Sign Up Today for
Your 2008 Walk or Ride T-Shirt!
With the second annual Walk or
Ride rescheduled for Saturday, October 18th,
we
want to ensure you receive the right size long sleeve t-shirt.
If you sign up for the event by Sunday, September 21st we can
guarantee you receive the correct size t-shirt. Otherwise
t-shirts sizes will be on a first come first serve basis on the
day of the event.
The I&M Canal Walk or Ride is a
special event organized by the nonprofit Canal Corridor
Association to feature the great recreational opportunities and
other attractions in the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor.
The event is generously underwritten by Hayes Mechanical.
“This
is a great way to showcase the scenery and charm of the I&M
Canal” said Ana Koval, president and CEO of Canal Corridor
Association. “It’s also a chance to meet and greet your friends
and neighbors while enjoying the outdoors on a fall morning.”
The
non-competitive Walk or Ride begins at 8 am and ends at noon in
Canalport Park, Morris, Illinois. Choose from a 1- to 5-mile
walk or a 10- to 25-mile bike ride. Walkers will head west on
the I&M Canal State Trail; bicyclists will ride east. All will
meet back at the park to celebrate afterwards with music and
refreshments. Prizes
will be awarded for the largest teams and the biggest
fundraisers.
It’s easy to join
the fun. Just go to the Canal Corridor Association website,
www.canalcor.org,
to sign up and pledge. Registration is $20 per person for adults
and $10 per person for children under 12. Why not invite your
friends, family and colleagues and form a team? You and your
teammates can take care of everything online.
Volunteers are
welcome, too. You can help with setup the day before the event
and/or with a variety of day-of-event activities, including
registration, distributing water on the trail to walkers and
riders, goodie bag distribution and more. Volunteer online at
the I&M Canal Walk or Ride website.
A fall
morning... Friends and family… A historic waterway ... Come
celebrate the I&M Canal!
Event details:
When:
Saturday, October 18
Volunteer check-in:
7:30-8:00 am
Registration:
8:00-9:00 am
Bikers Start:
8:30 am
Walkers Start:
9:00 am
Celebration & refreshments 11:00 am -
noon
Where: Canalport
Park, adjacent to downtown Morris, three blocks west of IL-47.
(Exit I-80 at Morris, take IL-47 south to Illinois Avenue, turn
right, 3 blocks to park)
Who: Hosted
by Canal Corridor Association and benefiting the I&M Canal
National Heritage Corridor. Underwritten by Hayes Mechanical.
Why: To
promote the rich history and recreational opportunities in and
along the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor
Info: www.canalcor.org
or 815-588-1100
Autumn
Dinner & A Lecture Series
The Gaylord Building Historic
Site announces the autumn 2008 sessions of the Dinner & A
Lecture series.
The fall sessions begin with
Building the Exotic: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Maya
Influence on Thursday, October 9, 2008. Through his
encounter with the reproduced Maya structures at the World's
Columbian Exposition, Frank Lloyd Wright became familiar with a
style of ornament that would enter his architectural design in
the ensuing years. Mr. Brian Reis will investigate the Chicago
Exposition, the Maya reproductions installed there, and the
buildings that Mr. Wright designed using the Maya ruins as
inspiration. Brian Reis is Assistant Curator of the Frank Lloyd
Wright Preservation Trust.
The second session will be held
on Thursday, November 13, 2008, and is titled Amusements
in the Heritage Corridor. Every year millions of
Americans are thrilled by rollercoasters, ferris wheels,
merry-go-rounds and other rides at the countless amusement parks
across the nation. Some parks have been lost to history while
others continue to thrive. Join Mr. Stan Barker as he takes a
nostalgic look at the current and defunct amusement parks
located within the I & M Canal National Heritage Corridor, such
as Lockport’s own Dellwood Park.
Stan Barker is Archivist of the
National Amusement Park Historical Association.
The final session of the autumn
series is Candy and Chocolate in Northern Illinois
on Thursday, December 11, 2008. This will be a sweet affair as
we discover the history and scrumptious delights of candy and
chocolates made in the Chicago metropolitan region. This tasty
program will be presented by Mr. Edmond F. Opler III, President
& CEO of World’s Finest Chocolate.
Mr. Opler’s program is the
third session of the Dinner & A Lecture
The Dinner & A Lecture series
is held monthly at the Gaylord Building (200 W. 8th St.,
Lockport, IL) and catered by the Public Landing Restaurant.
Festivities begin at 6:00 pm with a cash-bar reception followed
by dinner at 6:30 pm, and the lecture at 7:30 pm. The program
fee, which includes dinner, is $31 for members of the Canal
Corridor Association and National Trust for Historic
Preservation or $37 for non-members. Registration discounts are
available for the entire autumn series (October, November, and
December). Reservations are required for all sessions. Please
call 815.588.1100 to register and for additional information.
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Last Home
Matches of 2008
The Lockport Sleepers Base Ball
Club will host the Iron Diamonds of Portage, Indiana, and the
Regulators of Creston, Illinois, in the Sleepers’ last home
games of the season. The vintage base ball matches are
scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2008, beginning at
12:00pm/noon, and will be played on “Sleepers Field” at Dell
Park Avenue and Lois Avenue in Dellwood Park, Lockport,
Illinois. Public admission is free. This will be the public’s
last chance in 2008 to experience the national pastime on
Sleepers Field as it was play before the American Civil War.
The day’s activities will also
include a special performance by the Brass Ensemble of the South
West Community Band. The musical troop will perform both period
music as well as some baseball favorites.
This round robin of vintage
base ball matches will be the second time the Sleepers and
Creston Regulators have met in 2008. The Regulators and
Sleepers met at the Downers Grove Classic Vintage Base Ball
Tournament on June 8th with the Regulators winning 14
to 9. The Lockport Sleepers will meet the Regulators one more
time on September 28th in Creston.
The Portage Iron Diamonds
previously hosted the Lockport Sleepers on May 31st
with the Sleepers edging out the Iron Diamonds 4 to3. The
Sleepers currently have a winning season with 12 wins and 5
losses, most recently defeating the Blue Stockings 7 to 1 in
Somonauk on August 24th.
The Lockport Sleepers BBC is an
educational program of the Gaylord Building, a National Trust
Historic Site managed by the Canal Corridor Association. For
additional information about the Sleepers or the Gaylord
Building, please call 815.588.1100 or go online to
http://www.canalcor.org/gaylord/index.html.
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Historic Site Volunteers Needed
The Gaylord
Building Historic Site played a vital role in one of the great
enterprises of the 19th century: the Illinois &
Michigan Canal. A landmark since 1838, its many tenants and
uses exemplify the canal’s commercial success as the key to
mastery of the American mid-continent. This handsome limestone
warehouse originally stored canal construction materials and
later housed a variety of commercial ventures. Today it is a
national example of adaptive re-use and serves as a gateway to
the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor.
Individuals can
now help preserve and promote this unique historic site. The
Gaylord Building needs assistance with a variety of activities,
including visitor services, guided tours, educational programs,
exhibitions, building maintenance, and gardening. Volunteer
hours are flexible, depending upon each individual’s
availability. Experience is not necessary, but training will be
provided to ensure an enjoyable and beneficial volunteer
experience. For more details about volunteering, please call
1.815.588.1100. The Gaylord Building is a National Trust
Historic Site managed by the Canal Corridor Association.
Upcoming Corridor Events
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September
18 & 25
Burr Ridge Market on the Green
Burr Ridge Village Center - Village Green
701 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge
Shop organically at the Burr Ridge Market on
the Green featuring local farmers and vendors offering fruits,
vegetables and other 'green' items. For more details call
630.654.2782 or
visit www.shopburrridge.com.
September
19
Music at the Mansion - Broadway on the
Balcony
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St., LaSalle
7:00 pm
This Ravinia style concert, directed by Derek
Buckley, is held on the balcony of the east side of the Mansion.
Visitors can bring their blankets or chairs and sit on the lawn
to enjoy this fun and fabulous concert. Donations gratefully
accepted. Telephone 815.224.5895 or visit website
www.hegelercarus.org for more information.
September
20
The Discovery
of Chicago Tour
Chicago Portage Site
Portage Woods Forest Preserve
Lyons
Friends of the Chicago Portage invite you
to explore Chicago’s birth story on the “Discovery of Chicago”
bus tour. The tour will begin at 10am at the monumental statue
of the Explorer and Missionary in Portage Woods Forest Preserve
in Lyons, IL. Following
a brief look at the last remnant of historic Portage Creek, the
tour will board a deluxe 33 passenger air conditioned mini-bus
to visit the places Joliet and Marquette carried their boats a
“half a league”. The tour will continue downtown to visit the
Centennial Fountain and explore its symbolic portrayal of the
Chicago Portage. We’ll stop at the location of the first
trading post in Chicago and get as close as the public can get
to the site of DuSable & Kinzie's settlement.
After a lunch break the tour will follow the development of
Chicago from Wolf Point to the site of Marquette's return to
Chicago in 1675. Finally we will visit the original terminus of
the I&M Canal before returning to Portage Woods Forest
Preserve. The tour will conclude before 3:00 P.M. The cost of
the tour is $40.00 for adults, $35.00 for students and
seniors. Reservations are required. To
make a reservation, visit www.chicagoportage.org or
call Jeff Carter at 312-771-6855.
11th Annual Prairie Day
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area
5010 Jugtown Rd., Morris
Celebrating the prairie environment normally
held in conjunction with National Prairie Week. Presentations on
the environment and nature play a very important part of the
day's activities as well as playing on the special features of
the park itself. Various presentations, educational talks, and
projects for children are the special offerings of the day. All
special aspects of the park are open, the Cragg Cabin, the
Visitors Center, butterfly barn, nature trails with wagon rides
and more. Call 815.942.2899 or go to
http://www.uti.com/~gooselakeprairie for more information.
It's Our River Day
Illinois Waterway Visitors Center
Starved Rock Lock & Dam
Dee Bennett Rd., Ottawa
Public tours of Starved Rock Lock and Dam are
offered only once a year, and today's the day! Weather
permitting, tours will start at 10:00 am and leave every half
hour, with 4:00 pm being the last tour. Each tour will last
about 45 minutes. US Army Corps of Engineers park rangers will
be tour guides. The mission is to increase awareness and
appreciation of the river through education, recreational and
conservation events. Call 815.667.4054 for more information.
Lincoln/Douglas Symphony
Washington Square
Downtown Ottawa
Sunset
The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra is
presenting this sesquicentennial concert to commemorate this
significant event. Sponsored by Exelon Nuclear.
September
20 - 21
Vintage Illinois Wine Festival
Matthiesson State Park
Rt. 178, Utica
11:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday
Noon - 5:00 pm Sunday
Sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintner's Association.
Featuring 21 Illinois Wineries from around the state. Bring your
blankets, lawn chairs and enjoy Illinois wine, great food, music
and the atmosphere of beautiful Matthiesson State Park. For
information and tickets call 800.868.7625 ext 386.September 24 –
28
September 24-28
60th Annual Grundy County Corn Festival
Downtown Morris
Carnival, one day craft show/flea market, food booths,
firefighter water fights, entertainment. Fireworks on Saturday
night and Sunday parade at 2:00 pm is one of the biggest in the
Midwest. Entry fee to all events - Corn Festival button $1.00.
For details call 815.942.2676,
email cornfest@uti.com or visit
www.confestival.org.
September
25
Art In Nature
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove
Blackberry Ln. South of Rt. 6, Channahon
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Each program will feature an Illinois artist
whose work is inspired by nature. Guests will be able to admire
the artists' work and listen to the artists talk about the
inspiration, methods and stories behind their work. Each program
will be as unique as the artists themselves. Art and nature
lovers won't want to miss the first program in this engaging
series.
September
27
BesPhoto Workshop
Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center
Rt. 178 & Rt. 71, Utica
Interested in photography? Do you want to
learn more about how to operate your specific camera? We will
cover camera operation, photographic theory and composition
while hiking the trails of Starved Rock. We will spend
one-on-one time with you working with your specific camera. We
welcome all types of cameras and photographers. Cost is $100.
For more information see www.besphoto.com or to sign up contact
Mike Bessler at 630.667.5174 or
email mike@besphoto.com.
Lincoln/Douglas Symposium
Washington Square
100 W. Lafayette St., Ottawa
10:00 am
This symposium will feature a special
presentation by a Lincoln/Douglas presenter on the historical
significance of the famed debates.
National Public Lands Day
Isle a la Cache Museum
501 E. 135th St., Romeoville
9:00 am – Noon
Activities for the day will include seed
collecting, removal of non-native species. A hike identifying
flora and fauna of the area also will be offered after lunch at
approximately 1:00 pm. Please bring a sack lunch. Participants
are encouraged to RSVP as there are age, waiver and group
requirements for this activity. Call 815.722.7364 for more
information.
September
28
Open House
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove
Blackberry Lane, South of Rt. 6, Channahon
Noon – 4:00 pm
The community is invited to join the Forest Preserve District of
Will County as it celebrates the opening of its newest facility.
Visitors will be able to tour the building and talk to staff
about plans for the site both now and in the future.
Valley Carvers Woodcarving Expo
Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center
Rt. 178 & Rt. 71, Utica
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Come view magnificent wood carvings first
hand as well have the opportunity to purchase your own and meet
with carvers from all over the Midwest! Event open to public –
no admission. 800.868.7625 ext. 386
Archaeology Afternoon
Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
Dee Bennett Rd., Ottawa
11:30 am - 4:00 pm
As a part of "Archaeology Awareness" month in
Illinois, this event features an afternoon of exploration into
the past with posters, exhibits and displays. In addition to the
Center's own materials, members of the Illinois Archaeological
Society will share their knowledge, scrapbooks, experiences and
pieces of history, from places and peoples of the past. Free!
For more information call 815.667.4054.
October 3
& 10
Oktoberfest
Starved Rock Lodge
Rt. 178 & 71, Utica
4:00 pm -10:00 pm
Celebrate October German style on the
Veranda. The beauty of fall on our veranda will be mixed with
the flavor of ten Oktoberfest beers. $14.95 for the Authentic
German Buffet. German band will be playing from 5:30 - 8:30 pm.
$6.00 to sample 10 Oktoberfest beers and $10.00 for a
commemorative stein (while supplies last) and 10 free tastings.
No cover charge. For more information please call 800.868.7625
ext. 386.
October 4
Harvest Fest
Countryside Park
61st Street, Countryside
Noon – 5:00 pm
Get ready for fall at Harvest Fest! Before
the weather starts to turn cold, enjoy the day with friends and
family at Harvest Fest where you can pick out your pumpkin or
take a hay ride. The popular event will include fall arts and
crafts for children, pumpkin carving, costume contest, dime
carnival, spooky story teller, and much more. For more
information
visit www.gocountryside.net.
Coal City "Octoberfest"
Broadway St., Downtown Coal City
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fun for everyone with open air craft show,
food, entertainment & parade. Octoberfest button $1.00 ea – win
cash prizes. For more information call Terri 815.634.3635 or Amy
815.634.0798 the event Co-Chairs or call Mary for craft show at
815.474.1149 or Deb for parade at 815.634.3001.
Angels of Hope Fall Memorial Brick
Dedication ceremony
Campbell Memorial Park
S. Broadway St., Coal City
Held Saturday during Coal City "Octoberfest". For more
information call 815.942.1111
22nd Annual Scarecrow Festival
Downtown Ottawa
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Experience Ottawa's Old Town District
decorated with fabulous scarecrows. Our mix of shops, boutiques
and restaurants will be offering special events inside their
facilities as well as buckboard rides throughout downtown, live
bands and numerous other family activities. 815.434.2737
October 5
4th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction – Grundy
County Chamber of Commerce
Chapin's Restaurant
701 N. Liberty St., Morris
For more information call 815.942.0113,
email info@grundychamber.com or
visit www.grundychamber.com.
Pumpkin Pie Bike Ride
Ottawa Family YMCA
201 E. Jackson St., Ottawa
7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sponsored by the Starved Rock Cycling
Association, this annual bike ride features beautiful scenery
and a sweet treat at the end! Choose road rides of 30, 62 or 100
miles over La Salle County back roads, or trail rides on the
Illinois & Michigan Canal. Homemade snacks are available
throughout the ride and pumpkin pie is available at the finish!
815.434.6673
October
11 – 12
A River Thru History
Willow Springs Rd., North of Archer Ave. at
Des Plaines River
Access ONLY by free shuttle bus
Children under 6 - FREE!
$3.00 Children 6 to 12
$4.00 Youths 12-18
$4.00 Senior (over 62)
$8.00 Adults
$18.00 Family Pass (1 or 2 adults, up to 3 children age 6-12)
It's an early American party with all the
trimmings! Join this festive gathering of fur trappers,
settlers, craftsmen and entertainers along the banks of the Des
Plaines River. Enjoy food, fun and festivities. Call
708.937.0009 or
visit www.ariverthruhistory.com for more information.
October
11
Ottawa Scouting Museum Castles and
Wizardry
Ottawa Scouting Museum
1100 Canal St., Ottawa
Prize for the best Harry Potter character
costume! Learn magic tricks, play "Quidditch," magical fun with
games, crafts, and treats! $6.00. Pre registration is Oct. 4.
Call 815.431.9353 for more information.
Jazz'n the Street 2008
1st St., Downtown LaSalle
3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Live jazz music performed by several bands.
Wine and micro-brew garden with food available. Fine art and
more. For more information,
visit www.lasallebusinessassociation.com.
October
12
Second Sundays Lecture Series
Hegeler Carus Mansion
1307 Seventh St., LaSalle
4:00 pm
City Lights: A Discussion of Early Electric
Lighting Fixtures. Presented by Rolf Achilles, Art Historian and
Curator of the Smith Museum of Stained Glass at Navy Pier.
Telephone 815.224.5895 or visit website
www.hegelercarus.org for more information.
Burgoo Festival
Downtown Utica
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
This festival features an old pioneer dish
called "Burgoo Stew" as well as barbequed pork chops and
homemade pies. Music, a flea market and craft items are also a
part of the festival. No admission charge and open to the
public. For more information call 815.667.4861 or
visit www.burgoofestival.com.
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