SUE MOSS – HERE’S “WHAT’S HAPPENING!” IN AND AROUND CHICAGO THIS WEEKEND

SUE MOSS – HERE’S "WHAT’S HAPPENING!" IN AND AROUND CHICAGO THIS WEEKEND

NEWS AND INFORMATION ON WHAT’S FUN THIS WEEKEND IN AND AROUND CHICAGO!

Now that we have the Wrigley Field Portion of the Crosstown Classic Cubs-White Sox series behind us – BTW the Cubs took this series — the "official" start of summer 2007 will soon be upon us here in Chicago! Do you know what you’ll be doing? Don’t waste one minute of your summer because as all Chicagoans know it doesn’t last too long!! So get out your activity planner – if you don’t have one a piece of paper will do – and let’s begin to have some Hot Fun In The Summer Sun …. (don’t forget your sunscreen!)

According to the meteorological calendar summer begins June 21^st but Memorial Day has always been considered the "official" beginning here in Chicago. To that end the City and its various neighborhoods have a variety of activities planned for the long Memorial Day weekend. For most of us it will begin Saturday May 26^th but for others it will be Friday May 25^th (lucky dogs!) right on through Monday May 28^th.

If you choose to rest this entire weekend then I’ll expect you to join us next week all rested and ready to begin your summer fun. Now for those of us who don’t care if we get any rest or not here’s a few things happening around town this weekend.

Chicago’s 2007 Annual Memorial Day Parade will kick-off at Noon on Saturday May 26^th – State Street from Randolph to Van Buren. Let’s hope the weather cooperates. There are various local neighborhood parades as well so check your local newspapers for more information. (One that immediately comes to mind and is worth a visit is the 44th Annual WOOGMS (Wellington Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society) Parade which kicks off from the corner of Wellington and Pine Grove Avenues in the Lakeview Neighborhood of Chicago on Monday Memorial Day at 11AM. After that parade the famed Jesse White Tumblers perform for free in front of St. Joseph Hospital near the corners of Sheridan Road and Diversey Parkway.

Now if parades aren’t your cup of tea Navy Pier is always a great place to go and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. There are many things to do at the Pier but one of my favorites is the live music performances at the Bud Light Stage which will be going all weekend long. The line-up for Saturday is The Relics (pop rock) at Noon Confinement (blues/soul) at 4:00PM and Vertigo USA (U2 tribute) at 8:00PM. Check-out The Navy Pier website for other weekend performances. And don’t leave too early stick around for Navy Pier’s Memorial Day Celebration Fireworks beginning at 10:15PM on Saturday and 9:30PM on Sunday – always a great time!

Oh I almost forgot the Cubs will be back in town on Memorial Day taking on the Florida Marlins at 1:20PM. What a great way to end your long weekend – taking in a game at Wrigley Field. Whether you’re there for the Cubs or not I can assure you that you’ll have a good time.

Well I hope you’ll partake in at least one activity this great City has to offer over this holiday weekend but remember to stay safe and have lots of fun. I know I will! Also let me know what other fun things and events you have planned for Memorial Day weekend and all summer long in Chicago. I would LOVE to share your comments!

THE DEAN’S TEAM FUN-AND-ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

SUE MOSS