Get out there and play
Clowns have one goal: to bring joy into the lives of others through their performances. To celebrate the art of clowning, International Clown Week, Aug. 1-7, was created. In honor of clown week, head over to Woodlawn Cemetery, 7600 W. Cermak Road, Forest Park, on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. to celebrate and remember those performers who dedicated their lives to love, laughter and having an all-around good time.
The Woodlawn Cemetery International Clown Week celebration is held at Showmen’s Rest, purchased by Buffalo Bill Cody as the final resting place for circus clowns and performers. It is also known for its elephant statues.
The Woodlawn Cemetery’s tribute will include the performing troupe Forms In Motion Circus as well as clowns and other performers from the area. The ceremony includes speakers and the laying of flowers, but there are plenty of kid-friendly activities afterwards. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended for seating during the ceremony.
The Woodlawn Cemetery International Clown Week is free. For more information, call (847) 691-1545 or visit performforthelove.com/showmensrest.
Get out there and play some more
Celebrate your family’s health at this year’s Fiesta Del Sol today through Sunday. The festival, held at 1400 W. Cermak Road between Loomis Street and Morgan Street in Chicago, will provide plenty of family-friendly entertainment with a focus on healthy living.
The free festival, which has no alcohol and tobacco sponsorship, will offer live music, DJs and all-ages sports tournaments. There is also a Children’s Area with carnival rides, book giveaways and other activities.
Fiesta Del Sol is open 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (312) 666-2663 or visit fiestadelsol.org.
Get your tickets here
Two lucky Chicago Parent readers will win a family five-pack to see“Walking with the Dinosaurs” at 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. For more information, visit dinosaurlive.com. To win, visit our discussion board.
Outdoor fun
This weekend, your family can enjoy the Roscoe Village neighborhood at Retro on Roscoe, held at 2000 W. Roscoe St., Chicago. The festival offers the Windy City Chili Cook Off, an antique car show, live music and a kids’ area.
You can get into the groove with the three stages of live music, including children’s entertainers Justin Roberts and Ralph Covert in the kids’ area. Maggie Speaks, Too White Crew and Hairbangers Ball will perform on the main stages.
Take a ride on a Trackless Train and meet a balloon artist and face painters in the kids’ area. There are plenty of opportunities to make crafts and play games. Kids can bounce off some of their excess energy in the inflatables.
Retro on Roscoe is open from noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is a $5 donation. For more information, call (773) 665-4682 or visit starevents.com/retro.html.
Piece of the prize
This week, five lucky Chicago Parent readers will have a chance to win“Nim’s Island” on DVD. To win, visit our discussion board.
