SEPTEMBER 2008
June - December 14
ON THE ROAD WITH THE ELLWOODS
Ellwood House Museum Visitors Center, 509 North First Street, DeKalb
A new special exhibit at the Ellwood House Museum Visitor Center. Come see the automobile in the life of an American family 1900-1940.
815-756-4609
www.ellwoodhouse.org

September-Labor Day Weekend
SHANNON HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
Shannon
Come to Shannon to celebrate Labor Day the old-fashioned way.
815-864-2111

September 1
ANNUAL PAW PAW HOMECOMING DAY
Downtown Paw Paw
This down-home friendly celebration lasts all day and features a parade at 10am, games, barbecue, tractor pull,antique car show and craft show.
815-627-9331

September 3-7
DEKALB COUNTY FAIR
Route 34, south of DeKalb, Sandwich
An old-fashioned agricultural fair held annually during the week after Labor Day, this event is the last county fair in northern Illinois, and the oldest continuous fair in the Midwest.
815-756-6361
www.sandwichfair.com

September 5
ANNUAL OLD FARMIN' DAYS 2008
Ward-View Farm, 1171 Rockton Road, Caledonia
Take a step back in time and see how farming was done in the good old days. Watch demonstrations of horse and tractor powered implements, stroll through the antique barn, visit the petting zoo or go for a wagon ride. Over 100 antique tractors on display.
815-389-9191

September 5
ANNUAL CARS UNDER THE STARS
Downtown Riverwalk, Houston Street, Batavia
The Batavia Jaycees are proud to continue their tradition of free community cruse nights to bring car cruisers and car enthusiasts to the beautiful downtown Riverwalk. Trophies are given out at every cruise night, and often times the Jaycees will have a donation jar available to help those in need locally, or for a national cause.
630-761-2978
www.bataviajaycees.org

September 5-6
BROADWAY BOUND AUDITIONS
Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 North Church Street, Rockford
Broadway Bound is a lively and energetic youth vocal ensemble of the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center for students 13-18. Members will perform in Rockford College's fully professional Maddox Theater, receive complimentary student tickets for Mendelssohn and Rockford College performances, have the opportunity to audition for Rockford College musicals, and so much more!
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

September 6
BATAVIA MAIN STREET HOUSE WALK
Downtown Batavia
Visit the exquisitely unique homes of Batavia, see historic homes from the 1800s to todays contemporary flare. Batavia's House Walk has something for everyone of all ages.
630-761-3528
www.downtownbatavia.com

September 6
BRICK STREET DAY
Throughout Mt. Carroll
Come to historic Mt. Carroll and stroll our brick streets while enjoying sidewalk sales, food vendors, crafters, kids games, farmers market, community wide garage sales and a huge classic car, motorcycle and tractor show.
815-244-CALL
www.mount-carroll.il.us

September 6
CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY
Arranmore Farm, Oswego
6th Annual Polo Event sponsored by the Oswego Rotary Club. World class polo players will compete in an exhibition match. Other activities include tailgate parties, dinner, dancing with a live band and a silent auction.
630-554-4400
www.oswegorotaryclub.org

September 6
INTRODUCTIONS TO FLIGHT
Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
This program is held on Saturday mornings twice a year and is available for youth 10-17 years old. It includes a tour of the Springfield Hanger to view current restoration projects, a ground school class on the Theory of Flight, and a hands on preflight of a general aviation aircraft. Following this, each youth receives an introductory flight, weather permitting.
815-547-3115
www.wingsandwheelsmuseum.org

September 7
GRAND DETOUR FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
John Deere Historic Site, 8393 South Main, Grand Detour
The John Deere Historic Site at Grand Detour, Illinois is home to this popular event, which will feature work from over 45 talented artists. Exhibited works include paintings, graphics, sculptures, jewelry, photography, drawings and artisan crafts. Enjoy the art show, food, and music.
815-652-4551
www.johndeereattractions.com

September 7
WOOD SONG - MUSIC IN THE GARDEN (Reptile Palace Orchestra)
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Warm breezes, flowers in bloom, a sumptuous picnic supper, plus great live musical entertainment...it's the perfect summer evening. Gates open at 4pm. Concerts start at 6pm. Series of 4 concerts $55 ($45 for klehm members) or individual concerts $18 ($15 for klehm members), under 16 FREE.
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

September 7-13
ILLINOIS GREAT RIVERS RIDE
Along a 400-mile stretch of the Rock, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers
Participate in the Illinois Great Rivers Ride and enjoy the scenic beauty and attractions.  A non-competitive, week-long ride offers a range of one-of-a-kind experiences as it travels through southern Illinois, making many stops along the way for bikers to discover Illinois' rich treasures.
877-477-7007
www.illinoisgreatriversride.com

September 7, 14, 21, 28
HARVEST LUNCHES
Based at either the Learn Great Foods kitchen on the historic Campbell Center Campus in Mt. Carroll or Brightflower Nursery in Stockton, guests will cook a harvest meal and tour on organic farm. Sundays from 12-6pm.
866-240-1650 or contact@learngreatfoods.com
www.learngreatfoods.com

September 10-13
PUNKIN CHUCKIN
Uhlman Family Farm, Springfield & Allentown Roads, Morton
Annual contest of pumpkin throwing held in Morton, Illinois, Pumpkin capital of the world.
309-266-5135
www.pumpkincapital.com

September 12-14
FESTIVAL OF THE VINE
State and Fourth Street, Geneva
Savor the flavor of Geneva during our Autumn harvest celebration. Autumn harvest is celebrated food as Geneva's restaurants create a "smorgasbord" of specialities all under a grand outdoor tent. The event also includes wine tastings, grape stomping, a flower market, a craft and gorgeous gourds show, carriage rides first rate musical entertainment and kids events.
630-232-6060
www.genevachamber.com

September 12 & 26
FRIDAY NIGHT WINE DOWN
Prairie State Winery, 217 West Main Street, Genoa
Join us the second and fourth Friday of each month for wine, live music, nosh and merriment. No reservations needed byt seating is limited. From 5-8:30pm.
815-784-4540

September 13
GREENWICH VILLAGE ART FAIR
Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main, Rockford
More than 100 fine artists from around the country display their work in Rockford Art Museum's 59th annual juried show. Enjoy gourmet food, drinks, and music outside on the grounds of the Riverfront Museum Park.
815-968-2787

September 13
SYCAMORE BLOCK PARTY
Downtown Sycamore
Free community event. Come enjoy games, prizes, pony rides, petting zoo, kids parade, blow-up fair, dress-up photos, climbing wall and a concert by Red Woody. Spend the night at these participating hotels and use the code "WIN 815" to receive a discount. Americas Best Value Inn (Sycamore) 815-899-6500, Best Western (DeKalb) 815-758-8661, Holmes Student Center (DeKalb) 815-753-1444, Comfort Inn (Sycamore) 815-895-4979, and Super 8 Motel (DeKalb) 815-748-4688.
888-828-4FUN
www.sycamorechamber.com

September 13
SUMMERFIELD FARM & ZOO EVENT
3088 Flora Road, Belvidere
Come to Summerfield Farm & Zoo for one of their open to the public events. Tour all the exotic animals including Kinkajous, Llamas, Parrots, Wallabies, Reindeer, Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Cougar, Camel, Hedgehogs, Servals, Bobcats, Tortoises and other animals from around the world. Open from 10am to 5pm on select days only. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds go to the animals.
815-547-4852
www.summerfieldfarminc.com

September 13
BIG HAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 Route 76, Belvidere
Big Hat World Championship Rodeo Co. will be making a second visit to Belvidere.  New rodeo acts, clowns, etc.
815-332-2010

September 13-14
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEADOWDALE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAYS
Raceway Woods, IL Route 31 & Huntley Road, west of Carpentersville
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first race there will be a reunion of old cars and veteran drivers, with speakers and videos, displays, rides on the circuit, and many photo opportunities. All are invited.
815-434-9882
www.meadowdaleraceway.homestead.com

September 13-14
MUSEUM SHOWCASE WEEKEND
Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union
See and ride some of the less frequently run equipment at IRM as we honor the members who make the museum work. Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities.
815-923-4000
www.irm.org

September 14
DEKALB KITE FEST
Northern Illinois University Campus, corner of Lucinda & Kishwaukee Avenue, DeKalb
Enjoy a fun-filled day of kite flying with the entire family from 11am to 4 pm. Professional kite-flyers and builders will be there with kites over 100 feet in length. See the barrel kite that is five stories high and 50 feet across. There are fighting kites, dancing kites, and show kites that will fill the skies of DeKalb. Children can make or bring their own kite to fly. Games and other activities. Bring chairs and enjoy. Event is free. May be a minimum fee for parking. Spend the night at these participating hotels and use the code "WIN 815" to receive a discount. Americas Best Value Inn (Sycamore) 815-899-6500, Best Western (DeKalb) 815-758-8661, Holmes Student Center (DeKalb) 815-753-1444, Comfort Inn (Sycamore) 815-895-4979, and Super 8 Motel (DeKalb) 815-748-4688
877-DEKALB1
www.dekalbareacvb.com

Mid-September - October 31
THE PUMPKIN PATCH CORN MAZE
3178 Route 173, Caledonia
An ideal family outing for fall! Explore two miles of trails, turns, deadends and U-turns at this newly designed six-acre corn maze (assistance available). Then stop by the Pumpkin Patch for a bite to eat at the Goblin Grill.
815-765-2587

September 19
BLUES AND BLUEGRASS
H.I.Lincoln Building, 136 North Elm Street, Franklin Grove
Open stage. Acoustic music including gospel, folk, country, blues, bluesgrass, etc. Always third Friday of the month. Free admission, donations accepted.
815-456-3030
www.franklingroveil.org

September 19
DOUG MONTGOMERY, PIANO
Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford Street, Rockford
Back by popular demand...Doug Montgomery has been entertaining fans around the world for over 3 decades. This world-renowned pianist and vocalist from the famous Vanessie Piano Bar in Santa Fe will be joined by surprise celebrity vocalists. Light buffet and cash bar.
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

September 19 - October 5
PEC PLAYHOUSE THEATRE "CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN"
Pecatonica Playhouse Theatre, 314 Main Street, Pecatonica
Take an unusually large houseful of energetic children, one dad who is an efficiency expert and a teenage daughter who has grown up faster than Dad realizes, mix with love and laughter and you have a classic, unforgettable show the entire family will love.
815-239-1210

September 20
DOUG MONTGOMERY: MENDELSSOHN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BENEFIT
Home of Margaret and John Kleber, 6352 Portofino Court, Rockford
Doug Montgomery has been entertaining fans around the world for over 3 decades. This world-renowned pianist and vocalist from the famous Vanessi Piano Bar in Santa Fe will be joined by surprise celebrity vocalists.
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

September 20
AUTUMN IN THE GROVE
Various location in Franklin Grove
Step back in time as you exit the free shuttle bus to the Nachusa Grasslands, Franklin Creek Grist Miss, Chaplin Creek Historic Village, and the Lincoln Building.  Wander a prairie, experience a working gristmill, explore a restored village, and visit the National Headquarters for the Lincoln Highway Association.
815-456-3030
www.chaplincreek.com

September 20-21
VINTAGE ILLINOIS WINE FESTIVAL
Starved Rock State Park, Utica
Vintage Illinois, an annual collaborative wine tasting event hosted by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association and Starved Rock State Park, showcases some of the finest wineries in the beautiful setting of Starved Rock State Park. Call for a complete schedule of events or visit our website.
815-784-4540
www.vintageillinois.com

September 20-21
PEC THING-ANNUAL FLEA MARKET AND ANTIQUES SALE
Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 5000 West First Street, Pecatonica
This is the ultimate antique flea market! Imagine! A fairgrounds full of items! More than 400 dealers arranged in 5 enclosed buildings plus 2 sheds and acres of outside grounds. Concessions by local civic organizations.
815-239-1641

September 20 - October 12
APPLEFEST
Royal Oak Farm Orchard, 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard
Applefest weekends feature live entertainment, home cooked food, apple cider slushees, apple picking, hayrides, train rides, carousel rides, petting zoo, face painting, and much more for the entire family. You will not want to miss what we have in store for you.
815-648-4141
www.royaloakfarmorchard.com

September 20 - October 26
SHADES OF AUTUMN
Stade Dairy Farm, 3709 W. Miller Road, McHenry
A wonderful fall tradition for the family.  Enjoy nature's bounty during the most beautiful tim of the year.  Free hayrides to pick your pumpkin.  Petting zoo, pumpkin cannon, live entertainment, etc.  Saturdays and Sundays only.
815-675-6396
www.stadedairyfarm.com

September 21
JACK HANNA PRESENTED BY THE MIDWEST MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Jack Hanna and his animal friends return for two performances at two locations. The first will be at the Sycamore High School Auditorium at 12pm and the second will be in at the Boone County Community Building in Belvidere at 5pm. Both performances hosted by the Midwest Museum of Natural History in Sycamore. Tickets for the Sycamore show area available at the museum at 425 West State Street in Sycamore or by calling 815-895-9777, and tickets for the Belvidere show are available by calling 815-547-5307. Get your tickets early as these performances are expected to sell out.
815-895-9777
www.mmnh.org

September 21
OLD FASHIONED HARVEST FEST AND FAIR ON THE SQUARE
Downtown Woodstock Square, Cass & Van Buren Streets, Woodstock
A day long celebration, the HarvestFest features a farmer's market, old-time craftspeople including weavers, spinners and quilters, vintage farm equipment, blacksmithing, woodworking, wagon rides, childrens activities and a fiddlers contest for youth and adults. Also, the Fair in the Square craft show featuring crafters from all over the midwest will sell their original, hand-crafted wares.
815-338-2436

September 24-28
ANNUAL GRUNDY COUNTY CORN FESTIVAL
Downtown Morris
Parade, food, crafts, activities for all, farm fair, entertainment and more.
815-942-2676
www.cornfestival.org

September 26
BILL ENGVALL AT NIU'S CONVOCATION CENTER
1525 West Lincoln Highway, DeKalb
Catch "blue collar" comedian Bill Engvall at 7:30pm at the Convocation Center on Northern Illinois University's campus.
815-752-6800
www.niuconvo.com

September 26-28
NATIONAL SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
Presented by Chicago international Trucks; three huge days of racing in the annual National Short Track Championships, featuring top drivers from throughout the region, including Canada in every major class of short track racing.
815-633-1500
www.rockfordspeedway.com

September 27
JOHNNY APPLESEED FESTIVAL
Downtown Crystal Lake
An all day event which brings visitors together to celebrate fall. Meet Johnny Appleseed! Enjoy pony and wagon rides, a craft fair and farmers market, plus games and food.
815-479-0835
www.downtowncl.org

September 27
DIXONS 13TH ANNUAL SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Downtown Dixon
Come to the historic downtown Dixon area on Saturday for Art on the Square, scarecrow decorating contest, progressive restaurant walk, pumpkin painting, food, street performers, bean bag tournament, kiddy water fight, and more.
815-288-2308

September 27-28
STILLMAN VALLEY FALL FESTIVAL
Downtown Stillman Valley
Celebrating its 71st year. Great fun for all ages and prizes awarded to winners. Other events include a fireworks show on Friday evening, Antique Tractor & Steam Engine Show, baking contest, car show, craft show, flea market, horticulture show, musical entertainment, parade, quilt show, talent show, and more.
www.stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com

September 27-28
WWII DAYS
Midway Village Musuem, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Join the action! Meet over 800 re-enactors, witness battlefield battles every day, experience skirmishes in the village and visit realistic encampments. Call or visit our website for a complete schedule of events.
815-397-9112
www.midwayvillage.com

September 27-28
WWII DAYS FLY-IN
Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, Poplar Grove
This is a collaborative event between Midway Village Museum and Wings and Wheels Museum to honor those who fought in WWII. At Midway Village you will see re-enactments of WWII. After the re-enactment at Midway Village Museum, you can visit Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum in Poplar Grove to see the L-bird airplanes that took part in the re-enactment and talk to their pilots.
815-547-3115
www.wingsandwheelsmusuem.org

September 27-28
AUTUMN PIONEER FESTIVAL
Boone County Conservation District, 603 North Appleton Road, Belvidere
Belvidere's Autumn Festival re-lives the 1800s with blacksmithing demos, open-fire pottery making, Native American lore, a Civil War encampment and an 1830s log cabin. Watch as soap, apple butter and sauerkraut are made. Have a taste of buffalo stew and other traditional pioneer culinary fare.
815-547-7935

September 28
36th ANNUAL ANTIQUE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL Route 76, Belvidere
One of the largest motorcycle shows around! All stock cycles, 25 years old or older. Antique bike and parts flea market. Show runs from 8am to 4pm.
815-229-0382
www.macmc.org

September 28
SANDWICH ANTIQUES MARKET
Sandwich Fairgrounds
Come to the Sandwich Antiques Market, held monthly from April to October from 8am to 4pm. The focus is on complete range of antiques and collectibles from the 19th & 20th centuries. All items must be at least 20 years old and have some artistic or monetary value. This one-day summer market features quality exhibitors and is held at the park-like Sandwich Fairgrounds, with its beautiful 100-year-old trees and plenty of places to sit and rest. Located 60 miles west of Chicago just off US 34 .
815-786-3337
www.antiquemarkets.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

September 15
DISCOVER SYCAMORE BLOCK PARTY
Historic Downtown Sycamore
Enjoy a kids' parade, games, petting zoo, food, live music and much more at the Discover Sycamore Block Party.  Held in historic downtown Sycamore, this annual event packs a lot of fun for the whole family.
888-828-4FUN

September 15-16
OSWEGO DRAG STRIP DAYS
Main Street, Oswego
Hosted by the Village of Oswego, the second annual Drag Strip Days is sure to be a racing success! Vintage cars, food and entertainment.
630-554-4431

September 16
COUNTRY MEADOW CRAFT SHOW
Peterson Park and McCullom Lake, McHenry
Fine arts and crafts from artists and families. Will also include a Farmers Market, Antique Road Show Appraisals, and Vendor Fair and Antique Dealers.
815-385-4300

September 16
SKI JUMPING TOURNAMENT
Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove
Ski Jumping tournament from 70 metre high scaffold on the 3rd Sunday of January and the 3rd Sunday of September.  Skiers from the U.S. and several foreign countries compete.
847-639-9718

September 18
OFF SQUARE MUSIC PRESENTS "PIPER ROAD SPRING BAND"
Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean Street, Woodstock
Performing for 30 years, they play Bluegrass in a special way.
815-338-5164
www.offsquaremusic.org

September 21-23
SEPTEMBER FEST
St. Mary School Campus, 210 Gurler Road, DeKalb
Annual event held at St. Mary Parish in DeKalb.
www.stmaryseptemberfest.com

September 22
SAFETY DAY CAMP
Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau, Elizabeth
Children from 6-12 learn more about safety in your home and on the farm. Parents welcome to attend with their children.
815-858-2235

September 26
TASTE OF SANDWICH
Railroad Street, downtown Sandwich
Sandwich Fest Sampler and Car Show in downtown Sandwich from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
815-786-7380

September 27
ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS
4 locations in Sandwich
4 different locations, including the Sandwich Fair Grounds, Downtown, Indian Springs Shopping Center, and Willow Crest Nursing Pavilion.
815-498-9688 or 815-786-2518 or 630-552-4401 or 815-786-8426

September 28-30
OKTOBERFEST AT THE DOLE
401 Country Club Road, Dole Mansion, Crystal Lake
Come enjoy a genuine Oktoberfest at the historic Dole Mansion.
815-455-8000

September 29
2ND ANNUAL MOUNTED SHOOTING COMPETITION
Sandy Pine Elk Farm, Deer Grove
The Silver Lining Herbs Shootout consists of 10 teams-20 riders all competing for top cash prizes and giveaway of 2 colt firearms. This will be observation only for spectators, no entry fee. The corn maze will Be closed this day due to the horse traffic. For more information on the Event or fall festivities here at the farm please contact us.
815-438-2463


SEPTEMBER 2009


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