Vine Fest Faltz Family Vineyards, Sheridan 11 am - 6 pm. Enjoy entertainment, food, wine and tours of the vineyards or 630/

46 44 September 4 October 31 Eric s Pumpkin Patch Streator Just a little off the beaten path but a great place to visit for that fall atmosphere. For more information call 815/ September 8 October 29 The Owl and the Pussycat Court Street Cabaret Theatre. Did you hear the one about the bookworm and the hooker with a heart of gold? That s the classic comedy romp sure to tickle your funny bone! Box Office: 815/ or courtstreetcabaret@yahoo.com. September 9 ARCA RE/MAX Series Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet SK Hand Tool 200. For more information visit or call 815/727-RACE. IRL Indy Pro Series Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet For more information visit or call 815/727-RACE. September 9 NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition Courtyard Park, Oglesby 2 pm. September 10 IRL Indy Car Series Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet For more information visit m or call 815/727-RACE. The Samuel M. Nickerson Mansion: Chicago s Marble Palace Becomes The Richard H. Driehaus Museum Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle Given by Dr. M. Kirby Talley, Jr., Director of the Richard H. Driehaus Museum. Part of the Second Sundays monthly lecture series. A one hour lecture followed by refreshments and a brief mansion tour. Admission is free. For more information call 815/ Music in the Park Starved Rock State Park, Utica 3-5:30 pm. Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra teams up with Starved Rock Lodge and State Park to bring you an outdoor musical experience. Bring your blankets, and lawn chairs and sit back and relax to the musical theme of Movie Magic. Food, wine and other beverages will be available. Admission is free and open to the public. Concert will take place in the lower park area by the boat ramp. For more information call 800/ Village of Bolingbrook Pathways Parade 2 pm. Call 630/ September 14 Murder Mystery Matinee Bullet Points Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 11:30 am - 2 pm. You may find yourself in the middle of a murder at this interactive theater production. One lucky guest who follows along closely will win an overnight stay at Starved Rock Lodge. Includes a delicious hot lunch buffet. Cost is $24.95 per person. For more information or to reserve your seat call 800/ ext. 386.

47 September 15 Spirit of Peoria River Cruise Food and Wine Pairings 6:30-9 pm. Join us for an elegant evening of wine/food pairings with music by The Jazz Combo Platter. Featured wines from six wineries/vineyards from throughout Illinois. Food paired will be prepared from the talented chef staff at Starved Rock Lodge. All participants will receive a complimentary wine glass, six wine tasting tickets and all the great food. Tickets are $51.00 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets call 800/ ext September Latin Music Festival Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, Joliet Phone 815/ for more information. September 16 Mexican Independence Day Parade Downtown Joliet Call 815/ or 815/ for more information. Street Stock Series Finale LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle Illinois Valley Cellular Street Stock Series Finale. Visit or call 815/ Spirit of Peoria Sunset Dinner Cruise 6:30-9 pm. Relax, dine and cruise as you listen to live music by Ashton Gap along the picturesque Illinois River. Dinner served will be Prime Rib, chicken, potatoes, green beans, Caesar salad, dinner rolls and gourmet cheesecake for dessert. Tickets are $51.00 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets call 800/ ext Spirit of Peoria Sightseeing Cruises 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm. Join the Captain and crew on Illinois only authentic paddle-wheeler where children and adults alike are fascinated by her tall fluted stacks and gigantic candy-apple red paddlewheel. Take a 1 hour and 15 minute break to relax and cruise along the picturesque Illinois River. $13 Adult, $11Seniors, $8 Child 10 and under. For more information and to purchase tickets call 800/ ext Sept. 16 & 17 Vintage Illinois Wine Festival Starved Rock State Park, Utica Saturday 11-6 pm & Sunday Noon - 5 pm. Sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintner s Association. Featuring 21 Illinois Wineries from around the State. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and enjoy Illinois wine, great food, music and the atmosphere of beautiful Starved Rock State Park. For information and tickets call 800/ ext

48 September 17 Black Pride Parade Downtown Joliet Call 815/ for more information. Monarch Butterfly Festival Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, Palos Heights 11 am - 4:30 pm. For more information please call 708/ September 17 Founder s Day Parade Romeoville The Romeoville s Founder s Day Parade will begin at 2:00pm. A parade participant application can be picked up at the Romeoville Recreation Department. For more information or parade route, call the Romeoville Recreation Department at 815/ September 23 Photography Workshop Starved Rock Lodge, Utica Are you interested in photography? If so then this workshop is for you. We will cover the basics of camera operation, photographic theory, and composition. Then we will hike the trails of Starved Rock and practice what we learned. To sign up call 630/ or go to September 24 Valley Carvers Woodcarving Expo Starved Rock Lodge, Utica 9-5 pm. Come view magnificent wood carvings first hand as well have the opportunity to purchase your own and meet with carvers from all over the Midwest! Event open to public no admission 800/ ext Community Picnic sponsored by the Village of Channahon For more info call 815/ Bridal Show Renaissance Center, Joliet Top vendors and the sheer elegance of the Renaissance Center collaborate to make you wedding planning a joy. Enjoy elegantly served hors d oeuvres and champagne during a fashion show exhibiting the finest for your event. 815/ September 27- October 1 Grundy County Corn Festival Morris Enjoy all of the events in Morris during this annual festival. Visit or call 815/942-CORN. September 28 Wine and Vine Fest Faltz Family Vineyards, Sheridan 11am - 6 pm. Enjoy entertainment, food, wine and tours of the vineyards or 630/ September 30 October 30 Pumpkin Fest Dollinger Family Farms, Minooka September 30 October 1 Wakeboarding Fall Fallout The Busted Prop, east end of Main Street, Ottawa Nobody wants summer to end, but at least you can end it in style with the last wakeboarding event of the year! Double up competition for cash and prizes, free-riding and camping all weekend. Expect a huge bonfire, cookout and live entertainment at this end-of-summer bash! For information, click on

49 Play and Stay! Championship golfing. Fine hotels. Clow International Airport. What is so special about them? They make Bolingbrook the perfect place to do it all. Fly-in, play and stay. With world-class golfing, dining, and lodging, why go anywhere else? Discover Bolingbrook today. Mention this ad and get 10% OFF your room rate at one of these fine accommodations COME VISIT BOLINGBROOK TODAY! 47

50 48

51 Ongoing Events Daily Riverboat Cruises on the Illinois River Lunch, sightseeing and group cruises leave from under the Illinois River Bridge at Ottawa daily from May to October. Cruises are narrated, full of history, beauty and relaxation. Cruise past Buffalo Rock and Starved Rock, and enjoy close up looks at tugs and barges on the river and wildlife on the banks. Reservations are required. For information, reservations, and up-todate cruise information, contact 815/ The projected 2006 schedule includes: group cruises for 6 or more people on Mondays and Tuesdays. Cruises to Starved Rock Lodge and through the Starved Rock Lock on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Reservations are made through the Ottawa Riverboat Co. by calling 815/ Cruises from Starved Rock Lodge after lunch at the lodge on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Reservations are made through Starved Rock Lodge by calling 815/ Lunch cruises are available on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and sightseeing cruises are scheduled on Saturdays. Prices vary depending on the cruise. March 7 - April 8 Joliet Junior College Art Students Exhibition Larua A. Sprague Gallery JJC The annual competitive exhibition of students work from studio art classes at JJC. Cash awards for this show are made possible from funding provided by John and Laura Kingsbury and Dr. Gamil Arida to the JJC Foundation. 815/ or 815/ April 25 - May 13 Joliet Junior College Art Scholarship Recipeints Laura A. Sprague Gallery, JJC The annual exhibition of the four JJC art students selected by the Studio Art Faculty to receive foundations scholarships. 815/ or 815/ May 20 - September 4 Joliet JackHammers 2006 Season Silver Cross Field, Joliet The Joliet JackHammers are a minor league baseball team in the Independent Northern League. Family oriented fun at affordable prices. 815/726-BALL (2255) info@jackhammerbaseball.com. 49

52 May 20 - October 28 Ottawa Farmers Market Enjoy fresh produce and garden items from the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market, Saturday mornings (with a special holiday market scheduled for December 9). The short block of Jackson Street between Columbus and La Salle streets becomes a colorful street market. Special additional events are featured some Saturdays, to be announced. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce, 815/ June 1 - August 31 Concerts on the Hill Bicentennial Park Joliet Every Thursday 6:30 pm. Two to three acts fill the evening with entertainment at the band shell. 815/ June 9, 13, July 14, 28, Aug 11, 25 Brown Bag Friday on the Courthouse Lawn 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Grab a brown bag lunch and join us for a variety of entertainment on the Grundy County Courthouse Lawn. Sponsored by Grundy Bank and WCSJ/WJDK Radio. For more info call 815/ June 10, July 8, Aug 12, Sept 9 Morris Cruise Night 6-10 pm. Hundreds of classic cars on Liberty Street in Downtown Morris. For more info visit June 17 & Saturdays through October Mendota Farmers Market Main Street & Eighth St, Mendota 8 am to 1 pm. Locally grown fruits and vegetables along with the works of local artists. For information call 815/ June - September Farmers Market Joliet City Center, Downtown Joliet 815/ or 50

53 What s going on in the Corridor? Sign up for our electronic newsletter and find out. Sent on a quarterly basis, our newsletter is full of travel tips, hot specials, and the best places to go, and things to do. Sign up today at corridorcvb.com For more information or overnight lodging contact us today CANAL

54 UPTOWN Casual Dining 1 Contemporary Cuisine A full menu available all day. Everyday. The most diverse menu in the area and we serve all day everyday. You will find many choices whether your plans include a 3 course dinner or a grazing of our appetizer's and salads for a lighter lunch. Please bring the whole family, the little ones will love the kids meals. Special's are prepared daily and include house made soups, desserts and sauces to accompany the seafood, pasta and other daily choices. All of our steaks are aged and cut in house assuring you the most flavorful and tender steaks available. We challenge you to find a more extensive collection of spirits in the area.we offer a wide variety of single malt scotch, small batch bourbons and premium tequila's among the over 200 items on our back bar. Our wine list has over 80 bottles to choose from including many Gold Medal winners. Private banquet facility accommodates over 100 people. Perfect for both social and corporate events. Seasonal outdoor dining on our screened in patio. Let s get there! Open Everyday Monday Thursday 11am to 10pm Friday & Saturday 11am to 11pm Sunday Noon to 10pm 601First Street LaSalle IL Near Interstate 80 and Interstate 39 Six miles from Starved Rock State Park Two blocks from the I & M Canal Lock 14 Four miles from historic downtown Utica Five minutes from Grand Bear Lodge First Street LaSalle IL

55 Come out and celebrate the Maud Powell was a legendary violinist born in Peru, Illinois, in the late 19th century who became known worldwide for her virtuosity. The Maud Powell Music Festival celebrates her pioneering spirit and artistic vision and is now entering its twelfth season. Maud Powell Music Festival June 17 & 18 Downtown Peru Free Open Air Concerts June 17 Maud Powell Plaza, Downtown Peru 10am-2pm Performers: The Music School of the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony; Illinois Valley Flute Ensemble; Ariela Kalif-Carmi, Hebrew Folk Music;Powell Festival Institute Choir;Peru Municipal Band June 18 Centennial Park, Peru 2-6pm Performers: Illinois Valley Saxophone Quartet; Children's Sing Along; Jing Wang, chinese folk instruments; Daniella Carvalho, Spanish & French songs; and Powell Festival Institute Orchestra. PERU - Leader of the Illinois Valley Mayor Donald Baker City Clerk Judy Heuser Treasurer Donald Kolowski Aldermen James Mertel Tony Ferrari John (Jack) O'Beirne Joe Mikyska Joseph Witczak Robert Ankiewicz David Potthoff Ron Wren For more information visit