THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Taking a Leap Towards Spring!

We’re closing out another winter month as we take a leap towards spring this weekend with the following events!

The Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) will be held at McCormick Place, South Building (2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday. Stocked with mountains of books and merchandise, this comic and pop culture convention spans the latest and greatest from the world of comics, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. From a show floor packed with top exhibitors to autograph sessions to panels to screening room exclusives, there’s something for everyone. You’ll even have a chance to meet your favorite creators, actors, and artists. Guests like Matt Smith (Doctor Who), William Shatner (Star Trek), Ivy Doomkitty (Heroes of Cosplay), and many others will be signing autographs and participating in panels. Epic memories and awesome friendships await you! Enjoy a weekend that is all about you!!

The Old Crow Smokehouse (149 W. Kinzie St.) in the River North neighborhood will be hosting a Country Day Party on Saturday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.). Your ticket includes a two-hour brunch buffet (12 p.m.-2 p.m.), three hours of beer, bloody marys, and mimosas (12 p.m.-3 p.m.), a live performance by Rendition (1 p.m.-4 p.m.), giveaways and more! So, come decked out in your cowboy boots and daisy dukes for the best country day party at the best country bar in River North!!

Thousands of brave souls will be partaking in Sunday’s Chicago Polar Plunge at North Avenue Beach (1601 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood benefitting Special Olympics Chicago! All are welcome to join in whether you go knee-deep, waist-high, or take the full plunge. You can plunge as an individual with the other supporters, join a team, or create your own team. Be sure to invite friends, family, and even co-workers to make the splash with you, or just to support you. Also, shoes are required to plunge, and don’t forget to bring a bag with warm, dry clothing and even an extra towel or two. There’s even a costume contest if you wish to dress-up. Afterward, enjoy the Meltdown Party featuring food, a cash bar, music, and heaters. Stop by the Olympic Village as well where you can take photos at their selfie stations, check out athlete artwork from Envisions artists, buy sweet treats from Misericordia, and more. Will you be a plunger this weekend?

Golf season will be here before you know it, so why not take a leap over to the Chicago Golf Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 River Rd.) in Rosemont on Saturday and Sunday. This show features a free Demo Days area where you can see and swing this year’s newest golf equipment; get a free round of golf courtesy of GolfVisions; take one-on-one full swing and putting lessons from the pros; get up close and personal with top PGA pros and golf celebrities; receive special show offers on balls, gloves, shoes, and other golf apparel and equipment; get discounted rounds for the season at area golf courses and even plan your golf vacations at hundreds of resort destinations! Chicagoland area golfers know that this is the only show to get everything they need for the first tee time of the season!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago