THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – IT MAY BE SPRING BUT NOT YET!

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – IT MAY BE SPRING BUT NOT YET!

Spring may have "officially" arrived this past Sunday but winter doesn’t seem to want to leave! That’s alright though because Chicagoans don’t let the fact that it’s still cold to hamper their weekends. So here’s what’s happening this last weekend in March albeit cold –

There’s the Maple Syrup Festival in the Forest Glen/Sauganash neighborhoods being held at the North Park Village Nature Center (5801 N. Pulaski Road) this Saturday and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). It’s an annual event where one can learn how to tap trees watch as the sap is boiled and then taste the homemade syrup all while listening to live music and storytelling performances! Someone ought to sell pancakes at this event!!

Next there’s Tom Hanks Day this Saturday from 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Fizz Bar & Grill’s Pub Theater Co. (3220 N. Lincoln Avenue 2^nd Floor) in the Lakeview neighborhood. Now in its 8^th year one can watch films starring Tom Hanks an Academy Awards winning actor which also includes a raffle for Hanks’ memorabilia. This event is held each year the Saturday before April 1^st and was introduced by a few Western Michigan University students.

Then there’s the Red Cross Fundraiser in support of the Japan earthquake and tsunami being held at the Atlantic Bar & Grill (5062 N. Lincoln Avenue) in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. This relief fund party includes a dinner buffet (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) and live music (8:00 p.m.) along with raffles. There’s a $10 minimum donation required however it’s for a great cause and they sure could use the help!

This is your last chance to participate in Wellness Week which ends this Sunday. Dozens of local spas and fitness centers located at various locations throughout the City offer half-price or $50 treatments as well as classes. It’s time to "revitalize" yourself and shed those winter doldrums!

March Madness continues this weekend at these following bars/pubs along with drink- and food-themed specials as well as the ones I listed in my last weekend blog:

• Frontier – 1072 N. Milwaukee Avenue West Town neighborhood
• Mystic Celt – 3443 N. Southport Avenue Lakeview neighborhood
• Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria – 6727 N. Olmsted Avenue Edison Park neighborhood
• The Snuggery – 6733 N. Olmsted Avenue Edison Park neighborhood

Lastly there’s the Big Brothers Big Sisters March Madness Benefit this Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard Street) in the River North neighborhood. Not only will you be snacking on appetizers during the NCAA basketball tournament but you also will have a chance to enter a raffle for Cubs tickets and other prizes as well!

Winter May Overstay It’s Welcome But Not For Long! Will You Let The Cold Stop You?

SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO