2016 Spring Guide: Spring has Arrived in Lake County
By: Jonathan Jones 03/08/2016
That winter was nuthin! Didn’t have much snow, didn’t have much cold. Like the three little bears would eloquently put it, this winter (or porridge) was just right.
Well winters over and we look forward to warm weather. Spring brings things like warmer weather, melted snow and a slew of Lake County activities to experience.
Why would you leave Lake County for spring break when you got all that you need right under your nose?
Some notable occurrences are the opening of Six Flags Great America, the start of the season to Ravinia.
Besides the thrills and chills of Gurnee’s Great America and the melodic tunes played in Highland Park’s Ravinia Festival, it’s time to unwrap your boat and take the nautical route on one of Lake County’s 70 lakes.
Between now and June 20 (the beginning of summer) there are a few holidays that we will all celebrate in the upcoming months: i.e. St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day (we will cover those in separate blogs). Not to mention all of the festivals dedicated to taking off a little steam for your weekend endeavors.
This compiling of events is your 2016 Guide to spring, because Spring has arrived in Lake County.
Holy Toledo Batman! There’s a lot going on outside. As for farmer’s markets around Lake County, we will cover that in a blog closer to the event. One event that everyone’s geeking about is the new ride at Six Flags Great America: Justice League. It’s an interactive ride that was just installed for the start of the season. Continue here to learn more about the ride. This section also includes the countless held festivals around Lake County this Spring. (I can't contain myself, Spring has arrived in Lake County!).
Also this spring means the first Lake County Restaurant Week. Continue here for more information.
Reserve a spot for one of the popular maple syrup hikes. On this one-hour hike, learn how trees work and about the sweet sap of sugar maples. Everyone gets a taste. Participants will follow the process from sap to syrup and taste the final product. Hikes begin every half-hour from 12 - 2pm. Registration by the day before is required, and hikes fill fast, so register soon. Costs to attend is $6 and children 3 and under are free.
The annual show features approximately 50 exhibitions of 20 types of gesneriads, which are among the most decorative and widely grown tropical plants. Guest can see free demonstrations on propagation, characteristics, soil, etc. and purchase plants, cuttings, tubers and rhizomes.
Get ready North Chicago for the most colorful fun-filled day of your life! You’ll have more color on you than your happy levels can handle! So get your friends and family stretched out for this amazing color blast event where you'll get blasted with color while you run the Color Vibe 5K. Color Vibe is here, and you’re about to get tagged! Spots are filling up fast so sign-up today as we have a limited number available. You'll be blasted at every color station throughout this awesome 5K run. So grab your girlfriends, your bro’s, your friends, and your family cause we’re bringing a color fun experience to your life that you never knew existed. Join us for the Color Vibe 5K run and get ready to be tagged with color!
Dogs are welcome to gather with family and friends at Community Park in Hawthorn Woods for the Village of Hawthorn Woods Bark in the Park event. This free community event will let dogs run, jump, roll over and play with other friends. A variety of vendors will be available to pamper your best friend. Canine friends will enjoy treats, pampering, fun activities and more. All participating dogs should have current influenza vaccine. Please leash all dogs.
Come out for another great time at Waukegan's monthly ArtWauk. Each month there are new things to see and do. Enjoy taking a stroll through town and viewing art from local artists. Grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants and watch and listen for the live entertainment.
Seasoned anglers will be on hand to demonstrate two methods of smelting: done-gill line and dip netting. Learn how to catch, clean and cook these tasty little critters! A limited number of nets will be provided by the Recreation Department so that everyone will have a chance to get into the action. Event begins at sundown and goes until 10pm. Don't miss out on the free family event.
Unleash your Earth Day Environmental Fighter and go green. Come dressed as a Super Hero or make one up and help save the planet. This event is free for all ages. Register in person from April 1-April 20 at the Lindenhurst Park District or print out a registration form found on the website and bring it on race day. Registration will also be conducted onsite on April 23 from 8:15am-8:45am. The race starts at 9am and begins and ends at Millennium Park. Costumes are encouraged. Water will be supplied.
The course winds through picturesque Century Park, one of Lake County's most beautiful community parks. Runners and walkers can enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of nature as they loop around Big Bear and Little Bear Lakes. This course does have small hills and inclines around the southernmost loop. Post-race snacks and water will be provided during & through the awards. Awards are given to best overall male and female, also, 1st and 2nd place for various age groupings. T-shirt sizes are only guaranteed for those participants that sign up before April 1, 2016.
Go and enjoy the Earth Arbor Day Celebration. Included in the many fun events will be the Annual Statewide Kite Fly “Flying for Kids”, from 11am-1pm at Slove Park located next to the Village Hall. Bring family, a picnic lunch, and your favorite kite and have fun at this free event. The first 50 participants will receive a free kite courtesy of Honey Orthodontics of Gurnee.
Blacklight Run™ is a unique night 5K fun run focused less on speed and more on UV Neon Glowing fun with friends and family. Glowing participants come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; every participant will get Glowed™ and has the time of their life. Whether you are an avid runner or a walk around the park walker, the 3 miles of the Blacklight Run™ course will have you glowing and waiting for the next one!
Register today and run or walk at 5K individually or with a team. Enjoy the beautiful scenery running or walking though the curves and rolling hills of Independence Grove Forest Preserve. Awards are given to the overall male & female winners and also to the overall winning team. 1st - 3rd Place medals are awarded in each age group.
Help clean-up any of our 32 parks to celebrate Arbor Day. The day begins with a volunteer appreciation breakfast at 9am followed by a tree planting ceremony. Volunteers then depart for assigned parks to clean up.
Spend the day fishing, playing and enjoying our local treasure; Round Lake. You can also expect kids games and activities, entertainment, live music and food. If you do not have your fishing equipment.
The Walk is designated to raise funds and awareness for the services and programs provided by Community Action Partnership of Lake County. Participants will start at 1200 W. Glen Flora Ave, Waukegan and walk on a course that goes through the Waukegan neighbor around to Sheridan Road and back to starting point. Registration begins at 8:00 am, followed by a Rally at 9:30 am. Individual Entry fee $20.00. At the door $25.00. T-shirts and gift bags are guaranteed to the first 100 who pre-register.
Let the winds of spring carry a kite to its highest height at this wonderful family event. Learn how to build a kite, then see how far it can fly! Kites are free to kids of all ages (limit one per child) and no regis-tration is necessary. Lunch, snacks and beverages are available for purchase. 5th Annual Family Nature Fest includes exploring the wonders of nature and celebrate with this unique opportunity to spend quality family time outdoors. Choose from a multitude of fun, free educational sessions and learn about macro-invertebrates, owls and other raptors, therapy horses, and sports strength and agility techniques.
Enjoy Antioch's artistic crawl throughout downtown and browse through the talent of Antioch's students. Artist talents on display along with musical interludes. Sponsored by School District #34, Antioch Fine Arts Foundation, Village of Antioch and the Antioch Chamber. Also stop by the bandshell for live entertainment. Please call for more information.
Participation in the Foodie 5K will not only be a fun, memorable experience, but it will directly affect the lives of a hungry neighbor in the community! Gather friends, family and colleagues and form a walk/run team to increase impact! Please join the runners, walkers and their families at the event featuring a post-run festival including entertainment, food trucks and a kid’s zone. This year the Foodie 5K will be held at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve.
The Essence Of Freedom Run is an annual event to raise funds that are desperately needed by the brave men and women both active duty and Veterans, who defend our country in the armed forces. Choose from a 5K or 10K race and run through the streets of downtown Deerfield. Active Duty, including Police and Fire Departments, run free.
It's opening night! Vintage cars 25 years or older in mint condition will be lining Church Street with their proud owners on hand to answer questions. Take a stroll, have a snack, listen to the band and enjoy the evening.
This is the second oldest continual canoe race in the United States. The race is 18½ miles on the beautiful and historic Des Plaines River. There are numerous classes to accommodate people of all ages and levels, with a new 5.25 mile Minithon, starts at the Potawatomie Woods in Wheeling, option possible for non-competitors seeking a shorter course that ends at the customary Finish Line. Note that while, as in the past, Marathon paddlers may still take out at the halfway point at Rivershire Park in Lincolnshire, you must now arrange your own car shuttle to or from this site! Everyone is welcome to participate. Registration ends May 14th. Visit the website for complete information.
Sign up today for this 5k run or 1K family walk and help the animal shelter take of the animals. Race will be certified and timed by electronic chip when you go through start and finish line. All pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt. Day of race registered participants will receive a T-shirt while supplies last. 1 mile Family Fun Walk/Run is open to all participants, kids and dogs welcome too!
Bring a picnic basket, blanket and your family and enjoy the movie. Popcorn and drinks available for attendees. The movie begins at approx. 8:30pm. Movies run the first Friday of every summer month, June-August. The June movie- Good Dinosaur, July-The Minions and the August movie- Inside Out.
Fun for the whole family fine art and fine craft events featuring art from across the U.S., live music, catered festival food, kid's art activities and more! Artists representing media such as painting, photography, jewelry, fiber, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics hail from 20 states will be exhibiting.
Downtown Libertyville is alive with activity. The retail stores are open and offer promotional events, music or "spirits" throughout the evening. The diverse restaurants are eager to satisfy your "hunger pangs". Join in the fun, it's free, it's a party and it's waiting for you.
It should be a wonderful tour as we have five beautiful homes that will all be open to those who purchase a ticket which will get you a tour booklet and a wristband that will allow admittance into these homes. The Ansel B Cook home in Cook Park will also be open during the tour.
Mundelein Community Connections and Tighthead Brewing Company will be holding the 5th Annual Mundelein Craft Beer Festival. Advance tickets will be $40 and day of the event tickets $45. The festival will be held in the pacious and grassy area in the Village Hall plaza. Tickets will include admission to the festival, a souvenir tasting glass, samples from local breweries and live music. Food will be available for purchase from local restaurant vendors and designated driver tickets are available as well.
Mark the calendars now for Grayslake's Craft Beer Festival. The event with will feature over 40 breweries, food, live music and more. Tickets can be bought in advance through the website beginning March 3 for $35 or at the door for $45. There will also be a limited number of VIP tickets available for $60. Visit the website for more information.
Come show off that special car, truck or bike at this fantastic local show. All makes and models are welcome. Just want to admire the vehicles? It's free for spectators! Lots of fun! Live music, raffles and so much more! Prizes and trophies awarded. Register a car or bike online.
Sign up early for the 46th Annual Golf Outing. For $150.00 each golfer will receive lunch, driving range, golf cart, 2 beverage cart tickets, golf mixer, dinner, silent auction and networking. Reserve a spot before May 15th and save $10 per golfer or $40 per team of 4.
The festival, held in Downtown Grayslake, promises to be a day of fine art, family entertainment, and great food from local food vendors. Over 60 artists from all over the Midwest will be displaying and selling their work, representing a wide variety of media including pottery, watercolor, oil and pastel painting, pen and ink drawing, wood, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, functional art, and more. Entertainment, children's activities and a High School exhibit will also be included.
Bring out the family and enjoy carnival rides, food, beer tent, arts & crafts, a parade, live entertainment, and much, much more. Live music from Mighty Wheelhouse, Rollover with Louie Zagoras, Too Easy, Wall of Denial, Hello Weekend, 97Nine, Mellencougar, Sneezy and more...
Live music on Friday night and on Saturday. Also enjoy the antique and custom car show on and cruise on Saturday, outdoor movies, carnival, climbing wall, laser tag, food vendors, games and fun for everyone.
Enjoy the splendid rides at Zion's Annual Nostalgia Days.
Get ready for 10 Days to Savor: Lake County Restaurant Week happening June 10 - 19, 2016. Discover delectable dining all across Lake County. Lake County Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to explore new places to dine, or enjoy old favorites. Each participating restaurant will be offering either a prix fixe menu for you select from, specifically designed for the 10 days, or a special restaurant week dining offer. This 10-day event only happens once a year, so make your reservations early to not miss out! Check back often as participating restuarants will change and menus and offers will be uploaded.
Live Performances in Lake County
As Spring arrives in Lake County, we know when it comes to the art of live performance, we got that covered.
From the horse ballet, to the serenade of Diana Ross, to the Thursday Concerts in Antioch to the singing and dancing of the nuns in Sister Act @ Marriott Lincolnshire - Lake County is the place to be for the art of sound.
Take a gander and peruse the different performances going on in Lake County this spring.
Nigel North’s “Cantabile” program at the Byron Colby Barn features music by Sylvius Weiss and J.S. Bach together with shorter works by Weiss including Fantasies, Fugues and the Tombeau for Count Logy, and BWV 998 of Bach (Prelude Fugue and Allegro).
The musical selection of MDR is about as wide as it gets. The spectrum includes motown classics, classic rock treasures, metal anthems, 80's favorites, 90's gems, and the top hits of the 2000's. We alter most of the songs to our own style and add a lot of comedy and medleys to make your favorite songs new to you again.
Experience a great night of music with Sixteen Candles. Established in 2003. 16 Candles makes it their personal duty and pleasure to bring all the great 80's songs you love to life in full force. Their attention to detail and commitment to entertainment captivates audiences.
