Earth day poster concept.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Celebrating Earth Day!

Earth day poster concept.

As the Earth continues to awaken from its winter hibernation here in Chicago, the city is investing in our planet by celebrating Earth Day with various events to clean up what winter has left behind as well as supporting the environment, all with a little help from its citizens!

Come Celebrate Earth Day with the Chicago Park District by helping to clean and beautify one of Chicago’s 90+ parks this Saturday between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (for most parks).  All Chicagoans are encouraged to come out to their local parks!

Afterwards, continue your Earth Day celebration by attending the Earth Day Action Fair at the Chicago Cultural Center’s 2nd Floor Rotunda (78 E. Washington St.) in The Loop on Saturday (12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.).  Attendees will be able to visit with groups to learn about their work, opportunities, and events.  Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy fellowship with other environmental advocates along with some refreshments, and then attend a film screening about biomimicry after the festivities!

Join one (or both) of Brookfield Zoo’s (8400 W. 31st St.) Earth Day festivities this weekend:

Saturday (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) the Zoo will Party for the Planet in their main parking lot on 31st Street.  Everyone is encouraged to gather their unused electronics, textiles, used books, and any other items, taking up space in your home or garage then disposing of them in an environmentally friendly way.  The website lists what items are acceptable and those that are not.  Come make a difference for the natural world and wildlife by recycling!

Sunday (8 a.m.) the Zoo will host an Earth Day Run – A Run for the Planet.  This non-competitive 2.2-mile fun run of twists and turns through the Zoo during its pre-park hours is geared to participants of all ages providing fun for the whole family to enjoy!  Afterwards, stick around and stroll through the park as you visit with your favorite animals!!

Once you’re done celebrating Earth Day, treat yourself to these non-Earth Day weekend events!

Join Watson Adventures at their Field of Screams Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt at the Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop on Saturday (2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.).  Each team of sleuths will have to crack a hieroglyphic code, question a suspect, and uncover the museum’s secrets to stop the killings of the museum’s staffers.  To assist you in solving this mystery, you’ll search an Egyptian tomb for clues, interrogate spirits of the dead in the South Pacific, barge into a cocktail hour at an African watering hole, and more.  These fun challenges are a great way as well to tour the best of the Field Museum!  Museum admission is included in the price of a ticket, and advanced purchase is required.

The 7th annual Spirits, Cocktails and Wine Festival is being held at Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington Blvd.) in the West Loop on Saturday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.).  Take an afternoon to unwind with some choice libations as dozens of vendors offer wine and liquor tasting sessions.  Spirits brand ambassadors will be on hand to discuss their process as well as demonstrate the art of mixed cocktails.  Enjoy the same experience as visiting a winery from the wine representatives in attendance.  Plus, all non-alcoholic Artisan Chocolate and Specialty samples are complimentary.  Most of all, all proceeds from the tastings will benefit Voice of Care, which helps people with disabilities and their families!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago