Cougars to welcome Santa

 

The Kane County Cougars will host an opportunity for children to visit with Santa Dec. 13 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Children can meet Santa and Ozzie Cougar, the team’s mascot, from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. The event also will include a variety of children’s activities. Admission is free, but there is a $5 fee for those participating in the ornament and cooking decorating activities. Visitors are encouraged to bring gently-used winter coats and clothing for donation to local families in need. For more information about the event, call the Cougars at 630-232-8811.

Redbirds to play in FCS quarterfinals Dec. 13
The Illinois State University Redbirds will play Eastern Washington University Dec. 13 in  the FCS quarterfinals. The game will begin at 3 p.m. CT and will be aired on ESPN3. the football team finished the 2014 regular season 11-1 overall, 7-1 in conference play. Coach Brock Spack’s Redbirds defeated Northern Iowa, 41-21, Dec. 6 in the NCAA Division I FSC playoffs to advance to the quarterfinals. The Redbirds and Northern Illinois University, which will play Marshall in the Boca Raton Bowl Dec. 22, provided football fans in Illinois something to cheer about during the 2014 season. We can't say as much about the NFL team that plays in Chicago.

Train show to stop at DuPage County Fairgrounds
The Great Midwest Train Show will be conducted Dec. 14 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. The show be open 9:30 a.m. to 3 pm. and will feature more than 100 vendors. The show includes train displays and attractions for all ages. Admission is $7 for adults. Children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is free. 

 

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A few final moments with November

November is one of my favorite months, and I regret seeing the 2014 edition reach its end.

It’s not just November that I enjoy. The calendar’s final quarter — October, November and December — is my favorite time of the year. It’s just that November typically fires in me an intense sense of reflection and gratitude.
 
The gratitude part I try to express throughout the year, not just on Thanksgiving Day. November in northern Illinois typically includes the end of the fall harvest. There’s much to be grateful for during the annual process, and I deeply appreciate our nation's farmers.

We also typically experience consistently colder temperatures in November in northern Illinois, and we take seriously the change of seasons. Early October can present some warm days here, which I do value, but November’s temperatures help us develop an appreciation for sturdy boots and heavy sweatshirts.
 
I enjoy walking, both for exercise and relaxation. I particularly enjoy walking during the early evening hours throughout the year. I walk through residential neighborhoods and many of neighbors make frequent use of their indoor fireplaces beginning in November. I always enjoy the fragrant smell of burning wood while completing my walks.
 
October and December are busy months for Lori and me. We celebrate several birthdays in those months, observe a wedding anniversary in October and joyously mark the birth of Jesus Christ in December.
 
November is a comparatively quiet month for us, with the notable exception of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. November provides us a fine opportunity to recover from October’s schedule and prepare, physically and mentally, for December’s hectic pace.
 
I suppose I value November so much because it provides me 30 days to reflect and refresh before I rush through December, celebrate Christmas and welcome a new year.
 
While I hesitate to release November, I realize none of us can slow time’s relentless march. In a few hours November will give way to December and 2014’s few remaining days.
 
I will pause later tonight to offer a final thank you to November, and then I will prepare to embrace December as we move forward, ever forward.

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Peaceful Parlour owner has sense for marketing

    Shari Ralish, owner of Peaceful Parlour in Geneva, talks tea with a guest at the Geneva Public Library.                                                                                              Kevin Botterman photo

     Shari Ralish is a retailer with a keen sense for community-oriented marketing.
     Ralish owns Peaceful Parlour, 212 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva, an “eco-chic  boutique” she opened five years ago, during the early days of the Great Recession.
     Ralish partnered with the Geneva Public Library to provide tea service during a Civil War history presentation Nov. 8 at the library.
     During a program intermission, Ralish poured a variety of teas for audience members, explained characteristics of each offering and managed to share information about her business.
     “It’s a nice opportunity to meet people and tell them about my business,” Ralish said during a lull in the tea service.
     The tea proved popular with the audience. Several guests returned to the service table for refills or to sample another tea. Most asked questions about the teas and inquired about the business hours at Ralish’s shop.
     “It’s all very informal, and everyone seems comfortable asking questions,” Ralish said. “They learn about my products, and find a one or two they really enjoy.”
     Ralish said it is important for business owners to identify ways to build relationships with new customers while reinforcing existing ties, particularly during a weak economy.
     During the summer months, Ralish offers a series of musical programs on the grounds outside her shop and frequently hosts special events inside the store.
     The Civil War program was Ralish's second opportunity to share tea and product information at the library. She presented a program last January devoted to tea.
     “Attendance exceeded our expectations. We shared a lot of information and started some good relationships. It was wonderful” Ralish said.
     Kimberly Gotches, a public relations and outreach coordinator at the library, said Ralish’s program last January was so popular it serves as a model for the type of programming the library seeks to present in partnership with local businesses.
     The library encourages local businesses to submit program proposals, said Gotches. A popular program can offer benefits for everyone involved, she said.
     To learn more about Peaceful Parlour, call Ralish at 630-232-6300. For more information about the library's outreach efforts, call 630-232-0780.



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Museum, St. Charles Singers offer holiday programs

Submitted photo

Ellwood House offers holiday mansion tour
     Our friends at the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb say they are ready for the museum’s annual holiday mansion tours beginning Nov. 15 and continuing through Nov. 30 on select dates. 
     The tours are a holiday tradition for many area residents, and the museum is one of our favorites. Visitors can enjoy a room-by-room tour of all four floors in the mansion. Each room is decorated for the holidays. The museum also will host a holiday open house weekend beginning Dec. 5 to Dec. 7. 
     The museum is operated by the DeKalb Park District and reflects the key role Isaac Ellwood played in the development of the barbed wire industry in the United States. The tours offer a glimpse of local history and are a wonderful way start the holiday season. For more information call 815-756-4609.

St. Charles Singers set annual Christmas performance
     Our friends at the St. Charles Singers tell us they will present the 31st annual Candlelight Carols Christmas program at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave. in downtown St. Charles. 
     The program will include 18 songs from the Renaissance era to today. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for senior ages 65 and older and $10 for students.

Fall weekends mean football
Here are some of the football games we’ll be following this weekend. Hope you enjoy the contests:

College
Youngstown State at Illinois State
Iowa at Minnesota
Michigan at Northwestern
Ohio State at Michigan St.
Penn State at Indiana
TCU at Kansas State
Auburn at Texas A&M
Notre Dame at Arizona State
Baylor at Oklahoma

NFL
Chicago at Green Bay
St. Louis at Arizona


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Program to feature Kane County history

 Historical society to present The History of Medicine in Kane County
The Aurora Historical Society will host the History of Medicine in Kane County, featuring Dr. Wayne Polek of the Kane County Medical Society. Polek will discuss developments in medicine since the Civil War. The program will be presented at 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora. Admission is $5. For more information, call 630-906-0650.

Albright to stage 'The Memory of Water'
The Albright Theatre Company in Batavia will present “The Memory of Water” starting Nov. 1 and continuing on select dates through Nov. 15. The production is directed by Veronica Krystal and features Antonia Arellano, Shelly Rolf, Cara Schuster, Michelle Bennett, Michael Yoder and Richard Holloman. The Albright Theater is located at 100 Island Ave. in downtown Batavia. For more information, call 630-406-8838.

Library to host Civil War presentation 
The Geneva Public Library, 127 James St., Geneva, will a host a presentation Nov. 8 about the role Illinois soldiers played in the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson during the Civil War. Local historian Bill Lax will deliver the presentation at noon. Lax is a member of the Northern Illinois Civil War Round Table. The program will include music of the Civil War, and Shari Ralish, owner of Peaceful Parlour in Geneva, will serve tea. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. For more information, call the library at 630-232-0780. 

Some of the football games we’ll be following this weekend: 
Nov. 1
Illinois State at Northern Iowa
Northwestern at Iowa
Maryland at Penn State
Indiana at Michigan
Oregon at Stanford

Nov. 2
Denver at New England
Arizona at Dallas

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K.Hollis to welcome Congressman Hultgren

K.Hollis to welcome Congressman Hultgren
Our friends at K.Hollis Jewelers will host a gathering with Congressman Randy Hultgren at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30. The event is open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. K.Hollis Jewelers is located at 147 S. Randall Road, Batavia. For more information, call 630-879-8003.

Cantigny Park to host Veterans Day 5K run, pancake breakfast

Cantigny Park will conduct its annual Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. Nov. 1. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. In conjunction with the event, American Legion Cantigny Post 556 will host a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park’s visitors center. The breakfast will include eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy. For more information, call 630-260-8167.

Football we'll be following

Here are some of the football games we’ll be following this weekend. Enjoy the fun.

Oct. 25:

Minnesota at Illinois

Rutgers at Nebraska

NIU at Eastern Michigan

Missouri State at Illinois State

Oct. 26

Bears at Patriots

Green Bay at New Orleans

Oct. 27

Washington at Dallas

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Redbirds' success worthy of more attention

Brock Spack, Illinois State University football coach.

Illinois State University’s football team is 6-0 (3-0) as of Oct. 18, but many in Illinois, including many football fans, are not aware of the Redbirds’ success.

That’s too bad. Success should be applauded and studied, I think, and Brock Spack, ISU’s head coach, has the school’s football program on a winning path. Spack, a Rockford native, took over the ISU program in 2009. In 2012, Spack’s Redbirds posted a 9-4 record and their fourth consecutive winning season. ISU stumbled in 2013, finishing 5-6 overall. However, 2014 sees the Redbirds back to their winning ways.

ISU is ranked No. 9 in the nation in the FCS Coaches’ Poll and is tied with undefeated North Dakota State at the top of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. 

The Redbirds’ stats are impressive. The team posts points in every quarter of every game, and has outscored opponents 253 total points to 83. The Redbirds have a red-zone scoring average of 86% (61% touchdowns). ISU averages 42.2 points per game, mostly through rushing. 

I think it’s important to note Spack also recruits heavily in the state. Illinois residents make up nearly half of the team's player roster. Fox Valley residents might be interested to know the ISU team includes Barry Brannon of St. Charles, Christian Gibbs and Scott Kuehn of Aurora, Bryce Holm of Oswego, and Matt Biegalski of Winfield.

The Redbirds will host Missouri State, 4-3 (1-2) at 6 p.m. Oct. 25. It’s one of the games we will be following this weekend. Win or lose Saturday, we plan to follow the Redbirds through the remainder of the season.

We hope Spack and his Redbirds keep posting wins, and we hope the team receives the support and attention it deserves.

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Waterline Writers to feature local columnist

Early October at West Main Community Park in Batavia.

Kevin Botterman photo

Waterline Writers event to feature KC Chronicle columnist

The Kane County Chronicle’s Jennifer DuBose will be the featured speaker Oct. 19 at the Waterline Writers literature event at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St. in downtown Batavia. The gathering also will feature other local writers, including Dolores Becker and Angela Ogburn. A $5 donation is suggested. 

Mothers Club to host annual crafts show

The Batavia Mothers’ Club Foundation will conduct its 29th annual Arts & Crafts Show Oct. 25 at Batavia High School, 1201 Main St., Batavia. The show will include seasonal decor, jewelry and items for all ages. The event also will include a bake sale and raffle. The sale will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes a raffle ticket. 

Cantigny to host catapult contest

Cantigny Park will host a catapult contest at 10 a.m. Oct. 25. Contestants can compete in three categories — distance, shot group, and accuracy. Awards will be presented for 1st and 2nd place finishers in each category. The park is located at 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. For more information, call 630-688-5161.

Games we'll be following this weekend

We follow a variety of collegiate athletics, particularly football. However, we also make time to watch some NFL games. Here's a list of some of the games we'll be following this weekend. We always welcome suggestions and comments. If there's an upcoming contest you think we should watch, or a team we should follow, send us a note at kbotterman@gmail.com.

Oct. 18

Notre Dame at Florida State

Miami (Ohio) at NIU

Iowa State at Texas

Missouri at Florida

Georgia at Arkansas

Nebraska at Northwestern

Purdue at Minnesota

Oct. 19

Miami at Bears

Giants at Dallas

49s at Denver

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Elburn Lions to host book drive

Our friends at the Elburn Lions Club will conduct a book drive from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at Lions Community Park, 500 Filmore St., Elburn. Books can be dropped off at the park’s south garage on Stetzer Avenue. The club is collecting new and gently used books for ages 1 to 18. 

Arts center sets reception for faculty show

The Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road, St. Charles, will host a reception Oct. 17 to celebrate the opening of the 2014 Faculty Show. The reception will be conducted from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and is open to the public. Admission is free. For more information about the event and gallery hours, call 630-584-9443. 

Haunted Quarry opens Oct. 17
The Batavia Park District’s Haunted Quarry opens Oct. 17 for the Halloween fright season at Hall Quarry Beach, 400 S. River St., Batavia. The Haunted Quarry will be open 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25. Admission is $8. 

Ride the rails with trolley museum's Ghost Story Train

The Fox Valley Trolley Museum will conduct its Ghost Story Train Oct. 18 and Oct. 25. The train will travel from the museum to the John Duerr Forest Preserve, where guests will hear ghost stories and enjoy treats around a campfire. The program is suitable for all ages, and guests are encouraged to attend in costume. Tickets are $13.50 for all ages and reservations are required. Trains will depart the museum at 5 p.m, 6:15  and 7:45. The museum is located at 365 S. LaFox St., (Route 31) in South Elgin. For more information, call 847-697-4676.

St. Charles church to host annual craft show

The St. Charles Episcopal Church will conduct its annual arts and craft show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18. The juried show will include autumn and holiday decorations, jewelry, toys and more. Admission is free. The church is located at 994 N. Fifth Ave., St. Charles. 

Lions club offers up annual German dinner

The Elburn Lions Club will host its annual German Dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18. The buffet dinner will include bratwurst, pork loins, red cabbage, sauerkraut, spaetzel, German potato salad, pretzel rolls, dessert and coffee. A cash bar will offer German beer and wines. Tickets for the dinner are $13.50 for adults, $12.50 seniors age 65 and older, $9 for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 3 and younger are admitted free. The club is located at 500 Filmore St., Elburn. For more information, call 630-365-6315.

St. Charles Park District, Steel Beam Theatre partner for Zombie 5K

The St. Charles Park District and the Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles will partner to present Zombie Run, a 5K run and walk, at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles. On-site registration will begin at 4 p.m. The registration fee is $25 for St. Charles Park District residents and $38 for nonresidents. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume, prizes will be awarded. For more information, go to www.stcparks.org.

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Plenty of Fall activities set for October's first weekend

Batavia Vikings set annual Chili Cook-off

Batavia’s Viking Ring Lodge 18 will conduct its fourth annual Chili Cook-off at 1 p.m. Oct. 4 at the lodge, 104 N. Van Nortwick Ave., Batavia. The event is open to the public. Tickets for sampling the chili are $5 and can be purchased at the event. Lori and I always enjoy attending the event and sampling the many varieties of chili. I hope to see you there. The cook-off benefits the Batavia United Way and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp.  For more information, call 630-502-8335.

Cantigny Park to host Civil War Reenactment

Cantigny Park will host a Civil War Reenactment Oct 4. and Oct. 5. The event will include a Civil War cannon fire, living history portrayals, and educational activities for all ages. Visitors can watch portrayals of Civil War soldiers, Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln and others. The event is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. There is a $5 per vehicle parking fee. The park is located at 1S151 S. Winfield Road, Wheaton. For more information, call 630-668-5161

Holmstad's annual bazaar features crafts and more

The Holmstad will conduct its 37th annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4. Shoppers will find hand-made crafts, gently used furniture and other items for the home. For more information, call 630-879-4000.

Elburn Lions Club plans Fall Classic All Wheel Show

The Elburn Lions Club will host its 21st annual Fall Classic All Wheel Show Oct. 5 at Lions Park, 500 S. Fillmore St., Elburn. The show will open at 8 a.m. and will feature 40 classes for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The event also includes a craft show and children’s activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission is free for spectators. 

St. Mark's to offer annual Blessing of the Animals

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva will conduct its annual Blessing of the Animals at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 5 on the lawn of the old courthouse on Third Street in downtown Geneva. The public is invited to bring animals of all sizes, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, birds, pigs, turtles, snakes, and lizards. The church conducts the blessing in conjunction with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Garfield Farm’s celebrates Harvest Days

Garfield Farm Museum continues its Harvest Days celebration Oct. 5 with continuous demonstrations of 19th century farm skills. The day’s activities begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. The event also will include period music and food. The museum is located on Garfield Road, north of Illinois Route 38 in Campton Hills. For more information, call 630-584-8485.

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Batavia's annual Art In Your Eye Fest opens Sept. 19

The 10th annual Art In Your Eye Festival will open at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 in downtown Batavia and will continue through Sept. 21, offering exhibits, live music, and attractions for all ages.

The festival will be open 10 a.m. to 10: 30 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For a schedule of events, click here. Admission and parking are free.

The festival features a fine arts show, an exhibit at Batavia’s City Hall, the Avenue of the Arts, and children’s art activities. The festival also includes a beer and wine tent, and activities at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Food will be available for purchase.

Friday’s schedule includes musical entertainment by Noah’s Arcade at 6 p.m. and Libido Funk Circus at 8 p.m. 

Saturday’s musical entertainment schedule features performances by Spectators at 6 p.m. and Modern Day Romeos at 8 p.m. 

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Rustic Road Farm offers quality foods

A trio of goats greets visitors to Rustic Road Farm in Elburn.  

                                                                                 (Kevin Botterman photo)

If you are in the market for quality meats, eggs and produce, be sure to visit Rustic Road Farm at 1N292 Brundige Road, Elburn. Lori and I enjoyed our recent outing to the farm and later thoroughly enjoyed ham steak and veggies we purchased. Rustic Road is a GMO-free farm offering pasture-raised pork and sustainably raised fruit and vegetables. The farm also sells terrific raw honey. If you visit the farm, be sure to have a camera at hand. The goats, pigs and chickens provide plenty of photo opportunities. Shoppers can find Rustic Road Farm products at the Batavia Farmers’ Market, which is open 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 18.

Peaceful Parlour to host Twilight on Terrace Sept. 19

Peaceful Parlour in Geneva will host the final session of its Twilights on the Terrace music series from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 19. Peaceful Parlour is located at 212 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva. Guitarist Bruce Hecksel and vocalist Julie Patchouli will entertain. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the free event. Food will be available for purchase.

NIU touts Ron Modell, jazz program

The Fall 2014 edition of Northern Now, an NIU Alumni Association publication, features an interesting article about Ron Modell, founder of NIU’s jazz program. Under Modell’s leadership, NIU’s jazz band became one of the finest in the nation. Readers, even those not particularly interested in jazz, will enjoy the article.

Brianna's Pancake Cafe serves up hearty meals

I recommend visiting Brianna’s Pancake Cafe, 151 Illinois Route 38, Elburn. Diners can enjoy some pancakes, as I did, or a steak omelet, which I also sampled. Lori and I visited Brianna’s on a recent Saturday afternoon. We selected items from the breakfast menu, but Brianna's also offers sandwiches, burgers and entrees. We enjoyed the meal, liked the service, and look forward to our next opportunity to dine at Briana’s.

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Elburn Days Festival celebrates 85th anniversary

One of Kane County’s oldest summer festivals will take place Aug. 15 to 17 in Elburn.

The Elburn Lions will host the club’s 85th annual Elburn Days Festival, offering a parade, rummage sales, mud volleyball, musical entertainment, a carnival, and a variety of activities for all ages.

The festival takes place at Elburn Lions Park and related activities will take place at locations in downtown Elburn. The park is located at 500 S. Filmore St. Here are some highlights from this year’s schedule:

Aug. 15: 

St. Gall Catholic Church,  will conduct a rummage sale and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Community Congregational Church, located across Route 47 from St. Gall, will host a community rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Town and County Public Library, 320 E. North St.,  will conduct a book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rummage and book sales will continue Aug. 16.  The 85th annual Elburn Days parade will begin at 6 pm. in downtown Elburn. The festival will open at 6 p.m. at Elburn Lions Park and will offer carnival rides, a craft show, and food stands. The music schedule will include The Relics at 6 p.m. and Back Country Roads at 8 p.m. The beer garden will be open 5 to 11 p.m. 

Aug. 16: 

A 5K run will begin at 8 a.m. The 4-H Livestock judging will begin at 8 a.m. The truck and tractor pull will begin at 11 a.m. The carnival will open at noon. Musical entertainment will begin at 1 p.m., and the lineup includes performances by Next Tuesday, and ARRA.

Aug. 17: 

A community worship service will begin at 9:30 a.m. The mud volleyball contest will begin at 11 a.m. The Elburn Lions Club will host a pork chop and chicken dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. An ice cream eating contest begin at 2:15 p.m. The musical entertainment includes performances by Ty and Guy, Stroker Red, and Mike & Joe. The festival will close at 10 p.m. 

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Batavia celebrates summer with Windmill City Fest

Batavia’s annual Windmill City Festival begins July 10 and continues through July 13 at the Riverwalk in downtown Batavia. The fest will offer a carnival, musical entertainment, food vendors, a beer tent, and activities for all ages.

Schedule highlights include:

July 10: The festival will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. The band Back Country Roads will perform starting at 7:30 p.m.

July 11: Food booths and the beer garden will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. The Windmill Whirl 5K run will begin at 7 p.m. at the Batavia City Hall Plaza. Midwest Dueling Pianos will provide entertainment from 6 to 8 p.m. Arra, a classic rock cover band, will perform from 9 to 11 p.m. 

July 12: The Batavia Farmer’s Market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on River Street. A craft show featuring more than 30 vendors will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children can explore various vehicles from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A pet parade will begin at 10 a.m. Food booths will open at 11 a.m. The carnival will open at noon and will feature $20 wristbands for unlimited rides. The beer garden will open at noon. Entertainment and demonstrations also will begin at noon. A bags tournament will begin at 6 p.m. The bands Gallery and Modern Day Romeos will provide musical entertainment from 6 to 11 p.m.

July 13: The festival will open from noon to 6 p.m. The carnival will offer a $20 wristband for unlimited rides. Entertainment will begin at 1 p.m. and will include the bands Student Body and Hillbilly Rock Stars. The schedule also will include an ice cream eating contest at 2 p.m. and a fire hose challenge at 3 p.m.

The festival is organized by the Batavia Park District, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Batavia.

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Kane County Audubon to host bird walk

Visitors can join the Kane County Audubon Society for a bird walk at 8 a.m. July 5 at Nelson Lake in the Dick Young Forest Preserve in Batavia. 

Participants will meet in the parking lot near the Nelson Lake Road entrance to the preserve. The event will include a three-mile hike through the forest preserve. Participants are encouraged bring binoculars, wear appropriate clothing, and wear comfortable shoes. 

The event is free. The society conducts a bird walk the first Saturday of each month at Nelson Lake. For more information, call Terry Murray at 630-896-3129.

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