Ian Anderson, known throughout the world of rock music as the flute and voice behind the legendary Jethro Tull, celebrates his 47th year as an international recording and performing musician. Since forming in 1968, Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull have released 30 studio and live albums, selling more than 60 million copies. Tickets 55, $75, $95, $125.
Sister Act will be a show not to be missed. This divine musical comedy is based on the hit 1992 film. Follow Deloris Van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence through her journey while taking refuge in a convent.
The Young Irelanders comprises eight sensational performers who have Irish traditional music, song & dance running through their veins. Although still in their 20’s and 30’s, these performers have achieved more than most people would aspire to in a lifetime.
Through the foursome’s extraordinary and equally matched abilities, audiences experience performances with beautifully distinct voicing, interwoven clarity of lines and laser-like purity. Minneapolis Guitar Quartet is one of the very few guitar ensembles performing the majority of its repertoire from memory. The MGQ presents original works and commissions as well as its own brilliant arrangements of music.
For the past 40 years, Meatloaf has been a towering monument on the musical landscape. His legendary 1977 album Bat Out of Hell transformed this former stage actor into one of the great American rock ‘n’ roll icons. That record, with its staggering operatic sound and impassioned vocals, has sold more than 44 million albums worldwide and remains one of the best-selling albums in the world to date.
Grammy-Award Winner David Sanborn beautifully blends instrumental pop, R&B and traditional jazz with hits that push the limits of music. Don't miss this great night of music.
This spring the ensemble’s program spans two centuries of music: 50 years before Schubert wrote his masterful string quintet (featuring a second cello instead of a second viola), Boccherini utilized the same instrumentation to let the lower-pitched instrument shine, as in his E-major quintet that features his famed minuet. The RSMI musicians will perform works from Mozart, Schoenberg and Brahms.
One Night Band creates a high energy evening to remember while you shake it to decades of Rock n' Roll, cut a rug to Motown's finest, bust a move to some hip hop, get down with a lil' country and sing your heart out to a Pop Rock guilty pleasure. With a diverse repertoire of Top 40's hits spanning over 6 decades the band can customize a set list to fit your needs.
CLC’s four choirs (the CLC Singers, Chamber Singers, Choir of Lake County and Gospel Choir) will present a varied program of choral music to celebrate spring. Due to the quiet nature of many songs, the choral program is not appropriate for children under the age of 3.
Kashmir is a very entertaining show bringing only the best of LED ZEPPELIN to their fans. Kashmir seeks to re-create the experience of a 70's Zeppelin show utilizing authentic vintage stage gear, costumes, and special effects, with great attention to detail in a non pretentious way.
There is simply no band anywhere like the Too White Crew. It is a tribute to the golden era of hip hop, featuring all-live music (no tracks) from a six piece band, accompanied by choreographed “Fly Girl” dancers. It’s a party band – it’s a show – it’s art – it’s madness on stage — all packaged in an unprecedented way.
Buckcherry added Libertyville to its tour dates this year. Along with Black Stone Cherry this show will see out quickly so make sure to buy tickets early. Tickets range from $30 General Admission to $125 VIP tickets.
Grammy Award winning artist Scott Stapp has encompassed all the talent and torment imaginable in scaling to musical success. The founder and lead singer of Creed chronicled his quest for answers, and his dreams and personal journey to fatherhood in chart topping hits, “My Own Prison,” “Higher,” and “With Arms Wide Open,” which dominated the sonic landscape of the 90s-2000s. His world renown, soul piercing lyrics backed by thundering rock riffs garnered not only a Grammy award, but countless other accolades of creativity and chart domination, not to mention legions of fans, who felt a kindred spirit in his honesty.
Tommy Davidson’s exceptional range – from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments, has earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer. Along with Tommy enjoy the comedy of David Alan Grier. His ability to excel across all mediums and contexts is a testament to his inherent sense of comic timing and creative drive.
Rock and Roll living legend Pat Benatar and husband, Neil Giraldo, come to the Genesee Theatre for one night of your favorite hits. This intimate acoustic evening will include Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Love is a Battlefield, We Belong and many more.
Heart has sold more than 35 million albums, sold out arenas worldwide, and become an important part of the soundtrack of American life through radio, motion pictures, television, and associations with branded sponsors. Today, songs made famous by Heart are heard in every aspect of contemporary culture, and performed live in front of hundreds of thousands of fans annually. Don't miss this chance to see them live.
Evita is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. It concentrates on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The story follows Evita's early life, rise to power, charity work, and eventual death. Don't miss this great performance at the Marriott Theatre.
