Get out there and play
Dads are very special people, which is why they have their very own day. If you’re still looking for fun ways to treat Dad this Sunday, we’ve got a few ideas. From brunch with the Bears to cars and tractors, you’ll be sure to make his day special.
Unite Dad with fellow gear heads at one of two car shows. He’ll find plenty to dream about until next year, or at least the next car show. In Oak Brook, spend the day at the Father’s Day Classic Car Show at the Oak Brook Center, 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook. Put Dad in motor heaven with the 100 antique, classic and vintage automobiles on display. Vehicles range from the earliest 1900s Model Ts to 1960s roadsters like the Corvette. View the ultra-rare Packard V-12 Le Baron Town Car, which is one of only three of its kind. The car show is free and runs from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call (630) 573-0700 or visit the Web site, www.oakbrookcenter.com.
If Dad is more interested in a hands-on type of car show, head to the North Shore Car Show at the Glen, at The Glen Town Center, Tower Drive at Patriot Blvd., between Lake and Willow roads, Glenview. Not only will Dad find plenty of cars—50 in all—he’ll be able to pretend he’s a race car driver in the NASCAR simulator. Groove to music spun by a DJ and enjoy refreshments while your family admires the automobiles. The car show is free and runs from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, call (847) 724-2025 or visit the Web site www.theglentowncenter.com.
Football season may not kick off until Sept. 7 for the Bears, but that doesn’t mean Dad isn’t still thinking about his beloved team. Score a touchdown with your Dad when you take him to Father’s Day Brunch at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago. Treating Dad to brunch is one thing, but giving him the opportunity to kick a field goal and see or meet a Bear—former or current—in the flesh will create a Father’s Day he’ll always remember. Seating is limited, but is still available as of press time. Seatings are at 10 a.m. and noon and tickets are $50, $25 kids 4-12 and free kids 3 and under. For more information and registration, call (312) 235-7096 or visit the Web site, www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
If your Dad is in love with those big green John Deere tractors or just loves big machinery, he’ll be thrilled if you spend the day at Blackberry Farms, located at 100 S. Barnes Road, at its Father’s Day Antique Tractor Show and Smithing Day. Even if Dad isn’t all that into antique tractors, he’ll still enjoy the demonstrations from the blacksmiths and silversmiths from the village. Afterwards, your family can explore the farm. The event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m., the farm closes at 5 p.m. Admission is $7, $4.25 residents, $6 kids and seniors, $3.75 for resident kids and seniors. For more information, call (630) 892-1550 or visit the Web site www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.
Photo courtesy of Jim Pancero, Weekend E-dition Editor Kate Pancero’s dad. Happy Father’s Day.
Get out there and play some more
Celebrate the impending summer solstice, which is June 20 this year, this weekend at the Andersonville Midsommarfest. A traditional Swedish celebration, the festival will include a time-honored dance around the Maypole. There will also be live entertainment, food and kids’ activities.
Kids can play away the weekend in the family area at Clark Street and Summerdale Avenue where there will be face painting, games and plenty of entertainment on the family stage. A few of the kids’ activities include theater games and crafts, instrument making and art activities. On the family stage, kids will be able to dance along with the Trinity Irish Dancers and to the music of the ScribbleMonster and Jennifer Trowbridge. For a complete listing of performers visit the Web site.
In an effort to go green, the Midsommarfest is making a shift to biodegradable and recycled cups and plates. Volunteers will also wear organic cotton and fair-trade T-shirts.
During the Midsommarfest, admission is free to the Swedish American Museum and the Children’s Museum of Immigration. The museums are both open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.
For a full list of activities, visit the Web site, www.andersonville.org. Admission is a $5 donation, kids under 12 are free. The Andersonville Midsommarfest is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Piece of the prize
This week four lucky Chicago Parent readers will win“Kung Fu Panda: The Game” for one of three game systems: Play Station 3, Play Station 2 and two games on XBOX 360. To win, visit our discussion board.
Chicago Parent is looking for families who want to appear in Chicago Parent advertising and promotion. To apply, please send several photographs of your family. They can be posed or candid. We are looking for Moms, Dads and kids together so please show us all of your family members. Send them to advertising@chicagoparent.com. Please make sure you send the first and last names of your family members in the photos, your address, phone number and the community where you live, if applicable (e.g. Lincoln Park, Rogers Park). Chicago Parent will choose families and contact them to arrange a photo shoot.
