An array of fun events brightens the month of March across the western suburbs. The round-up begins with a lecture on saving endangered amphibians.
Alejandro Grajal kicks off a spring lecture series with "It’s Better in the Mud: Saving Endangered Amphibians in South America" at Brookfield Zoo. A fungus is devastating populations of amphibians in South America, and biologists are searching for a solution to save a third of the world’s frogs, toads and salamanders. Grajal, the Chicago Zoological Society’s senior vice president for conservation, education and training, will share his expertise about rescue efforts. Reservations are requested.
Where: Brookfield Zoo Discovery Center, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19
Cost: $13 for zoo members, $16 for nonmembers
Contact: brookfieldzoo.org, 708-688-8000
LIFE OF P.I.E.
Get informed about upcoming events at the sixth annual Parent Information Expo. The Berwyn Park District and South Berwyn School District 100's Wellness Fair present this resource for parents and caregivers. It highlights children’s activities and programs, community services and recreational activities. Enjoy an early-bird, 10-percent discount by registering for any Berwyn Park District program at the expo.
Where: Emerson School Gym, 3105 S. Clinton Ave., Berwyn
When: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Cost: Free
Contact: berwynparks.org, 708-795-2892
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Don’t miss out on the fifth annual family fun night at the La Grange Recreation Center. The action-filled event offers dodgeball, basketball, hockey shot, crafts, a fun jump and playground. A concession stand will provide snacks. All children must have an adult with them, and all guests must pre-register for the event by March 8.
Where: Recreation Center, 536 East Ave., La Grange
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 15
Cost: $3 per child, $1 per adult
Contact: Ross Houston at 708-352-1762 or rosshouston@pdlg.org
LUCKY LEPRECHAUNS
It’s almost time for the four-leaf clovers and the pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow — because St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Head to the La Grange Park District to help find all the missing leprechauns. Crafts and games are in store, and don’t forget to wear green. The event is designed for ages 3 to 6, and is offered cooperatively with Western Springs and La Grange Park.
Where: Recreation Center, 536 East Ave., La Grange
When: 4 to 5:15 p.m. Friday, March 15
Cost: $12 per resident, $16 per nonresident
Contact: Diana Faught at 708-352-1762 or dianafaught@pdlg.org or visit pdlg.org
MAPLE TAPPING PANCAKE PICNIC
Get maple syrup straight from the source at the Morton Arboretum’s Maple Tapping and Pancake Picnic. Families and kids of all ages will hear about the history of maple tapping, and will be able to see how it’s done. Cap the day with an outdoor pancake picnic and maple syrup tasting by a cozy fire.
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, March 2 to 16
Cost: $18 per member, $25 per nonmember
Contact: mortonarb.org/calendar to register or call 630-719-2468
'PETER PAN' BALLET
Captain Hook, Tiger Lily and Tinkerbell are taking a trip to the suburbs in Midwest Ballet Theatre’s “Peter Pan.” The full-length story ballet originally debuted in 1992, choreographed by MBT Artistic Director Mim Eichmann. Since then, it has been performed for thousands of children and their families.
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10
Cost: $15 for adults, $13 for children, students and seniors
Contact: 630-971-9751, midwestballet.org
SPRING FLING BENEFIT
This one is for the ladies —the Junior League of Kane and DuPage Counties presents a Spring Fling luncheon to support literacy programs for at-risk youth. The event will feature a spring market, silent auction and raffles. Prizes include three trips, an iPad3, and a Tory Burch handbag. All proceeds will help community programs. Registration is required before March 3.
Where: Regency Ballroom at the Hilton, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10
Cost: $50, plus $25 per raffle ticket or $70 for three raffle tickets
Contact: 630-405-5969, fundraising@jlkd.org
ART SHOW BLOOMS
The flowers are blooming, and so is the art at the Spring Palette Art Show at the Gregg House Museum’s annual art show. Laura Dieter-Alvear, a local watercolorist, will host the annual event, which will have flowers, birds and landscapes in the forefront. Artists will be present to discuss their work, and art will be for sale.
Where: Gregg House Museum, 117 S. Linden Ave., Westmont
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17
Cost: Free
Contact: 630-969-8080, wpd4fun.org
PROM RESALE
Everyone has that dress or suit lying around that they’ve worn once and will never wear again. That’s where the Hope and Friendship Foundation’s “Give That Dress and Suit Another Night Out” resale and consignment sale comes in. It's another option for those who cannot afford, or would simply rather purchase gently used clothing for prom, graduation, confirmation, communion, Easter, spring formals and other events. Prom dresses at the fifth annual sale cost $20 each. It also offers formal and semi-formal accessories such as shoes, purses and jewelry. Last-minute donations still may be dropped off from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at the church.
Where: Christ Community Church, 13400 Bell Road, Lemont
When: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free admission
Contact: hopeandfriendshipfoundation.com, hopeandfriendship@comcast.net
TASTE OF HOPE
Bring your appetite and dancing shoes to DuPage PADS' seventh annual Taste of Hope. Twenty-five area restaurants will serve samples of their specialties to go along with the music, auction, open bar and wine tasting. CBS 2 reporter David Savini will be master of ceremonies. All proceeds will underwrite programs that provide housing and support services such as education and employment for the homeless in DuPage County.
Where: Abbington Banquets, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn
When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Cost: $75 per person
Contact: 630-682-3846, dupagepads.org
'ALADDIN' PERFORMANCE
The Disney classic “Aladdin” comes to life in Wheaton Academy’s production of “Aladdin Jr.,” announces the Carol Stream Park District. Flying carpets, magic and songs such as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me” will keep audience members on the edge of their seats.
Where: Wheaton Academy, 900 Prince Crossing Road, West Chicago
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16
Cost: $8.50 per person
Contact: csparks.org, 630-784-6100
DOGGIE EGG HUNT
Everyone loves hunting for Easter eggs, so why can’t your dog join in too? Bring your four-legged friend along to find doggie-treat-filled eggs. Be sure to dress your dogs in their best spring bonnets so they can join the parade. A brave bunny will jump into the day's festivities, so families can take photos. Be sure to bring your camera. All dogs must be secured on a 6-foot leash.
Where: Bark Park, Kuhn Road and North Avenue, Carol Stream
When: 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24
Cost: $2 for residents, $3 for nonresidents
Contact: csparks.org, 630-784-6100
'GREASE' IS THE WORD
Paying homage to the early spirit of rock 'n' roll are the South Elgin High School students putting on the musical "Grease." Local leads include Joelle Kasprisin of Bartlett as Sandy, Nick LaMore of Streamwood as Danny, and Bradley Smith of Wayne as Kenickie. Students are from a variety of communities, including West Chicago. Parents will staff an Ice Cream Parlor between Saturday’s matinee and evening shows.
Where: 760 E. Main St., South Elgin
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 28 and March 1, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors
Contact: Carrie Crowe at 847-289-3760, Ext. 3409, or carriecrowe@u-46.org to purchase tickets in advance
FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT
Join the Glen Ellyn Park District for this unusual spin on an Easter egg hunt — it's set in the dark. With no school on Friday, Thursday is the perfect night for ages 7 to 12 to head out to Lake Ellyn and search for the hidden Easter eggs filled with candy and toys. Find the “special egg” and you could receive a prize basket. Be sure to bring your own flashlight to make the hunting easier.
Where: Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn
When: 8:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 28
Cost: $6 for residents, $9 for nonresidents
Contact: gepark.org, 630-858-2462
JELLY BEAN CONTEST
Guess the right number of jellybeans and you could be a winner just in time for Easter. There will be a jar full of jellybeans at both the Spring Avenue and Main Street recreation centers. Winners will be notified to claim their prize by Friday, March 29. Prizes will be awarded to the two participants who come closest to the exact count.
Where: Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Ave., Glen Ellyn, and Main Street Recreation Center, 501 Hill Ave., Glen Ellyn
When: March 18 to 28
Cost: Free
Contact: gepark.org, 630-858-2462
ST. PADDY'S DAY PARADE
Don’t miss the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Elmhurst, one of the region's largest. The 17th annual parade will feature Benny the Bull, Southpaw, clowns and the world’s largest drum. Of course, there also will be the traditional Irish dancers, leprechauns, jugglers, bagpipers and marching bands. Be sure to get there early for a good view of the floats. Musicians warm up the crowd starting at 11 a.m. before the parade steps off at noon.
Where: Downtown Elmhurst on Spring Road
When: Noon Saturday, March 9
Cost: Free
Contact: 630-834-0300, elmhurststpatsparade.com
EGG COLORING CLASS
Kids add a bright touch to Easter preparations by attending Villa Park’s "Egg Coloring" class, offered through the Park District. It will show how to use various materials to create colorful eggs to take home for an at-home egg hunt. Different classes are available for ages 3 to 5 or 6 to 12. Hop on over and show your artistic side.
Where: Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa Ave., Villa Park
When: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Cost: $10 for residents, $13 for nonresidents
Contact: vprd.org, 630-834-8970
'PAINT OUT!'
Looking for a fun night out with your friends? The Elmhurst Art Museum unveils a “Paint Out!” class that includes complimentary wine and chocolates catered by Elmhurst’s CHOW. By the end of the evening, you’ll have a painting pretty enough to land a spot on your wall at home to go hand-in-hand with a night to remember. All skill levels are welcome, and all materials are provided. Advance registration is required.
Where: Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 15
Cost: $38
Contact: 630-834-0202, elmhurstartmuseum.org
ENCHANTED CASTLE BREAK
Spring break can get boring for kids really quickly, so it's a good thing Enchanted Castle has a solution: unlimited rides and attractions. The day pass will offer indoor fun with go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, kids quest, mini golf and inflatables. Take advantage of the all-day activities with your friends. The offer includes a mini pizza and soft drink.
Where: Enchanted Castle, 1103 S. Main St., Lombard
When: All day March 25 to April 1
Cost: $24.95, plus tax
Contact: enchanted.com, 630-953-7860
'GIVE ME CANDY DAY'
Who doesn’t like candy? Everyone can get their fill at the Addison Public Library’s "Give Me Candy Day." With sweet, sour, bitter and salty candy, everyone will be able to explore the world of sweets through crafts, stories and games. Registration begins March 16, and all participants must have an Addison Library Card. Bring your sweet tooth.
Where: Addison Public Library, 4 Friendship Plaza, Addison
When: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30
Cost: Free
Contact: addisonlibrary.org, 630-543-3617
COOK UP ICE CREAM
Usher in thoughts of warm weather and a taste of summer at the Villa Park Public Library’s “Let’s Cook: Ice Cream and Toppings” event. Chef Kate Bradley will demonstrate how to prepare French vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, strawberry toppings and chocolate waffles. Learn the recipes and impress your friends. All participants must be 9 or older. Registration is required.
Where: Ohrman Room, Villa Park Library, 305 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park
When: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26
Cost: $3 tasting fee
Contact: vppl.info, 630-834-1164
DSO TO BLEND MOZART, HUMOR
The DuPage Symphony Orchestra presents a light-hearted afternoon of chamber music. In a program of almost entirely Mozart compositions, the DSO begins and ends the concert with a touch of musical humor, spotlighting the talents of three DSO musicians in between. A reception follows.
Where: First United Methodist Church, 155 S. Main St., Lombard
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for students
Contact: www.dupagesymphony.org, 630-778-1003
