THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Countdown to Spring Begins!
We’re at that time of year again where we are teased with spring-like temps, even though it’s still winter in Chicago! But that’s no reason why we can’t begin our countdown to spring!!
I know there are those of you who enjoy the winter but haven’t had much of one this year. However, the 12th annual Polar Adventure Days wraps-up this Saturday at Northerly Island (1400 S. Linn White Dr.). Enjoy all the wonders of nature by touring the new Northerly Island Natural Area. See Siberian huskies, wolves & other live animals, visit the Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation to encounter birds of prey, create nature-inspired winter crafts and sip on hot cocoa as you stroll across the prairie! There’s even raffle prizes and giveaways provided by Coca-Cola!! So, come out and enjoy what’s left of winter!!!
Perhaps you prefer to stay indoors. No problem! Check these events out:
The Watson Adventures’ Mad Science Scavenger Hunt takes place this Saturday (1:00 p.m.) at the Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood. See if you’ve got what it takes to crack the secret code, planted by a mad scientist, as you explore many crazy, amazing, and amusing sights and facts revealed on this madcap tour. These include a World War II German submarine, a vintage 1930’s train, a Boeing 727, the Whispering Gallery, the world’s largest “flapper” machine and much more! You may be surprised to find out how bizarre science really is!!
The 7th annual Chicago Dance Marathon takes place this Saturday (9:00 a.m.) at the Chicago Marriott Downtown (540 N. Michigan Ave.) in the River North neighborhood. This inspirational event raises much-needed funds for the patients of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago with an 8-hour dance marathon, or you can stand with the dancers if dancing is not your thing! You’ll also be entertained and inspired by more than 20 patient families as they cheer you on and share their amazing stories. Who knows, this may very well change your life!!
The Hashbrown Chili Cook-Off & Carnival will be held at the Spudnik Press Cooperative (1821 W. Hubbard St., Ste. 302) in the West Town neighborhood this Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Here’s your opportunity to chow down on all-you-can-eat chili, sweet & savory tamales and more as the competing chefs vie for prizes given for audience and jurors choice! Carnival games, a silent auction and music provided by DJ Pickled Beets round out this cook-off!!
The 3rd annual Frost Fest Craft Beer Festival will be held in a 5,000-square foot heated tent in the heart of the Lakeview community at 800 W. Waveland Ave. this Saturday with two sessions (1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.). On hand will be 50 local brewers serving up their most famous craft beers with attendees being able to sample up to 15 beers at one of the two tasting sessions as well as dance their time away with live music! It’s a winter warm-up as we head into spring with activities for everyone!!
Finally, there’s no better way to begin our countdown to spring than at The Orchid Show this Saturday & Sunday (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – through March 26th) at the Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Rd.) in the northern suburb of Glencoe. This year’s show is taking a playful look at how orchids have influenced and continue to inspire popular culture. And, don’t forget your camera as the striking Phalaenopsis ‘V3’ orchid will be on display, which it rarely is! Also, you won’t want to miss the Garden’s own creations such as a 15’ tall Vanda “wind chime” and more. There’s also an Orchid Marketplace on weekends, Orchid Classes, the Garden Shop where you can purchase several varieties and mini-orchids and the Post-Orchid Show Plant Sale where you can purchase many of the plants displayed in the exhibition at greatly reduced prices!!
Twenty-Three Days Until Spring and Counting!!!