The Barenaked Ladies have been performing together for many years. With the debut of the new album Silverball and songs from the past this is sure to be a great night of music. Tickets go on sale in April.
Enjoy an enchanting 45-minute musical performance of carillon bells on a warm summer evening and watch lights illuminate Evening Island. Through a regularly scheduled series of concerts each summer, carillonneurs from around the world delight Garden visitors with the captivating music of the 48-bell Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon. Meet the performers and enjoy a free carillon tour and demonstration before the concert and try a hand at ringing the bells.
Mike and Joe is a modern rock cover band widely regarded by its peers and the industry as one of the very best sounding cover bands in the nation. The set list is a smile inducing mix of rock-pop songs from the 90’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s with a proven audience pleasing track record.
Enjoy an evening in the Park after a day of shopping and dining while in downtown Antioch. Thursdays in Antioch, located at the Brook Bandshell. Call for performance schedule.
Witness artistry and history come to life as the Tempel Lipizzan stallions enchant audiences with their power, intelligence and grace. From the play of newborn foals to the leaps of athletic stallions, the Tempel Lipizzans are an experience for the entire family. This unique performance set to music has become a Lake County favorite. Evening performances are scheduled 6pm for Saturdays June 25, July 16, August 13. Matinee performances are scheduled for 1pm Sundays and Wednesdays, June 19 & 29, July 3,6, 10, 20, 24 & 27 & 31, August 3, 7, 17, 21 & 24 & 28 and September 4, 7 and 11. Enjoy lunch or dinner in the cafe before the show. Save by purchasing tickets in advance. Group rates also available.
Take a look at these majestic creatures in live action below.
Spring has arrived in Lake County, and what better way then to get out and see some of the Fine and Cultural arts we have to offer. Not to mention world class museum exhibits that come through the area is why a weekend in Lake County is ideal for you and the family.
Brad Coleman is a Lake Forest artist whose large scale charcoal drawings focus on serial images that emphasize value, light and shadow, mark making, and repetition. Opening reception will be February 26th from 6pm-8pm. Exhibit runs through March 26th.
Come out to Libertyville for a month long celebration for fine arts. There will be month long art exhibits at the David Adler Music and Arts Center, Civic Center, Studio West store window and throughout downtown Libertyville store windows. The student youth art month Exhibition be held at the David Adler Music & Art Center from March 6th through March 31st.
Celebrate Youth Art Month with selected works from students of Adler, Butterfield, Copeland Manor, Rockland Elementary Schools, Highland Middle School,Oak Grove School and Libertyville High School as they exhibit student work throughout the community. There will be a student exhibition and opening reception at the David Adler Music and Arts Center on March 6th to kick off the celebration! At the opening reception there will be a map to locate the businesses throughout Libertyville who are exhibiting student art work.
Come out and enjoy this beautiful new art exhibit. This exhibition of work by photographer Tobin Fraley explores the wonder that can be found in the every day details of a local natural area. In 36 Acres, Fraley digs deeper into the extraordinary that exists in small spaces by taking an indepth look at the Reed Turner Woodland Nature Preserve in Long Grove, Illinois.
A festival like no other, the 18th Annual Fear No Art festival is a lively celebration featuring a variety of artists performing music, dance and poetry. Adding to the performances is the stunning display of paintings, photography and sculptures by CLC students and community artists.
Mark the calendar today for the 56th Annual Benefit Gala: "Art of Expression." Celebrated arts professionals, leaders and supporters are expected to gather for the highly anticipated annual event, while enjoying fabulous food and entertainment. This year, TAC will present awards to three honorees whose donation and support of the arts help TAC in a meaningful way.
A juried exhibit by current art students at CLC featuring painting, drawing, computer graphics, photography, ceramics, jewelry, digital media and sculpture. Approximately $1,200 will be presented in cash prizes and purchase awards. The Lake County Art League will sponsor two $500 scholarships for art students. Opening reception will be held April 8th from 6pm-8pm.
David Adler, will be transformed into the “A-List Speakeasy,” transporting guests to a fun filled evening featuring fine art, live jazz, delicious food and spirits. Local talent will join together as established area artists donate original works of art to the Silent Art Auction. Paintings, prints, fiber art and more will be featured for guests enjoy.
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the Barrington Art Festival. The festival offers the work of 130 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors and wood. Live music, great food and fun activities for kids make the Barrington Art Festival a perfect family experience!
Join us as we explore the history of restaurants in Grayslake with the opening of a new exhibition, "Food, Family and Tradition: Dining in Grayslake. From past favorites such as the Country Squire, Pratser's Silver Saddle, and Pat's Pizza to the latest dining establishments, this show will leave you hungry for more!
Currently rated as one of the top 100 art festivals in the country, the festival hosts more than 100 juried artists from around the globe. Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to watch the masters at work with art demos and booth chats taking place all weekend long! In addition to the work of the 100 juried artists, festival-goers will have the opportunity to view and purchase works from young artists, ages 18 and under, who participate in the Youth Art Division of the festival taking place on Sunday. In addition to the artwork, festival-goers will enjoy live performances from a variety of musical acts, great food and art activities for kids, including an art scavenger hunt and spin art at the festival and much more!
Fun for the whole family fine art and fine craft events featuring art from across the U.S., live music, catered festival food, kid's art activities and more! Artists representing media such as painting, photography, jewelry, fiber, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics hail from 20 states will be exhibiting.
This newly designed Summer Hand-Crafted Arts and Crafts Faire will feature artisans from around the country. Enjoy more than 140 booths of hand-crafted goods for summer and fall, food and free admission. There will also be plenty of children's free fun including face painting, balloon art and more!
Ever wondered what life was like for children in the past? Growing Up in Lake County shares the everyday and extraordinary stories of children who grew up in the county. Try your hand at living and working on a pioneer homestead. Discover what life was like for a young drummer boy in the Civil War. Learn about the first African-American family to settle in the county. Attend school in a one-room schoolhouse and play as children did over 100 years ago. Through real artifacts, historical accounts and hands-on experiences, children connect the stories of the past to their own lives in this new exhibition for families.
Some of the finest remaining examples of the first ever snowmobiles dating back 92 years will be on display at the Volo Auto Museum. These will be on display through April. Snowmobiles from the 1920's through the 1980's can be seen.
Celebrate spring by writing a seasonal haiku and making a cherry blossom hanging scroll, plus try other hands-on activities like a suminagashi demonstration. Enjoy traditional storytelling and a koto harp performance, and take a walk in the Japanese Garden.
The premise of this Oscar® nominee - a rural village in Mali is forced to adapt when militants begin imposing sharia law - belies its gentle, humane tome. Defying bans on cigarettes, music and football, the town's residents display a quiet, even playful dignity in the face of fundamentalism. When a conflict turns violent, however, a legal nightmare exposes the tragic dimensions underlying the new regime.
Take the giant leap into a surreal world of light, color and motion where thinking stops and astonishment begins. This exhilarating light spectacle uses the dark as the canvas and light as the brush to create colorful illusions. It is an experience that will leave you mesmerized and full of wonder.
Alex just received the bad news that he and his family will have to move. After several unsuccessful attempts to avoid moving, his parents help him understand that home is “where your family is and where you’re with the people who love you best of all."
The basic plot of the play follows the adventures of three Victorian women explorers into what they believe to be Terra Incognita, a new, unexplored land. The three are from very different exploration backgrounds but all exhibit their own form of independence. From the world in general and specifically men. The three together discuss many aspects of their pasts in exploring, with Mary and Fanny frequently trying to outdo each other.
Well winters over and we look forward to warm weather. Spring brings things like warmer weather, melted snow and a slew of 
Holy Toledo Batman! There’s a lot going on outside. As for farmer’s markets around Lake County, we will cover that in a blog closer to the event. One event that everyone’s geeking about is the new ride at Six Flags Great America: Justice League. It’s an interactive ride that was just installed for the start of the season. 
Lake Forest’s Smelt-O-Rama @ Forest Park
Blacklight Run @ Six Flags Great America
Ninth Annual Why I Walk @ Community Action Partnership of Lake County
10th Annual Antioch Art Crawl @ Downtown Antioch
Launch
Dash for the Dogs 5k Run/Walk @ Citizens Park
June 4-5 
Grayslake’s 21st Annual Arts Festival
March 20; 4 p.m. 
Hair Bainger's Ball with Special Guest TNT -@ Austins
April 1; 8 p.m. 
April 6; 7:30 p.m. 
David Sanborn @ Genesee 
Musicians from Ravinia's Steans Music Institute Perform @ Ravinia
May 13; 8 p.m. 
Heart @ Genesee
April 13-June 5 
Barenaked Ladies Last Summer on Earth Tour @ Ravinia
June 19-September 11 
18th Annual Fear No Art Festival @ CLC
April 7 - May 8 
Barrington Art Festival 
Through April 30 
CLC International Film Series Featuring Timbuktu
