Festival includes a Battle Buddy 5k in conjunction with the military, a BBQ Challenge, live music, samples of Highwood's best food and drinks, military vehicles on display, Bocce Ball, and commemorative speeches to pay tribute to the armed forces. Culminates in a display of airborne lanterns where citizens light and launch papered candle lanterns into the night sky with personal wishes written on the outside. Right before the launch, a military jet flies over.

Competing improv teams, improvised songs and audience members on stage in this family-friendly show. Performances are the first Saturday of the month September 2011 through March 2012 at 7 p.m. (excluding January) Show dates: Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Feb. 4 and March 3

Families can participate in a "Wonderful World of Worms" workshop, create insect crafts, and taste-test a variety of different honeys at the bee exhibit. Other exhibits include a giant ant farm and terrarium with live, exotic critters. Also showcases mural-size illustrations of popular characters "The Very Busy Spider" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Kids can climb around a butterfly crawl space, play "I Spy" on a giant bug wall, learn to identify insects by their sound, and practice insect math in the math center.

Families with young children join Marieth Quintero, musician and educator, for a delightful, interactive concert featuring songs and instruments from Central and South America. Call for information and directions.

Fun art projects and other surprises to celebrate the birthday of a favorite author.